Introduction:
Released in 1959, Elvis Presley’s “A Big Hunk O’ Love” was recorded during one of his final studio sessions before he went on military duty in Germany. Recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville on June 10 and 11, 1958, this song was part of a session that also produced hits like “I Need Your Love Tonight” and “A Fool Such As I.” Written by Aaron Schroeder and Sid Wyche, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” is a lively rock and roll track characterized by its up-tempo beat, sharp guitar riffs, and Elvis’s energetic vocal performance. The session featured some of Nashville’s best musicians, including guitarist Hank Garland and drummer D.J. Fontana, giving the track a powerful and dynamic sound.
Upon its release, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” quickly climbed the charts, becoming Elvis’s twelfth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was notable given that Elvis was physically absent from the public eye while in the military; however, RCA strategically released it to maintain his popularity during his hiatus from recording and touring. The song’s raw, infectious energy helped reaffirm Elvis’s status as a dominant force in rock and roll even as he served in the Army.
Elvis later revived “A Big Hunk O’ Love” in his live performances during the early 1970s, including a memorable rendition in his 1973 Aloha from Hawaii concert special, which showcased his enduring connection with rock audiences. This song remains a fan favorite and a quintessential example of Elvis’s early rock style, highlighting both his vocal prowess and his impact on the rock genre at a pivotal moment in his career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“A Big Hunk O’ Love”
No no no no no no no no baby, I ain’t askin’ much of you
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will doDon’t be a stingy little mama
You’re ’bout to starve me half to death
Now you can spare a kiss or two and
Still have plenty left, no no no
Baby, I ain’t askin’ much of you
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will do
(That’s right)
You’re just a natural-born beehive
Filled with honey to the top
But I ain’t greedy baby
All I want is all you got, no no no
Baby, I ain’t askin’ much of you
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will do
(That’s right)
I got a wishbone in my pocket
I got a rabbit foot around my wrist
You know I’d have every thing my lucky charms could bring
If you’d give me just one sweet kiss, no no no no no no no
Baby, I ain’t askin’ much of you
Just a big-a hunk-a hunk-a hunk-a love will do
(That’s right)
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will do
(That’s right)
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will do
(That’s right)
Just a big-a big-a big-a hunk o’ love will do
(That’s right)