Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, delivered one of his most notable blues performances with the song “A Mess of Blues”, released in 1960. This track showcases a different side of Elvis, as it highlights his versatility in blending his signature rock ‘n’ roll style with deep blues influences. Written by the prolific songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, “A Mess of Blues” was originally featured as the B-side to the single “It’s Now or Never”, though it quickly garnered attention in its own right.
Produced by Steve Sholes, who had a long history of working with Elvis, the song was recorded during the same sessions that birthed many of his early 1960s hits. This period was particularly fruitful for Elvis, as he was transitioning from the raw rock ‘n’ roll sound that had catapulted him to fame in the 1950s to a more mature and varied musical style. While “A Mess of Blues” didn’t achieve the same chart-topping success as some of his bigger singles, it still performed well, peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and hitting #2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Musically, the song stands out as a blues track, distinct from the more rockabilly-leaning tunes that Elvis was known for during his early years. The arrangement is built around a strong, swinging rhythm, complemented by soulful backing vocals and a prominent piano that drives the song’s emotional tone. Accompanying Elvis in the recording were some of Nashville’s top session musicians, including the legendary guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana, both of whom had been instrumental in crafting the early Elvis sound. The piano work, which is particularly central to the song’s feel, was handled by Floyd Cramer, a well-known session player who contributed to many of the biggest hits of the era.
What makes “A Mess of Blues” so engaging is the way it allows Elvis to channel his deep affinity for the blues—a genre that had always been an influence on his music, but one he hadn’t explored as extensively in his previous releases. His vocal delivery here is smooth yet filled with a soulful sadness, capturing the emotional essence of the genre. You can hear the depth of his voice as he moves through the track, effortlessly shifting between subdued moments and more powerful, impassioned sections.
Though “A Mess of Blues” might not be the first song that comes to mind when people think of Elvis Presley’s vast catalog, it remains a critical part of his artistic journey. The song demonstrated that Elvis could excel beyond the confines of rock ‘n’ roll, adding a rich dimension to his already impressive repertoire. Over the years, it has become a fan favorite, particularly among those who appreciate Elvis’s deeper cuts and his ability to interpret various musical styles.
In terms of its legacy, “A Mess of Blues” has been recognized for its contribution to Elvis’s evolution as an artist. It paved the way for him to explore more nuanced musical expressions in the 1960s, a decade that would see him tackle everything from gospel to country, in addition to his continued dominance in rock and pop.
Video:
Lyrics:
“A Mess Of Blues”
(Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman)
I just got your letter baby
Too bad you can’t come home
I swear I’m goin’ crazy
Sittin’ here all alone
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesI ain’t slept a wink since Sunday
I can’t eat a thing all day
Every day is just blue Monday
Since you’ve been away
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesWhoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
It sure ain’t no disgraceI gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesWhoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
It sure ain’t no disgraceI gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesSince you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues