Introduction:
“Tell Me Why” by Elvis Presley holds an interesting place within his extensive discography, marked by its delayed release and its roots in earlier musical traditions. To understand its history, it’s essential to delve into its origins and the circumstances surrounding its eventual appearance on record.
Here’s a breakdown of the song’s history:
- Origins:
- The song was written by Titus Turner in 1956, and it’s a rhythm and blues ballad. Before Elvis, it was notably recorded by Marie Knight, gaining local popularity.
- The melody of “Tell Me Why” bears a resemblance to the spiritual “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” which would later factor into decisions concerning it’s initial release.
- Elvis Presley’s Recording:
- Elvis Presley recorded “Tell Me Why” on January 12, 1957, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood.
- However, the recording was shelved at the time. Reportedly, concerns arose due to its melodic similarity to the aforementioned spiritual.
- Release and Reception:
- The song was finally released on December 14, 1965. This release occured during a period where RCA Victor was releasing previously unreleased material, in part to compensate for Elvis’s focus on film soundtracks.
- It appeared on the 1965 album “Elvis for Everyone!”. This album was a compilation of previously unreleased songs, and various tracks spanning different periods of Elvis’s career.
- The song reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
- The song is considered a rock and roll and pop genre song.
- Significance:
- The delayed release of “Tell Me Why” provides a glimpse into the complexities of record production and the considerations that shaped Elvis Presley’s career.
- It also shows how Elvis took songs from the R&B genre, and made them his own.
- The song is a good example of the blues rock style that Elvis was so skilled at.
In essence, “Tell Me Why” is a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility and the enduring appeal of his musical legacy. Its journey from a shelved recording to a chart-climbing single underscores the enduring power of his performances.