Introduction:
In 1961, the undisputed king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, released a single that would become a cornerstone of his energetic and playful musical style. “Little Sister”, a double A-side with “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame,” showcased Presley’s unmatched charisma and his ability to deliver a rock and roll song with both sensuality and sly humor.
“Little Sister” originated from the songwriting team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, a pair known for crafting rhythm and blues tunes that resonated with a young audience. Presley’s recording, produced by RCA veterans Steve Sholes and Chet Atkins, took their composition and imbued it with a characteristic Presley swagger. The recording session took place on June 26, 1961, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring Presley’s legendary bandmates, guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana. The iconic twang of Hank Garland’s lead guitar would become a defining element of the song’s sound.
“Little Sister” was a commercial success, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. However, its impact transcended the charts. The song became a staple of Presley’s live performances, often included in medleys that showcased his electrifying stage presence. Presley’s playful delivery, coupled with the suggestive lyrics about a young and innocent girl, added a layer of innuendo that titillated audiences and solidified his image as a rock and roll iconoclast. The song’s popularity even extended overseas, topping the UK Singles Chart.
Despite its catchy melody and undeniable influence, “Little Sister” also faced some criticism. Certain radio stations found the lyrics suggestive and opted not to play the song. However, this controversy only added to the song’s mystique and cemented its place in Presley’s legacy.
“Little Sister” remains a significant entry in the Elvis Presley catalog. It serves as a perfect example of his ability to blend musical styles, weaving elements of rock and roll and blues into a sound that was both danceable and captivating. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the essence of Presley’s persona: playful, charismatic, and undeniably cool.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Little Sister”
Little sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
Then say it’s very nice
And then you run
Little sister, don’t you
Do what your big sister doneWell, I dated your big sister
And took her to a show
I went for some candy
Along came Jim Dandy
And they snuck right out of the doorLittle sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
Then say it’s very nice
And then you run
Little sister, don’t you
Do what your big sister doneEv’ry time I see your sister
Well she’s got somebody new
She’s mean and she’s evil
Like that old Boll Weevil
Guess I’ll try my luck with youLittle sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
Then say it’s very nice
And then you run
Little sister, don’t you
Do what your big sister doneWell, I used to pull your pigtails
And pinch your turned-up nose
But you been a growin’
And baby, it’s been showin’
From your head down to your toesLittle sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
Then say it’s very nice
And then you runLittle sister, don’t you
Do what your big sister done