Elvis Presley

Elvis Masters: The Ultimate Countdown – Part 3

/ TY / 5 Comments

This is Part 3 of a countdown of Elvis Presley’s 711 master recordings from worst to best.

Read Part 1 | Part 2

Elvis Presley in Indianapolis, Indiana, just hours before what would prove to be his last concert, on June 26, 1977 (CBS)

Elvis Presley in Indianapolis, Indiana, just hours before what would prove to be his last concert, on June 26, 1977 (CBS)

And now, we continue our ranking – still in the Average/Mediocre category of songs. As always, this list is one fan’s opinion.

#500 Animal Instinct (1965)
Harum Scarum

#499 Could I Fall In Love (1966)
Double Trouble

#498 From A Jack To A King (1969)
From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis

#497 How Can You Lose What You Never Had (1967)
Clambake

#496 Talk About The Good Times (1973)
Good Times

#495 I Can Help (1975)
Today

#494 Down In The Alley (1966)
Spinout

#493 Old Shep (1956)
Elvis

#492 Love Me (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#491 Love Me, Love The Life I Lead (1971)
Elvis (Fool)

#490 Gently (1961)
Something For Everybody

#489 I Met Her Today (1961)
Elvis For Everyone!

#488 There’s Always Me (1961)
Something For Everybody

#487 What’d I Say (1963)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#486 What A Wonderful Life (1961)
I Got Lucky

#485 You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#484 All Shook Up (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#483 Soldier Boy (1960)
Elvis Is Back!

#482 Aloha Oe (1961)
Blue Hawaii

#481 I Don’t Want To (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#480 A Thing Called Love (1971)
He Touched Me

#479 A Little Bit Of Green (1969)
From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis

#478 Rags To Riches (1970)
Rages To Riches (Single)

#477 T-R-O-U-B-L-E (1975)
Today

#476 New Orleans (1958)
King Creole

#475 It’s A Sin (1961)
Something For Everybody

#474 Got My Mojo Working/Keep Your Hands Off Of It (Informal-1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#473 Heartbreak Hotel (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#472 You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#471 Raised On Rock (1973)
Raised On Rock

#470 Love Letters (Remake-1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#469 It’s A Wonderful World (1964)
Roustabout

#468 Beginner’s Luck (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#467 Wild In The Country (1960)
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Volume 2

#466 Night Life (1963)
Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others

#465 Guadalajara (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#464 Kissin’ Cousins (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#463 The Wonderful World Of Christmas (1971)
Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas

#462 So Close, Yet So Far (1965)
Harum Scarum

#461 Memphis, Tennessee (1964)
Elvis For Everyone!

#460 Didja’ Ever (1960)
G.I. Blues

#459 The First Noel (1971)
Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas

#458 Until It’s Time For You To Go (1971)
Elvis Now

#457 Help Me Make It Through The Night (1971)
Elvis Now

#456 Something (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#455 Mexico (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#454 C’mon Everybody (1963)
C’mon Everybody

#453 If You Think I Don’t Need You (1963)
I Got Lucky

#452 Blue Suede Shoes (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#451 Love Me (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#450 I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen (1971)
Elvis (Fool)

#449 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1971)
An American Trilogy (Single)

#448 I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#447 I Need Your Love Tonight (1958)
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records – Volume 2

#446 Wear My Ring Around Your Neck (1958)
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records – Volume 2

#445 Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#444 Don’t Leave Me Now (Remake-1957)
Jailhouse Rock (EP)

#443 The Girl Next Door (1960)
Elvis Is Back!

#442 Fools Fall In Love (1966)
I Got Lucky

#441 Big Boss Man (1967)
Clambake

#440 Blue Suede Shoes (Remake-1960)
G.I. Blues

#439 Blueberry Hill (1957)
Loving You

#438 It’s A Matter Of Time (1972)
Burning Love And Hits From His Movies, Volume 2

#437 The Girl Of My Best Friend (1960)
Elvis Is Back!

