Ain’t That Loving You Baby – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

Ain’t That Loving You Baby by Elvis Presley is a dynamic track that showcases the King’s versatility. Written by Clyde Otis and Ivory Joe Hunter, the song was recorded on June 10, 1958, during a session at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. The lineup of musicians on this track is a testament to its quality, featuring Elvis himself on guitar alongside legendary session players like Hank Garland and Chet Atkins, with Floyd Cramer on piano and backing vocals by The Jordanaires. Notable contributions also came from D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums, and Bob Moore on bass.

Originally conceived as a bluesy love song, Elvis recorded two versions: a slower, ballad-style take and a more upbeat, rockabilly rendition. The slower version was eventually released as a single on September 22, 1964, achieving commercial success and peaking at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It later featured on Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4 in 1968. Interestingly, the faster version was not released until decades later, highlighting Elvis’s creative process and his ability to reinterpret songs in different styles.

Critics have noted the song’s lively tempo and its engaging melody, likening it to earlier hits like Heartbreak Hotel but with a brighter tone. The upbeat version particularly stands out for its raw energy and Elvis’s animated vocal delivery, reflecting his charisma and ability to bring diverse emotions to his music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Ain’t That Loving You Baby”