Introduction:
“I Beg of You” is a rock and roll song performed by the legendary Elvis Presley, released in January 1958 as a single. The song was recorded on February 23, 1957, at the Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, California, during a period when Elvis was at the peak of his early career. “I Beg of You” was written by Rose Marie McCoy and Kelly Owens, two prolific songwriters of the era, and became one of the many songs in Elvis’s catalog that showcased his versatile style and vocal prowess.
This track was originally released as the B-side to the single “Don’t,” another Presley hit. Despite being a B-side, “I Beg of You” achieved notable success on its own, reaching number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 4 on the Billboard Country chart. These achievements demonstrate the popularity and influence Elvis wielded during this period, as even his secondary tracks could chart prominently.
Musically, “I Beg of You” is a blend of rock and roll with rhythm and blues influences, featuring a lively tempo, dynamic vocal delivery, and a compelling backing beat. The song exemplifies the rockabilly style, a subgenre that fuses elements of rock and country music, which Presley helped popularize in the mid-1950s. With its driving rhythm and earnest, pleading lyrics, “I Beg of You” captures the emotional intensity and energetic style characteristic of Elvis’s early work.
“I Beg of You” did not appear on any of Elvis’s studio albums at the time of its release, as was common for singles in that era. However, it has since been included in several compilation albums, such as “Elvis’ Gold Records, Vol. 2” (1959), which collected some of his most significant hits from the 1950s. The song is recognized as part of Elvis Presley’s golden era of rock and roll and remains a testament to his broad appeal and musical innovation. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and Elvis’s unique ability to blend genres and connect with diverse audiences.