Introduction:
“(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” is a notable song in Elvis Presley’s discography, showcasing his versatility and the collaborative prowess of songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Originally penned by Pomus and Shuman, the track was first recorded by Del Shannon for his album “Runaway with Del Shannon,” released in June 1961.
Elvis Presley recorded his rendition on June 26, 1961, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The session featured prominent musicians, including Scotty Moore and Neal Matthews Jr. on guitars, Bob Moore on double bass, Hank Garland on bass guitar, D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums and percussion, Floyd Cramer and Gordon Stoker on piano, and Boots Randolph on claves.
Released as a single on August 8, 1961, with “Little Sister” as the B-side, Presley’s version gained significant popularity. The song’s distinctive Bo Diddley beat and engaging narrative resonated with audiences, propelling it to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Easy Listening chart in the United States. In the United Kingdom, it achieved even greater success, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, marking one of Presley’s nine UK chart-toppers between 1960 and 1962.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man learning from a friend about his new romantic interest, Marie, who turns out to be the protagonist’s former lover. This narrative, combined with the upbeat rhythm, created a compelling contrast that appealed to listeners.
Over the years, “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” has been covered by various artists, reflecting its enduring appeal. Notably, The Smiths incorporated a medley of the song with “Rusholme Ruffians” during live performances, featured on their 1988 album “Rank.”