Elvis Presley – Party

Introduction:

Released in 1957, “Party” stands as a notable entry in the vast musical catalog of Elvis Presley, the man who would soon be crowned the “King of Rock and Roll.” The song was part of the soundtrack for Elvis’s second movie, Loving You, which also premiered in the same year. The upbeat, fast-paced energy of “Party” reflects the youthful exuberance and the emerging rock and roll movement that Elvis so definitively helped to popularize during the 1950s. It’s the sound of rebellion, of excitement, and of a generation yearning for a new voice – a voice that Presley provided in spades.

The genre of “Party” is unmistakably rock and roll, a style that was beginning to define not only the music scene but also the cultural landscape of the era. This genre was characterized by a blend of rhythm and blues with country influences, a combination that Elvis perfected and made accessible to a wider, mainstream audience. The pulsating rhythms, sharp guitar riffs, and dynamic vocals in “Party” encapsulate everything that was exciting about rock and roll at the time.

One cannot discuss this track without acknowledging the musicians behind it. While Elvis Presley’s voice is the most prominent feature, the band that supported him deserves equal recognition. The musicians who contributed to the track were part of The Jordanaires, who often provided background harmonies for Presley. The production of “Party” was overseen by Steve Sholes, an important figure at RCA Records, who had a hand in shaping many of Elvis’s early hits. Sholes’s keen sense of the music industry and his ability to highlight Presley’s strengths helped bring the song to life in the recording studio.

In terms of achievements, “Party” may not have been one of Presley’s most commercially successful singles, but it holds a special place in his discography due to its association with the Loving You soundtrack and its reflection of the rock and roll energy that defined the late 1950s. The movie itself was a box office success, and the soundtrack played a crucial role in continuing Elvis’s dominance in both the music charts and cinema. “Party” contributed to this momentum, even though it was not released as a single in the United States, a fact that often surprises fans of Elvis. However, the song did enjoy a release in the United Kingdom, where it was well-received by international audiences, further cementing Presley’s global appeal.

The track has since been featured in various compilations and has remained a fan favorite, particularly for those who appreciate the raw and unfiltered energy of Elvis’s early rock and roll period. It captures a moment in time when music was undergoing a seismic shift, and Elvis was at the epicenter of that change. The song’s legacy is also a reminder of how Presley was able to inject fun, charisma, and excitement into his performances, making him a beloved figure not just for his vocal abilities but for his entire persona as a performer.

In summary, “Party” by Elvis Presley represents the excitement and energy of 1950s rock and roll, driven by Presley’s undeniable star power and charisma. Released as part of the Loving You soundtrack in 1957, it reflects the rebellious spirit of a new generation, supported by Steve Sholes’s sharp production and the skilled musicianship of The Jordanaires. While it may not have topped the charts, its legacy endures, especially among fans who cherish the raw dynamism of Elvis’s early career.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Party”
(from “Loving You” soundtrack)

I feel it in my leg,
I feel it in my shoe
Tell me pretty baby
If you think you feel it too
Let’s have a party
Let’s have a party
Send to the store
And let’s buy some more
And let’s have a party tonightSome people like to rock
Some people like to roll
But movin’ and a groovin’
Gonna satisfy my soul

I’ve never kissed a bear
I’ve never kissed a goon
But I can shake a chicken
In the middle of the room

Now Honky Tonky Joe
Is knockin’ at the door
Bring him in and fill him up
And set him on the floor