Introduction:
Composed by Charles Singleton and Rosemarie McCoy, the song found its perfect interpreter in the young Elvis. Backed by his legendary band, featuring the rock-solid rhythm section of Bill Black on bass and D.J. Fontana on drums, “Trying To Get To You” pulsates with an irresistible energy. Producer Sam Phillips, the visionary who discovered Elvis at Sun Studios in Memphis, understood the raw magnetism the singer possessed and captured it all on tape.
The song’s opening is pure Presley magic. A simple yet insistent guitar riff sets the stage, then Scotty Moore’s searing lead line explodes in, announcing Elvis’s arrival. His vocal delivery is pure fire. He doesn’t hold back; he attacks the lyrics with a youthful urgency that perfectly mirrors the song’s sentiment. The lyrics themselves are deceptively simple. The narrator is consumed by a burning desire to reach his love, his voice brimming with a desperate, almost pleading quality: “Trying to get to you, can’t get no nearer” he sings, the frustration and longing palpable.
But “Trying To Get To You” isn’t just about unrequited love. It’s about the raw, untamed energy of youth, the unbridled desire for connection. It’s the sound of a generation breaking free from the shackles of the past, embracing a new rhythm, a new way of expressing themselves. The song’s driving beat, fueled by Fontana’s pounding drums and Black’s thumping bass line, is impossible to resist. It’s a call to action, an invitation to move, to lose yourself in the music.
“Trying To Get To You” was a smash hit upon release, reaching number one on the Billboard Country & Western chart and breaking into the Top 10 on the pop chart. It cemented Elvis’s status as a superstar, showcasing his undeniable charisma and raw vocal talent. The song’s influence cannot be overstated. It became a touchstone for countless rock and roll artists who followed, a testament to the enduring power of Presley’s groundbreaking sound.
So, when you hit play on “Trying To Get To You,” you’re not just listening to a song. You’re stepping back in time, experiencing a pivotal moment in music history. You’re feeling the electrifying energy that captivated a generation, the raw power of a young Elvis Presley at his absolute peak.