Introduction:
“Flaming Star” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960, serving as the title track for the Western film of the same name. Composed by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards, the song was recorded on October 7, 1960, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California. It was first released in February 1961 on the extended play (EP) record “Elvis by Request: Flaming Star and 3 Other Great Songs.” The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Background and Recording
Originally, the film was titled “Black Star,” and Elvis recorded a song with the same name. However, when the film’s title was changed to “Flaming Star,” he re-recorded the track with the new title, retaining the original melody and lyrics. The recording session featured musicians such as Howard Roberts and Tiny Timbrell on guitars, Myer Rubin on bass, Bernie Mattinson on drums, Dudley Brooks on piano, and Jimmie Haskell on accordion, with backing vocals by The Jordanaires. This ensemble contributed to the song’s distinctive country genre sound.
Release and Achievements
The EP “Elvis by Request: Flaming Star and 3 Other Great Songs” was released in February 1961, featuring the tracks “Flaming Star,” “Summer Kisses, Winter Tears,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?,” and “It’s Now or Never.” The EP format was unique, playing at 33⅓ rpm, whereas most of Elvis’s other EPs were 45 rpm. The song “Flaming Star” stood out, spending seven weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching a peak position of number 14. This success underscored Elvis’s versatility in transitioning between musical genres and film roles.
Film Context
In the film “Flaming Star,” Elvis portrayed Pacer Burton, a character of mixed heritage caught between two cultures. The song reflects this theme, with lyrics conveying the internal conflict and struggle faced by Pacer. Notably, the film featured only two songs, “Flaming Star” and “A Cane and a High Starched Collar,” marking a departure from Elvis’s previous musicals and highlighting his desire to be recognized as a serious actor.
Subsequent Releases
The song “Flaming Star” was later included in the compilation album “Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star and Others,” released in October 1968 as a promotional tie-in with Elvis’s upcoming Christmas television special on the NBC network, sponsored by the Singer Sewing Machine Company. This album was reissued for general retail in March 1969 under the title “Elvis Sings Flaming Star,” becoming the first Elvis Presley budget album on the RCA Camden label. The 1969 release peaked at number 96 on the Billboard 200 album chart and was certified Gold on July 15, 1999, and Platinum on January 6, 2004, by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album’s success prompted RCA Records to release more Presley titles on the Camden label through 1972.
Cultural Impact
“Flaming Star” holds a notable place in Elvis Presley’s discography, reflecting his versatility as an artist capable of crossing over between musical genres and film roles. The song’s association with the film highlights a period in Elvis’s career where he sought to expand his artistic expression beyond his established image as a musical entertainer. Additionally, the song played a role in fundraising efforts for the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. According to a 1961 report, Colonel Tom Parker sent an acetate of “Flaming Star” to KPOI in Honolulu as part of a joint venture to promote a fundraiser by Elvis Presley, contributing to the public backing needed to commemorate a significant event in American history.
In summary, “Flaming Star” is a significant work in Elvis Presley’s career, showcasing his ability to tackle more serious film roles and musical compositions. Its release and subsequent success reflect a strategic effort to diversify his artistic portfolio and leave a lasting impact on both the music and film industries.