What makes a hit song | Elvis Presley’s road to success | Blurred Lines Controversy | Walk on water |

Elvis Presley had it all, the looks, the moves, the sound and every song was a popular hit. Elvis had 4 major producers throughout his career.

Key Record Producers

Sam Phillips: Produced Elvis’s foundational rockabilly singles at Sun Records from 1954 to 1955. This included his debut hit, “That’s All Right”.

---

Steve Sholes: Served as the official A&R man and producer for RCA Victor after the label purchased Presley’s contract in late 1955. He oversaw major early hits like “Heartbreak Hotel”.

---

Felton Jarvis: Responsible for the vast majority of Presley’s studio recordings from 1966 to 1977. He worked closely with Elvis in Nashville during his later career.

---

Chips Moman: Produced the critically acclaimed 1969 Memphis sessions at American Sound Studio. This run revitalized Elvis’s career with hits like “Suspicious Minds”.

So, Elvis’s ever evolving sound was not per se the driving force behind his success. Well we know for sure he had the looks with women of all ages crooning over him. He always had a very unique sound early in his career which drew you into music. Since “Don’t be cruel” was his largest hit based on being the #1 hit for 11 weeks, a record that stood for 36 years.

Vocals

The unique sound with a 3 man harmony behind him and soft but sweet vocals made for something that was very easy on your ears. This sound also broadcast well over the limited acoustical range of mono am radio. The background vocals completed the sound, so that even if you did not know the words yet, you could harmonize with the back ground vocals.

Music

Well the music was a uplifting 84 beats per minute it had very little substance with just a guitar, piano and small drum kit. But the repeating rhythm made it very easy to dance to.

[Verse 1]
You know I can be found
Sittin home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Verse 2]
Baby if I made you mad
For something I might’ve said
Please let’s forget my past
The future looks bright ahead
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Verse 3]
I don’t want no other love
Baby it is just you thinking of
Don’t stop thinking of me
Don’t make me feel this way
Come on over here and love me
You know what I want to say
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Verse 4]
Why should we be apart
I really love you baby
Cross my heart
Let’s walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do
Then you’ll know you’ll have me
And I’ll know that I’ll have you
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Bridge]
I don’t want no other love
Baby it is just you thinking of
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Repeat]
Don’t be cruel
To a heart that’s true
[Verse 5]
I don’t want no other love
Baby it is just you thinking of

Now how about the same song with a different arrangement with multiple vocals similar pace and same groove.

The same vibe with women harmonizing in the background. It is totally different but I would bet Elvis could have turned this into a #1 hit.

No what would happen to the sound if it was released in the late 60’s instead.

Lets move it into the groovy 70’s /80’s.

How about up into the the early 2000’s.

Finally let us bring the song into the now with Rock and roll the way that it is.

Wow, experimentation is over. Is it not quite interesting just what you can do with a set of song lyrics. I sure hope Elvis is not rolling over in his grave fuming over what I did to his song. I will admit though that “Suspicious minds” was my all time favorite of his. So now we have somewhat dissected a hit song from the past that was originally broadcast in AM mono and not FM stereo. The vocals were spot on and the backup vocals gave the song it’s depth. Musically the song was very basic and repetitive without any hooks or solos to speak of and yet it sold millions of copies.

So what do you think the reasoning behind its success.

Please comment below.