Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Trying To Get To You”. Now that’s a song that takes you right back to the heart of the mid-1950s American music scene. Released in 1954, though not by Presley himself initially, “Trying To Get To You” stands as a landmark in the early days of rock and roll.
This track wasn’t even born under the King’s banner. Originally, it belonged to a Washington D.C. vocal group called The Eagles. Their version, a doo-wop number brimming with youthful energy, laid the foundation for what Presley would later ignite. It’s a testament to the raw power of the song itself that it could be delivered in such contrasting styles, yet resonate with audiences on both ends.
When Sun Records, the legendary Memphis label that launched Presley’s career, got their hands on “Trying To Get To You” in 1955, they knew they had something special. Producer Sam Phillips, with his keen ear for talent and the burgeoning rock and roll sound, saw the potential in the song to further shape the young Elvis into a musical powerhouse.
Presley’s rendition, however, took the track to a whole new level. Gone was the smooth, polished doo-wop approach. In its place, Presley injected a dose of raw, pulsating energy. His signature rhythmic guitar playing, courtesy of the legendary Scotty Moore, laid down a driving beat that propelled the song forward. Elvis’s vocals, then still rough around the edges but brimming with an undeniable charisma, delivered the lyrics with a youthful urgency that resonated with teenagers across America.
“Trying To Get To You” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit for Presley, not initially at least. It remained unreleased during his meteoric rise to fame in the late 50s. However, the song’s influence and significance cannot be understated. It perfectly captured the rebellious spirit and pent-up energy of a generation yearning for a new kind of music. It was a sound that challenged the established norms, a sound that Elvis Presley, with his undeniable talent and captivating stage presence, would come to personify.
The song’s journey didn’t end there. Presley’s electrifying live performances often featured “Trying To Get To You,” further solidifying its place in his repertoire. Bootlegged recordings of these live renditions circulated among fans, keeping the song alive and well. Finally, in 1968, over a decade after its initial recording, “Trying To Get To You” was officially released on Presley’s comeback special. This televised event marked his return to live performance after a period focusing on Hollywood films. The inclusion of “Trying To Get To You” served as a powerful reminder of his rock and roll roots, the sound that had made him a legend.
So, while “Trying To Get To You” may not have been Presley’s biggest commercial hit, it stands as a crucial turning point in his career and the evolution of rock and roll. It’s a song that bridges the gap between the smooth doo-wop of the early 50s and the raw, energized rock and roll that would take the world by storm. It’s a testament to the transformative power of a young artist with a unique voice, and a song with an undeniable spirit that continues to resonate with music lovers today.