#436 I Believe In The Man In The Sky (1960)
His Hand In Mine

#435 Blueberry Hill/I Can’t Stop Loving You (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#434 Don’t Ask Me Why (1958)
King Creole

#433 They Remind Me Too Much Of You (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#432 Thanks To The Rolling Sea (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#431 Something Blue (1962)
Pot Luck With Elvis
Comment: With #431 and lower on today’s list, we now transition into the Above Average/Worth Listening category! As Elvis fans, we enjoy most of his work, but from here on out are songs I would have no problem playing for the general public.

#430 The Bullfighter Was A Lady (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#429 Anyplace Is Paradise (1956)
Elvis

#428 Almost Always True (1961)
Blue Hawaii

#427 Five Sleepy Heads (1967)
Speedway

#426 Beach Boy Blues (1961)
Blue Hawaii

#425 Hound Dog (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden

#424 Cross My Heart And Hope To Die (1964)
Girl Happy

#423 Without Love (1969)
From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis

#422 True Love Travels On A Gravel Road (1969)
From Elvis In Memphis

#421 In My Way (1960)
Elvis For Everyone!

#420 Forget Me Never (1960)
Elvis For Everyone!

#419 Fairytale (1975)
Today

#418 Love Me (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#417 Lonely Man (1960)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#416 Love Me Tonight (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#415 Sentimental Me (1961)
Something For Everybody

#414 My Baby Left Me (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#413 Opening Riff/See See Rider (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#412 That’s Someone You Never Forget (1961)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#411 You’re A Heartbreaker (1954)
For LP Fans Only

#410 I Forgot To Remember To Forget (1955)
A Date With Elvis

#409 Am I Ready (1966)
Spinout

#408 I Got Lucky (1961)
I Got Lucky

#407 I’ll Never Let You Go (1954)
Elvis Presley

#406 Let’s Be Friends (1969)
Let’s Be Friends

#405 Almost (1968)
Let’s Be Friends

#404 Tender Feeling (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#403 On A Snowy Christmas Night (1971)
Elvis Sings The Wonderful World Of Christmas

#402 Take Good Care Of Her (1973)
Good Times

#401 Little Darlin’ (Live-1977)
Moody Blue

To Be Continued . . .

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Luke 12:6-7

July 19 Represents a Beginning and an End for Elvis Presley

/ TY / 2 Comments

Portions of this post were first published on one of my pop-culture blogs, now retired.

July 19, 1954

The date is July 19, 1954, and Sun releases the debut record of 19-year-old Elvis Presley. Produced by Sam Phillips, the single consists of “That’s All Right” backed with “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Elvis, who in childhood dreamed of being “the hero of the comic book,” begins his adventure.

The years come and go. In many ways, Elvis accomplishes far more than he could have possibly dreamed, including becoming a musical hero throughout the world. As they do for everyone, though, some of his dreams still manage to slip away from him.

The date is July 19, 1977, and RCA releases Moody Blue, an album that proves to be the final Elvis record before his death exactly four weeks later at the age of 42. An unprecedented level of fame helped Elvis place himself on a path that brought his earthly journey to a tragic end.

Only 23 years, a mere blink of history’s eye, separate the release of the last Elvis record from the first.

More time passes. Other heroes come and go, yet Elvis somehow remains. As some fans fade away, others take their places.

The date is now July 19, 2022, but those 23 years continue to resonate.

Journey with The Mystery Train Elvis Blog today to the beginning and the end with two editions of Vinyl Elvis:

July 19, 1977

“Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world.”
Isaiah 12:5

Vinyl Elvis #5: MOODY BLUE (1977)

/ TY / 4 Comments

Portions of this post were first published on one of my pop-culture blogs, now retired.

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the July 19, 1977, release of Moody Blue, an album that turned out to be the last Elvis Presley record before his death four weeks later.

MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Moody Blue
Label: RCA
Catalog Number: AFL1-2428
Recorded: 1974-1977 | Memphis, TN; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Kalamazoo, Michigan
Released: 1977

Before I had Elvis records of my own, I remember checking out a couple of his albums from the public library. I must have been about ten-years-old.

