Introduction:
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” is a classic rock and roll song that was made famous by Jerry Lee Lewis in 1957. However, Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” also performed a memorable version of the song, bringing his own unique style and flair to it. Elvis recorded his rendition of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” during his 1970 live performances, and it was included on the album “Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)” in 1971. This album was a mix of country, rock, and blues, showcasing Elvis’s ability to blend genres seamlessly.
The song itself is rooted in rhythm and blues, initially written and recorded by Dave “Curlee” Williams in 1955, before gaining widespread fame through Jerry Lee Lewis’s high-energy interpretation. Elvis’s version, however, carries his distinctive charisma and vocal style, adding a different dimension to the rock and roll classic. When Elvis tackled the song, he infused it with his characteristic mixture of rock, country, and blues influences, which made his performances highly energetic and engaging.
Though Elvis’s version did not achieve the same iconic status as Jerry Lee Lewis’s hit, it was still a notable part of his live repertoire during the early 1970s. His version of “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” highlights his versatility and ability to interpret songs in a way that made them uniquely his own. The 1970s were a period of reinvention for Elvis, as he returned to live performances and explored different musical styles beyond his earlier rock and roll roots. This song was a testament to his enduring influence on the genre and his commitment to delivering electrifying live performances.
“Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)” was one of Elvis’s more experimental albums, combining elements of country music with his rock and roll sensibilities. Although “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” was not released as a single from this album, it remains a significant part of Elvis’s live performance history, capturing the essence of his dynamic stage presence and his ability to breathe new life into classic songs.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Yeah I said come on over baby,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ onMmm, I said come on over baby,
we got chicken in the barn
Whose barn, what barn, my barn
Come on over baby,
we got the bull by the horns
Yeah, we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said shake baby, shake
I said shake, baby shake now
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake
We ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well, I said come on over baby,
a-whole lot-ta shakin’ goin’ on
I said come on over baby,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well we ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on
Well my mom-mom-mom,
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake it
I said shake it baby, shake all right
I said shake it baby, shake it
We ain’t fakin’,
a-whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on