Introduction:
Beach Boy Blues, a melancholic tune tinged with the sounds of rock and roll, emerged in the year 1961. The song itself wasn’t originally a part of any of Elvis Presley’s studio albums released during his lifetime. However, it found its place on the soundtrack of the musical film Blue Hawaii, released on October 20th, 1961. Presley, the undeniable king of rock and roll, starred in the movie alongside Joan Blackman and Angela Lansbury.
The film itself told the story of a recently discharged Navy officer, played by Presley, who inherits his family’s hotel in Hawaii. Beach Boy Blues fit perfectly into the idyllic, yet occasionally lonesome, backdrop the movie presented. While details about the song’s critical reception are difficult to come by, Beach Boy Blues has endured as a fan favorite, finding inclusion on numerous compilation albums released after Presley’s passing.
The origins of the song lie with songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett. They crafted the lyrics and melody that would become Beach Boy Blues. Presley, known for his charismatic vocals and energetic performances, delivered the song with a touch of sadness, a contrast to his usual rock and roll persona. The Blue Hawaii soundtrack also featured other well-known Presley tunes like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Aloha Oe”.
Producer Joseph Lilley, who had experience working with Presley on other film soundtracks, was at the helm for Beach Boy Blues. Lilley, along with engineers Thorne Nogar, Bill Lacey, Paul Williams, and Dick Baxter, guided the song’s recording process. It’s important to note that Beach Boy Blues doesn’t solely rely on Presley’s vocals. The Jordanaires and The Surfers, two vocal groups that frequently collaborated with Presley, also lent their talents to the track, adding rich harmonies and depth to the overall sound.
In conclusion, Beach Boy Blues, a 1961 song by Elvis Presley from the movie Blue Hawaii, stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a singer. The song, written by Sid Tepper and Roy Bennett and produced by Joseph Lilley, offered a glimpse into a more melancholic side of Presley, one that resonated with fans then and continues to do so today.
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Lyrics:
I’m a poor Hawaiian beach boyA long way from the beach‘Cause someone shoved his face against my handNow I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the canI was minding my own businessBut drinking daddy’s juiceI swear I’ll never touch that stuff againJust like a pig before he gave his all at that aluhauI’m in the penGot those beach boy bluesDon’t the time go slowLonely beach boy bluesOnly 30 days and 90 years to goI want a taste of honeyFrom my wahine’s lipsI want to be her ever loving manBut I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the canBut I’m a kissing cousin to a ripe pineappleI’m in the can