The two records I took home that day in 1985, which I believe represented the entirety of the library’s Elvis music collection, were The Sun Sessions and Moody Blue. The fact that I had borrowed both his very last record and a compilation of his very first records escaped me.

I enjoyed both albums, but the one that really drew me in was Moody Blue. For one thing, the record was pressed on blue vinyl. I had never seen anything like that. Plus, I just loved the sound of the album — particularly “Way Down,” which I played over and over.

I played “Way Down” for my older brother later that day to show off knowing a “new” Elvis song, only for him to inform me that he had his very own copy of Moody Blue.

At that time, I was not allowed to touch my brother’s records (and rightly so, as I was often unintentionally destructive of his things). Today, as he generously gave me all of his Elvis records several years ago, his copy of Moody Blue is mine.

Side A of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Side A of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Side A

  1. Unchained Melody (1977)
    A compelling live version of “Unchained Melody” leads off the record. I normally prefer to open with a rocker, but this choice works perfectly for Moody Blue. Incidentally, this is my beloved bride’s favorite Elvis song she has heard so far, and she notes Elvis’ emphasis on the word “God” versus versions of this song by others. Indeed, in Elvis’ hands, the lyric “God speed your love to me” can be heard as “God, speed Your love to me.” Similarly, “I’ll be coming home, wait for me,” can be interpreted as “I’ll be coming Home, wait for me” in Elvis’ version. Elvis seems to be calling out not to a lost love, but to God.
  2. If You Love Me (Let Me Know) (1977)
    When I was listening to the library’s copy as a 10-year-old, I distinctly remember recognizing this live song from the Elvis In Concert album and wondering why this one sounded better. Part of the reason was that it was actually recorded a couple of months earlier than the version on Elvis In Concert. Some debate whether this song, made popular by Olivia Newton-John, should have been in his setlist. No matter, this is his best version of a song that obviously spoke to him.
  3. Little Darlin’ (1977)
    Next up is another live recording, Elvis’ fun take on the 1950s classic, “Little Darlin'”, which also provides a much-needed change in tempo. I love his ad-lib of “To hold in mine…your little foot…uh, hand!”
  4. He’ll Have to Go (1976)
    The tempo slows back down for “He’ll Have To Go,” the last studio recording ever made by Elvis. In addition to the resonance of the Elvis vocals, I love the guitar work of James Burton here. Six of the songs on this album were recorded at Graceland in 1976 in an effort to make the artist feel more comfortable, as Elvis in later years had become reluctant to record in a formal studio setting. Two sessions at a makeshift studio in his den resulted in sixteen songs, ten of which had already been used on the From Elvis Presley Boulevard album by the time RCA was assembling Moody Blue.
  5. Let Me Be There (1974)
    In early 1977, Elvis backed out of a planned session in Nashville to finish the Moody Blue album. Instead, a few live performances were recorded that April. Only three suitable songs were captured, however, which brought the album’s total to nine. In desperation, RCA re-released “Let Me Be There” from 1974’s Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis album to round out Side A of Moody Blue. Another Olivia Newton-John hit, “Let Me Be There” fits well on Moody Blue, despite being slightly older than the other recordings. In addition to the Newton-John connection tying it to “If You Love Me,” it was also recorded in Memphis like the majority of the other songs on this album.

