Introduction:
Elvis Presley, widely known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” released the song “Starting Today” in 1961. This track is part of his album “Something for Everybody,” which came out during a prolific period in his career when he was at the height of his musical powers. The album itself was a mix of genres, showcasing Elvis’s versatility as an artist. While the album included rock and roll, pop, and ballads, “Starting Today” falls primarily into the pop ballad category. The song is characterized by its gentle, heartfelt lyrics and Elvis’s smooth, emotive vocal delivery, highlighting his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.
The musicians contributing to “Starting Today” were some of the finest in the industry at the time. The legendary Floyd Cramer played piano on the track, bringing his signature “slip note” style, which added a unique, melodic touch to many of Elvis’s ballads. Scotty Moore, Elvis’s long-time guitarist, contributed his talents, as did D.J. Fontana on drums and Bob Moore on bass. These musicians had been pivotal in crafting the sound that made Elvis a household name, and their contributions to “Starting Today” are no exception.
Steve Sholes, who had been working with Elvis since his early days at RCA Records, served as the producer for this track. Sholes was instrumental in shaping the sound of Elvis’s music during this period, ensuring that each recording session brought out the best in the King. His meticulous production on “Starting Today” helped create a polished sound that was both commercially viable and artistically fulfilling.
Although “Starting Today” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart independently, it contributed to the overall success of the “Something for Everybody” album. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart, marking another major achievement for Elvis during his early 1960s career. The song itself is often noted for its emotional depth and has been appreciated by fans and critics alike as a classic example of Elvis’s ability to cross genres and deliver powerful vocal performances in more subdued, reflective pieces.
In summary, “Starting Today” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as a performer. Supported by a talented group of musicians and the skillful production of Steve Sholes, this 1961 ballad remains a cherished part of Elvis’s extensive catalog, showcasing the softer, more introspective side of the King of Rock and Roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Starting Today”
Starting today
I’m teaching my heart
Not to ache anymore
Just ’cause we’re apartNo more will I dream
Of your sweet loving ways
Gonna learn to forget you
Starting todayAnd when memories haunt me
And the tears starts to flow
I’ll just think of the sorrow
You caused me to knowNo more for the past
To return will I pray
Gonna live for tomorrow
Starting today
Starting today