Elvis Presley – He Knows Just What I Need

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, left an indelible mark on the music scene in the 1950s and beyond. His electrifying performances and smooth vocals helped popularize rock and roll across the globe, influencing generations of musicians. While Presley is primarily known for his rock and roll hits, his gospel influences also played a significant role in his music. This is evident in the 1960 song “He Knows Just What I Need”.

Released in 1960, “He Knows Just What I Need” showcased a different side of Elvis. The song, credited to songwriter Mosie Lister, departed from his usual rock and roll sound and leaned more towards a gospel ballad. This shift reflected Presley’s deep Christian faith, which was a constant undercurrent throughout his career. Despite the gospel influence, the track still retained some elements of Presley’s signature style, including the backing vocals by the Jordanaires, a vocal quartet that frequently collaborated with Elvis. The song was produced by Steve Sholes, who worked on many of Presley’s recordings during his time at RCA Records.

“He Knows Just What I Need” was not a major hit on the pop charts, but it did find an audience among Presley’s fans who appreciated his gospel-infused music. The song has endured over the years and is considered a gem by some fans. It served as a reminder of Presley’s versatility as a singer and his willingness to explore different musical styles.

The track was included on various Elvis Presley compilation albums throughout the years, including His Hand in Mine (1960) and The Complete Gospel Recordings (1999). More recently, it was included in the 2024 release The COMPLETE RCA STUDIO MASTERS 1960-62 – PLUS SESSION OUT-TAKES.

While “He Knows Just What I Need” may not be one of Presley’s most famous songs, it offers a glimpse into his faith and his ability to deliver a heartfelt performance in a genre outside of his rock and roll roots.

Video:

Lyrics:

“He Knows Just What I Need”

My Jesus knows when I am Lonely
He knows each pain, He sees each care
He understands each lonely heartache
He understands because He caresMy Jesus knows just what I need
Oh yes! He knows just what I need
He satisfies and every need supplies
Yes, He knows just what I need

My Jesus knows just what I need
Oh yes! He knows just what I need
He satisfies and every need supplies
Yes, He knows just what I need