Elvis Presley – “Johnny B. Good”

Introduction:

Elvis Presley recorded his cover of Chuck Berry’s rock and roll classic “Johnny B. Goode” in May 1971 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. This session was part of a broader series of recordings Presley made during this period, capturing his evolving musical style in the 1970s. While the original version by Chuck Berry, released in 1958, is an iconic celebration of youthful ambition and guitar prowess, Elvis’s rendition offers a more laid-back, yet energetic take on the rock and roll anthem. It reflects his mastery of the genre and his ability to infuse established hits with his own unique flair.

“Johnny B. Goode” tells the story of a talented young musician, Johnny, who rises from humble beginnings to dream of stardom. This theme resonated with Elvis, whose own rise from modest origins in Tupelo, Mississippi, to global superstardom paralleled Johnny’s journey in the song. The song celebrates self-made success, an idea that aligned with the ethos of both Presley and Berry.

Elvis performed this cover during his famous “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in 1973, showcasing the song to a global audience. His live performances of “Johnny B. Goode” during this era became a fan favorite, further cementing the song’s legacy in the rock and roll canon.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Johnny B. Good”

Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
Stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Good
Who never learned to read or write at all
But he could play the guitar just like ringing a bellGo, go, go Johnny go, go, go Johnny, go go
Go Johnny go, go, go Johnny go go
Johnny B. Good

His mama told him “someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear your playing music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday you will be in lights saying Johnny B. Good”