Side B

Side B of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Side B of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

  1. Way Down (1976)
    All of the songs on Side B of Moody Blue were recorded at Graceland. I probably have the master of “Way Down” on at least a half dozen CDs. None of them sound as incredible as listening to this record. Is it all in my head? Possibly, but if it is, do not tell me. “Way Down” really rocks, making it an appropriate A-side for what turned out to be Elvis’ last single before his death.
  2. Pledging My Love (1976)
    “Pledging My Love” is another terrific performance by Elvis. He might have lost much of the joy in his life by this point, but you can still hear it on this song.
  3. Moody Blue (1976)
    I find it cool that the album’s title song is buried in the middle of Side B. “Moody Blue,” another great song, almost sounds like disco. Compare the guitar licks on “Moody Blue” with Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” (1980), for instance.
  4. She Thinks I Still Care (1976)
    Elvis recorded many country songs, particularly in the 1970s. “She Thinks I Still Care” is a stellar performance. At the end, he just will not let the song go, either.
  5. It’s Easy For You (1976)
    “It’s Easy For You” was written by Broadway legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, bringing to a close an album that was almost as varied as Elvis’ entire career: Adult Contemporary, Country, and Rock ‘n’ Roll. It is hard to ask for more in an Elvis album, and I still consider Moody Blue one of his best. A fun bit of trivia: Note the misspelling of Webber’s name on the Moody Blue Side B label in the image above. Proofreading has apparently never been a strong point for Elvis’ music label.

I mentioned that my brother did not let me touch his records when I was young. This turned out to be a good thing for me, as Moody Blue sounds flawless. Not a crackle or a pop to be heard on either side.

Back cover of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Back cover of MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

The interesting thing about Moody Blue is that such a fantastic album could result from not only a hodgepodge of recordings but also such a low point in Elvis’ life. “You don’t have to face the music, you don’t have to face the crowd,” he laments on “It’s Easy For You.” Depression, loneliness, and various personal demons were consuming his life by this point. Years of prescription drug addiction and abuse were beginning to take a public toll.

Part of the credit for the unlikely strength of Moody Blue must go to producer Felton Jarvis. While he occasionally went too far with overdubs on previous Elvis projects, Moody Blue is all the better for his extra work and attention to detail–particularly on the 1977 live recordings. Credit must also go to the musicians and vocalists who worked with Elvis on the album. On occasion, they carry Elvis. Finally, credit is due to Elvis as well, who managed to pull these performances from somewhere inside himself, despite not being in the right frame of mind to record.

Inner sleeve (front) from MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Inner sleeve (front) from MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

I love the inner sleeves on vintage Elvis albums. Check out the ads for other albums, which must have acted as combination check lists and wish lists for fans of the time. In some cases, it was also a way to see some alternate cover designs. For example, note the Moody Blue concept artwork in the bottom left of the image below.

Inner sleeve (back) from MOODY BLUE (RCA, 1977; from Tygrrius’ collection)

The fall of the curtain came much too early for Elvis, but Moody Blue certainly made for an impressive last act. If you collect Elvis on vinyl, this one is a must.

“Anyone who believes in Me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from His heart.'”
John 7:38

Vinyl Elvis #4: THAT’S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (1954)

/ TY / 1 Comment

Portions of this post were first published on one of my pop-culture blogs, now retired.

Today marks the 68th anniversary of the release of Elvis Presley’s first record on July 19, 1954.

I have two near-mint copies of That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky.

By far, they would be the most financially valuable pieces of my entire record collection or of all of my collections of anything, for that matter, except that they were both pressed in 2009, rather than 1954. Oh well. It’s not about the money, it’s about the music. Always has been.

THAT'S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009--included as bonus with the Franklin Mint's ELVIS: THE COMPLETE MASTERS COLLECTION CD set; from Tygrrius' collection)

THAT’S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009–included as bonus with the Franklin Mint’s ELVIS: THE COMPLETE MASTERS COLLECTION CD set; from Tygrrius’ collection)

That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky (Single)
Label: Sun [Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy]
Catalog Number: 209 [Reissue: 88697613017 (Label) / 88697673597 (2010 Outer Sleeve)]
Recorded: 1954 | Memphis, TN
Released: 1954 [Reissue: 2009]

Packaged in a plain, brown sleeve much like the original, my first copy of the record was included with Franklin Mint’s Elvis: The Complete Masters Collection CD set from 2009. A few years ago, I acquired a second copy of That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky, which Sony had released back in April 2010 for Record Store Day. Unlike the simple brown sleeve, this one included a gaudy cover, but I was surprised to discover that the record contained within is actually identical to the one that shipped with the Franklin Mint set. Sony must have been thinking ahead and pressed extra copies for the Record Store Day promotion.

