Introduction:
“Roustabout” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, serving as the title track for his 1964 film and accompanying soundtrack album. The song was penned by the songwriting trio of Bernie Baum, Bill Giant, and Florence Kaye, who were frequent contributors to Presley’s musical projects during this era.
The recording sessions for “Roustabout” took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. The backing track was laid down on April 29, 1964, featuring accomplished musicians such as Billy Strange and Tiny Timbrell on guitars, Ray Siegel on bass, Hal Blaine and Bernie Mattinson on drums, Dudley Brooks on piano, and vocal harmonies provided by The Mello Men. Elvis added his vocals on May 14, 1964.
Interestingly, “Roustabout” was a last-minute replacement for another song intended as the film’s title track. The original song, “I’m a Roustabout,” was written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, both notable for their previous collaborations with Presley. However, the producers opted for the Baum, Giant, and Kaye composition, relegating “I’m a Roustabout” to obscurity until its eventual release in 2003 on the compilation album “Elvis 2nd to None.”
Upon its release, the “Roustabout” soundtrack album achieved significant commercial success. It was released in October 1964 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Top LPs chart, marking Presley’s final soundtrack album to reach this position. The album was later certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on May 20, 1988.
The film “Roustabout,” in which Presley portrays a motorcycle-riding singer who joins a traveling carnival, was released in November 1964. The movie and its soundtrack are reflective of the mid-1960s period of Presley’s career, characterized by a focus on film projects accompanied by dedicated soundtrack albums. While the film received mixed reviews, the soundtrack’s success underscored Elvis’s enduring popularity and his ability to captivate audiences with his musical versatility.
In summary, “Roustabout” stands as a notable entry in Elvis Presley’s discography, highlighting his collaboration with established songwriters and musicians, and exemplifying the synergy between his film and music ventures during the 1960s.