Early Mornin’ Rain by Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, throughout his career dabbled in various genres beyond his signature sound. One such instance is his rendition of the melancholic folk ballad “Early Mornin’ Rain”. The original song, written by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, was released in 1966 on his debut album. Lightfoot’s melancholic lyrics painted a picture of a weary traveler, down on his luck, with nothing but a dollar in his pocket and a heart full of ache.

Elvis Presley’s version of “Early Mornin’ Rain” was recorded in 1970 during the sessions for his album “Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)”. The album itself was a departure from Presley’s usual rock and roll sound, featuring a collection of country classics and covers. The producer for the album, Chips Moman, was known for his stripped-down, raw production style, which lent itself well to the introspective mood of “Early Mornin’ Rain”.

Presley’s delivery on the track is a far cry from his energetic rock and roll performances. Here, he adopts a slower, more relaxed vocal approach, infusing the song with a palpable sense of weariness and longing. The melancholic tone is further accentuated by the simple acoustic guitar arrangement, which underscores the emotional weight of the lyrics.

“Early Mornin’ Rain” was not released as a single and didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as Presley’s rock and roll hits. However, it has become a favorite among some fans who appreciate this detour from his usual sound. The song showcases Presley’s versatility as a vocalist and his ability to deliver a powerful performance even in a more subdued setting.

Presley’s cover of “Early Mornin’ Rain” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Lightfoot’s songwriting and serves as a reminder that the King of Rock and Roll could captivate audiences with more than just his electrifying rock performances.