Side A

Side A of THAT'S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009; from Tygrrius' collection)

Side A of THAT’S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009; from Tygrrius’ collection)

“That’s All Right” (1954)
One of the endearing aspects of this performance of “That’s All Right” is the sheer joy in the voice of Elvis as he sings. He finally has his opportunity in the studio, and he is making the most of it.

Elvis in 1970 reflected on his style, stating that it was “a combination of country music and gospel and rhythm & blues […]. That’s what it really was. As a child, I was influenced by all that.”

He added, “Of course, the Grand Ole Opry is the first thing I ever heard, probably, but I liked the blues, and I liked the gospel music–gospel quartets–and all that.”

On this first single, the blues and country influences are as clear as they ever would be. Some credit That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky as the first rock ‘n’ roll record, but to say Elvis invented the style is to make a false assumption that any one person actually did.

Rock ‘n’ roll evolved from the very sources that Elvis himself described. Besides, “Rocket 88,” “Rock Around the Clock,” and other potential contenders pre-date Elvis’ version of “That’s All Right.”

What Elvis did with his early records for Sun and RCA, though, was ignite the smoldering evolution of rock ‘n’ roll into a full-blown blaze. By melding country into the blues of “That’s All Right,” Elvis in 1954 unleashed a sound that not only built upon the foundation established by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup‘s original 1946 recording, but took the song in a new direction. Absorbing the music of his youth, Elvis knew instinctively that blues and country explore many of the same themes, which allowed him to re-interpret these kinds of songs in a unique way.

Unfortunately, despite what the beautiful record label would have you believe, this reissue actually contains an RCA mastering of “That’s All Right,” rather than the original Sun mastering. It is the same 1954 recording, but RCA added echo to its versions not present on the Sun original.

A few years after this 2009 reissue of SUN 209, the “dry” version of “That’s All Right” finally became available again via FTD’s A Boy From Tupelo boxed set in 2012. Sony RCA/Legacy re-released A Boy From Tupelo in a much more affordable package for mainstream retail in 2017.

The dry version of “That’s All Right” is superior, though it takes some getting used to because the echo versions were used in every official release of the song from December 1955 through 2011. Unless, of course, you have been spinning a Sun original.

Side B

Side B of THAT'S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009; from Tygrrius' collection)

Side B of THAT’S ALL RIGHT/BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY (Single; Sun, 1954; Reissue: Sony RCA/Legacy 2009; from Tygrrius’ collection)

Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954)
While Elvis added country to the blues of “That’s All Right,” he created a literal flip side by melding rhythm & blues into the country bluegrass of “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Again, the sound is markedly different from Bill Monroe’s 1946 original. Again, there is that joy in Elvis’ voice.

A fun tidbit is That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky contains only three musicians: Elvis on acoustic guitar, Scotty Moore on electric guitar, and Bill Black on the upright bass.

One of the earliest rock ‘n’ roll records, and no drummer to be heard. Credit goes to Black, whose bass makes it sound like there must be a drummer.

A drummer did not join the group in the studio until the early 1955 session that produced “I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone,” the flip side of Elvis’ fourth record for Sun.

“That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky” became regional hits for Elvis. He would follow-up the single with four more records on the Sun label before signing with RCA in late 1955.

“History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.”
Ecclesiastes 1:9

Elvis Masters: The Ultimate Countdown – Part 2

/ TY / 7 Comments

This is Part 2 of a countdown of Elvis Presley’s 711 master recordings from worst to best. Read Part 1.

We left off last time with songs in the Below Average/For Elvis Fans Only category, and we begin today with songs in that same status.

