Hey Jude – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

Elvis Presley’s cover of “Hey Jude,” originally written by Paul McCartney and famously performed by The Beatles, stands out as a rare crossover into contemporary rock for the legendary singer. Recorded on January 20, 1969, during Presley’s historic Memphis sessions at American Sound Studio, the cover was produced by Chips Moman and featured a talented ensemble of session musicians, including guitarist Reggie Young and pianist Bobby Wood. While Presley’s version wasn’t a commercial single, it was later included in his 1972 album Elvis Now and further exemplified his experimentation with diverse musical styles beyond his traditional rock and country roots.

Presley’s rendition is more of a relaxed, soulful interpretation compared to the Beatles’ original, emphasizing his vocal expressiveness over the iconic “Na-na-na” refrain. His choice to cover “Hey Jude” reflects both his respect for The Beatles, whom he admired and saw as peers, and his openness to embracing influential rock pieces from his contemporaries. The rendition also showcased the versatility of his band, blending rock with hints of gospel and blues, a testament to the adaptability of Elvis’s sound and the skill of Moman’s production team.

Though Elvis’s “Hey Jude” did not achieve the same iconic status as the Beatles’ original, it remains a notable track, especially for fans who appreciate his foray into different genres and his continued legacy as a boundary-pushing artist. For more on this cover and Presley’s other interpretations of contemporary hits, the official Elvis website offers detailed information about this and other tracks from his Memphis sessions.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Hey Jude”
(originally by The Beatles)