Elvis Presley – Lawdy Miss Clawdy 1956

Introduction:

“Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” performed by Elvis Presley, is a rock and roll track that has its roots in the R&B genre. Originally written and recorded by Lloyd Price in 1952, “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” was a pioneering song that quickly became an R&B hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart. It became notable for its catchy piano riff played by the legendary Fats Domino and was a landmark track for its influence on both the R&B and rock and roll genres.

Elvis Presley’s version of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” was recorded on February 3, 1956, during a pivotal recording session at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was included on Elvis’s self-titled debut album, “Elvis Presley,” which was released in March 1956. This album is often credited with helping to catapult Elvis into superstardom, combining various musical styles, including rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues. “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” was a natural choice for the album, showcasing Presley’s ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into an R&B standard with his unique vocal style and charisma.

The recording of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” featured prominent musicians such as guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black, drummer D.J. Fontana, and pianist Shorty Long. This ensemble created a distinctive rock and roll feel that transformed the song from its R&B origins into something more dynamic, capturing the youthful energy and rebellious spirit of the time. Elvis’s rendition maintained the song’s soulful essence while adding a more uptempo rockabilly beat, which helped to bridge the gap between black rhythm and blues and the emerging rock and roll scene.

Though “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” was not released as a single, its inclusion on Presley’s debut album was significant, as it helped to introduce R&B music to a wider audience and underscored Elvis’s versatility as a performer. The album itself achieved significant commercial success, topping the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart for ten weeks and becoming the first rock and roll album to reach number one. Elvis’s interpretation of “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” also became a fan favorite, regularly featured in his live performances throughout his career, further cementing its place in the pantheon of early rock and roll classics.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Lawdy Miss Clawdy”
(originally by Lloyd Price)