Introduction:
“It Hurts Me” is a poignant ballad performed by Elvis Presley, a song that, while not always at the forefront of his most widely recognized hits, holds a significant place within his musical legacy. Released in 1964, it offers a glimpse into Presley’s ability to deliver deeply emotional performances, and has a very interesting back story.
Here’s a deeper look into the history of “It Hurts Me”:
- Origins and Recording:
- The song was recorded on January 12, 1964, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
- It was written by Joy Byers and Charles E. Daniels. Although there is information that producer and song writer Bob Johnston, who was married to Joy Byers at the time, actually wrote the songs attributed to his wife. Also Charlie Daniels, who later became a very famous musician in his own right, had a hand in the songs creation.
- It was released as the B-side to the single “Kissin’ Cousins” in February 1964.
- It is a non movie song, that was released as a movie single B side.
- Release and Chart Performance:
- While the A-side, “Kissin’ Cousins,” reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, “It Hurts Me” also achieved chart success, reaching number 29.
- In the UK the song was credited to Joy Byers and Charlie Daniels. While in the U.S. Joy Byers was credited.
- Musical Genre and Style:
- “It Hurts Me” is a ballad with strong blues influences, showcasing Presley’s vocal range and his ability to convey deep emotional pain.
- The song’s arrangement and Presley’s delivery create a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion.
- Significance and Legacy:
- The song gained renewed attention when Presley performed it during his iconic 1968 NBC “Comeback Special.” This performance, featured in the medley segment, highlighted the song’s emotional power and solidified its place in Presley’s repertoire.
- The 1968 come back special version, is the version that many people remember.
- It has been included in various Elvis Presley compilations, including “Elvis’ Gold Records Volume 4” and “The 50 Greatest Love Songs,” further ensuring its continued presence in his musical legacy.
- It is also featured in the 2004 jukebox musical “All Shook Up”.
- The song has also been recorded in other languages, showing it’s global reach.
- Behind the scenes information:
- There are interesting stories about the songs creation, and how Elvis came to record it. Stories from Charlie Daniels, give insight into the song being picked from Elvis’s song portfolio.
“It Hurts Me” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to deliver powerful and moving performances, even in songs that were initially released as B-sides. It is a song that has grown in stature over time, particularly due to its inclusion in the 1968 comeback special.