Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “I Got A Woman”, a high-octane rock and roll anthem released in 1956, stands as a pivotal moment in music history. This electrifying song, recorded during his legendary Sun Studio sessions, became a cornerstone of the emerging rock and roll genre, captivating audiences with its raw energy, bluesy swagger, and Presley’s undeniable charisma.
Composed by the legendary Ray Charles with additional credit to Renald Richard, “I Got A Woman” wasn’t originally an Elvis Presley song. Charles, a pioneer of rhythm and blues, released his own version earlier in 1954. However, Presley’s interpretation transformed the track. Backed by Scotty Moore’s searing electric guitar licks, Bill Black’s thumping bass line, D.J. Fontana’s dynamic drumming, and Presley’s own pounding piano, the song pulsated with a frenetic energy that had never been heard on mainstream radio before.
Fueling the fire was Presley’s vocal delivery. Shouting, growling, and pleading, he exuded a passionate intensity that resonated deeply with young listeners. Gone were the smooth crooners and sentimental ballads that dominated the airwaves. Presley sang with a raw, unbridled emotion that mirrored the teenage rebellion brewing beneath the surface of 1950s America. His suggestive lyrics, though veiled compared to modern standards, hinted at a sensuality that sent shockwaves through the conservative establishment.
Produced by the visionary Sam Phillips, “I Got A Woman” was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 10th, 1956. Phillips, recognizing Presley’s unique talent, had captured lightning in a bottle with his earlier recordings. “I Got A Woman” became another crucial ingredient in the potent cocktail that was Elvis Presley.
The song’s impact was undeniable. Released as a B-side to “I’m Counting on You,” “I Got A Woman” quickly became the bigger hit. Radio stations, initially hesitant about the song’s rawness, found themselves bombarded with requests from teenagers hungry for something new. “I Got A Woman” climbed the charts, reaching number one on the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart and number four on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues Records chart. While it didn’t top the pop charts at the time, its influence on the burgeoning rock and roll scene was immeasurable.
“I Got A Woman” wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon. It helped define the sound of rock and roll, inspiring countless musicians who followed. Elvis Presley’s electrifying performance on the song solidified him as a star and a symbol of rebellion, paving the way for a new era in popular music. The song’s legacy continues to resonate today, a reminder of the raw power and cultural impact of a young Elvis Presley and his electrifying rock and roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Got A Woman”
Well, I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeah
Say. I’ve got a woman
Way cross town
She’s good to me oh, yeahShe’s here in the morning,
loving me
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend to meShe says she love me early in the morning
Just for me
Oh, yeah you know she loves me
Oh, naturallyShe’s there to love me both day and night
No groans or fusses, treats me right
Never running in the street
Loving me alone
She knows a woman’s place is around home at nightWell, she’s my baby
And I’m her loving man