In the course of making this list, which covers only recordings released during his lifetime, I realized just how many of my favorite Elvis recordings were released after his death. For example, I find the master of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” from the ELVIS-TV Special album to be a middling performance, ranked here at #550. However, a couple of the other versions recorded that same night would actually make my “All-Time Top 20” list.

This list represents one fan’s opinion.

#600 I Miss You (1973)
Raised On Rock

#599 Moonlight Swim (1961)
Blue Hawaii

#598 He Touched Me (1971)
He Touched Me

#597 He Is My Everything (1971)
He Touched Me

#596 Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Riff (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis
Comment: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” from Elvis’ March 20, 1974, Memphis concert is the lowest ranked of his live masters.

#595 I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (1956)
Elvis Presley

#594 Clambake (1967)
Clambake

#593 Once Is Enough (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#592 Stop, Look And Listen (1966)
Spinout

#591 Roustabout (1964)
Roustabout

#590 Give Me The Right (1961)
Something For Everybody

#589 A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#588 Easy Question (1962)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#587 Put The Blame On Me (1961)
Something For Everybody

#586 Gonna Get Back Home Somehow (1962)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#585 Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet, Baby (1967)
Speedway

#584 Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers (1963)
Elvis For Everyone!

#583 Do The Vega (1963)
Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others

#582 Ito Eats (1961)
Blue Hawaii

#581 Beach Shack (1966)
Spinout

#580 I Got A Woman/Amen (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#579 First In Line (1956)
Elvis

#578 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (1957)
Loving You

#577 Sand Castles (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#576 Because Of Love (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#575 True Love (1957)
Loving You

#574 Fun In Acapulco (1963)
Fun In Acapulco
Comment: With #574 and below in today’s list, we move into Average/Mediocre songs. I still wouldn’t go out of my way to play any of these for the general public, but they aren’t bad.

#573 Comin’ Home, Baby/Introductions By Elvis (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#572 Comin’ Home, Baby/Introductions By Elvis (Live-1972)
As Recorded At Madison Square Garden
Comment: I never thought I’d see the day where I was ranking versions of Elvis introducing his backing singers and musicians during his concerts, but here I am. Friends, that’s what I’m willing to do for you. These June 10, 1972, Evening Show introductions from Madison Square Garden edge out the similar introductions from Elvis’ January 14, 1973, concert in Honolulu because Elvis introduces each of the Sweet Inspirations by name rather than solely as the group. I love the Sweet Inspirations and wish he had introduced them this way at each concert.

#571 There’s A Brand New Day On The Horizon (1964)
Roustabout

#570 Down By The Riverside/When The Saints Go Marching In (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#569 Girl Happy (1964)
Girl Happy

#568 Hey Little Girl (1965)
Harum Scarum

#567 I’ll Take Love (1966)
C’mon Everybody

#566 Frankfort Special (1960)
G.I. Blues

#565 Easy Come, Easy Go (1966)
C’mon Everybody

#564 Tonight Is So Right For Love (1960)
G.I. Blues

#563 Summer Kisses, Winter Tears (1960)
Elvis For Everyone!

#562 Ask Me (1964)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#561 How’s The World Treating You (1956)
Elvis

#560 Hard Knocks (1964)
Roustabout

#559 Steppin’ Out Of Line (1961)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#558 I Don’t Wanna Be Tied (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#557 Find Out What’s Happening (1973)
Raised On Rock

#556 Hound Dog (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#555 Tryin’ To Get To You (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#554 Can’t Help Falling In Love/Closing Riff (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#553 Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#552 Cindy, Cindy (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#551 Long Tall Sally/Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On/Mama Don’t Dance/Flip, Flop & Fly/Jailhouse Rock/Hound Dog (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#550 Baby, What You Want Me To Do (Live-1968)
ELVIS-TV Special
Comment: The live master of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” is the lowest ranked of his masters captured for the ELVIS television special, later known as the “’68 Comeback Special.”

