Introduction:
Alright, folks, gather ’round and let’s take a trip back to 1968. It was a whirlwind of a year, wasn’t it? The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, the Vietnam War raged on, and music, oh the music! It was a time of experimentation, with psychedelic rock blossoming and the seeds of heavy metal being sown. But amidst all that change, there was still room for a good ol’ fashioned cinematic experience, complete with a charismatic lead, some toe-tapping tunes, and a healthy dose of Elvis Presley.
Yes sir, I’m talking about the film Stay Away, Joe, a comedic Western with a modern twist. Elvis, bless his heart, takes on the role of Joe Lightcloud, a rodeo champion returning to his Native American reservation. Now, this wasn’t your typical Elvis flick. Sure, there were some musical numbers sprinkled throughout, but the focus was more on the comedic situations Joe finds himself in as he tries to help his people navigate a government rehabilitation program.
While the film itself received mixed reviews, there’s one aspect that deserves a closer look: the song Stay Away, Joe. Composed by Sid Wayne and Ben Weisman, it didn’t quite achieve the chart-topping success of some of Elvis’ earlier hits. However, for those of us who appreciate the finer points of Presley’s musical evolution, Stay Away, Joe holds a certain charm.
Here’s the thing: by 1968, Elvis was already a seasoned performer. The raw, electrifying energy of his early Sun Records days had matured into a smoother, more polished sound. Stay Away, Joe reflects that. It’s a mid-tempo ballad, with a gentle sway that allows Elvis’s voice to take center stage. The backing band, likely featuring the legendary Jordanaires on vocals, provides a subtle yet soulful foundation. Now, I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking music by any means. But there’s a quiet confidence, a lived-in quality to Elvis’s delivery that truly resonates.
It’s important to remember that by this point in his career, Elvis was also heavily involved in the production side of his music. While we don’t have specific credits for Stay Away, Joe, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume he had a say in shaping the sound. And that’s where things get interesting. Stay Away, Joe feels like a bridge between the youthful exuberance of his early work and the introspective ballads that would mark his later years.
So, the next time you delve into the vast Elvis Presley catalog, don’t just skim past the soundtracks. Take a moment to appreciate Stay Away, Joe. It may not be a chart-topper, but it offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving artistry of the King himself. It’s a testament to his enduring vocal prowess and a reminder that even in a film with a slightly off-beat premise, Elvis could still deliver a song that lingers long after the credits roll.