Introduction:
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do” is a song originally written and recorded by blues musician Jimmy Reed in 1959. The song became a significant hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number 37 on the Hot 100, cementing its place as a blues standard. Reed’s original recording features a distinctive blues shuffle and simple, repetitive lyrics that made it accessible and popular among a wide range of artists across genres, including blues, R&B, and rock & roll. In 2004, the song was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame as a “Classic of Blues Recordings”.
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” is most famously known from his ’68 Comeback Special, a televised event that marked his return to live performances after several years focused on his film career. The ’68 Comeback Special, which aired on NBC in December 1968, featured a raw and stripped-down performance by Presley, where he revisited his musical roots, including rock, blues, and gospel. During an impromptu jam session, Presley performed “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” with a spontaneous, energetic delivery that showcased his charisma and vocal versatility. This version was part of the show’s informal sit-down segment, where Presley was joined by his original bandmates, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that became one of the highlights of the special.
The song appeared on the album “Memories: The ’68 Comeback Special,” which was released in 1998. This album compiled various performances from the television special, including multiple versions of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do,” reflecting the spontaneous and jam-like nature of the sessions. Elvis’s version, while staying true to its blues origins, added a rock & roll flair, resonating with his style and further establishing the song’s versatility across genres.
The ’68 Comeback Special itself is regarded as a pivotal moment in Presley’s career, reestablishing him as a relevant and powerful force in the music world during a time when rock music was undergoing significant changes. Presley’s rendition of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” during this special is often cited as an example of his ability to bridge different musical styles and connect with a broad audience, reaffirming his status as the “King of Rock and Roll.”