Introduction:
In 1973, a captivating performance by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, took the world by storm. This wasn’t a new, electrifying rockabilly number or a soulful ballad that had become his trademark. Instead, Elvis delivered a playful and energetic rendition of a song titled “Steamroller Blues”. This track, featured in the televised concert special “Aloha from Hawaii”, showcased a different side of Elvis, one that paid homage to his musical roots and playfully poked fun at the blues genre itself.
“Steamroller Blues” wasn’t originally an Elvis Presley song. It was written by American singer-songwriter James Taylor in 1970 and appeared on his album “Sweet Baby James”. Taylor intended the song as a parody of the inauthentic blues bands that were popular at the time. “Steamroller Blues” featured exaggerated blues tropes, a driving rhythm section, and humorous lyrics that played on the genre’s conventions.
When “Aloha from Hawaii” was filmed in January 1973, Elvis decided to include “Steamroller Blues” in his setlist. The decision might seem surprising at first glance. Elvis, by this point in his career, was a global superstar known for his electrifying performances and smooth vocals. However, Elvis’s musical journey began with a strong foundation in blues and gospel music. Including “Steamroller Blues” allowed him to revisit his musical roots and showcase his versatility as a performer.
Elvis’s rendition of “Steamroller Blues” in “Aloha from Hawaii” is a masterclass in charismatic showmanship. He throws himself into the performance, delivering the humorous lyrics with a wink and a smile. The song is infused with his signature energy, and the live audience responds with enthusiastic cheers. The performance is a testament to Elvis’s ability to connect with his audience, regardless of genre.
“Steamroller Blues” proved to be a success for Elvis. The song, released as a single from the “Aloha from Hawaii” live album, reached number one on the Record World Single Chart. Notably, it was also Elvis’s final number one single across the four major US charting categories – Billboard, Billboard Country, Cash Box, and Cash Box Country. This achievement solidified his enduring popularity and his ability to captivate audiences even with a playful detour from his usual style.
While “Steamroller Blues” might not be a typical Elvis Presley song, it remains a fascinating and entertaining moment in his career. It serves as a reminder of his musical roots, his playful personality, and his unmatched ability to connect with audiences through his music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Steamroller Blues”
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll all over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With sweet rock’n’roll, poor heavenI’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
I’m a cement mixer
A churning urn of burning funk
A hefty hunk, steaming junkI’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m a steamroller baby
I’m ’bout to roll over you
I’m gonna inject your soul
With some sweet rock’n’roll
And shoot you full of rhythm and bluesI’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
I’m a napalm-bomb
Guaranteed to blow your mind
If I can’t have your love now baby
There won’t be nothing left behind