#549 I Feel That I’ve Known You Forever (1962)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#548 I Need You So (1957)
Loving You

#547 I’ll Never Know (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#546 Help Me (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#545 Beyond The Bend (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#544 Starting Today (1961)
Something For Everybody

#543 We’ll Be Together (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#542 Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello (1962)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#541 I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine (1954)
The Sun Sessions

#540 This Is Our Dance (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#539 Tomorrow Night (1954/1965)
Elvis For Everyone!

#538 A House That Has Everything (1967)
Clambake

#537 This Is The Story (1969)
From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis

#536 How Do You Think I Feel (1956)
Elvis

#535 So Glad You’re Mine (1956)
Elvis

#534 One-Sided Love Affair (1956)
Elvis Presley

#533 Let’s Forget About The Stars (1968)
Let’s Be Friends

#532 Long Legged Girl (1966)
Double Trouble

#531 Riding The Rainbow (1961)
I Got Lucky

#530 El Toro (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#529 Young Dreams (1958)
King Creole

#528 Frankie And Johnny (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#527 My Desert Serenade (1965)
Harum Scarum

#526 Fools Rush In (1971)
Elvis Now

#525 Double Trouble (1966)
Double Trouble

#524 Guitar Man/Little Egypt/Trouble (1968)
ELVIS-TV Special

#523 Nothingville/Big Boss Man (1968)
ELVIS-TV Special

#522 I Got Stung (1958)
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records – Volume 2
Comment: “I Got Stung” is the lowest ranked of Elvis’ 38 Billboard Top 10 hits on my list.

#521 Please Don’t Drag That String Around (1963)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#520 Vino, Dinero Y Amor (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#519 My Wish Came True (1957)
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records – Volume 2

#518 Who Are You (1967)
Speedway

#517 Puppet On A String (1964)
Girl Happy

#516 One Broken Heart For Sale (1962)
One Broken Heart For Sale (Single)

#515 What Now, What Next, Where To (1963)
Double Trouble

#514 It’s Over (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#513 Santa Lucia (1963)
Elvis For Everyone!

#512 Crawfish (1958)
with Kitty White
King Creole

#511 Let Me Be There (Live-1974)
Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis

#510 I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (1960)
Something For Everybody

#509 Welcome To My World (Live-1973)
Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite

#508 Slowly But Surely (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#507 Fever (1960)
Elvis Is Back!

#506 Cotton Candy Land (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#505 If You Don’t Come Back (1973)
Raised On Rock

#504 Love Letters (1966)
Elvis’ Gold Records, Volume 4

#503 Kiss Me Quick (1961)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#502 Spanish Eyes (1973)
Good Times

#501 White Christmas (1957)
Elvis’ Christmas Album

To Be Continued . . .

Read Part 3

Elvis Presley in 1957 (MGM)

Elvis Presley in 1957 (MGM)

“Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.”
Psalm 38:22

Elvis Masters: The Ultimate Countdown – Part 1

/ TY / 17 Comments
Elvis Presley in 1961 (United Artists)

Elvis Presley in 1961 (United Artists)

In his 23-year career as an entertainer, Elvis Presley released 711 master recordings. This year is the 45th anniversary of his death, and attempting to rank all of those recordings from worst to best is the ridiculous, over-the-top way I have chosen to mark the occasion here on The Mystery Train.

Portions of this list presented unexpected challenges – especially today’s entries. I usually try to keep things positive here on The Mystery Train, so I have never done a “Worst of Elvis” type of ranking. It’s one thing to analyze the merits of 1972’s “Burning Love” versus 1956’s “Love Me” to determine which is better. It is quite a different thing to assess the failings of 1965’s “What Every Woman Lives For” versus 1956’s “We’re Gonna Move” to determine which is worse.

As always, this is one fan’s opinion. For many of the songs, I have included links to the official recordings on YouTube so that, if you dare, you can listen for yourself and make your own judgments (I am not sure if the YouTube videos will function outside of the U.S. – if not, my apologies).

As noted, we are starting at the bottom – which is dominated by movie tunes and illustrates just how destructive those soundtracks were on Elvis’ body of work. Yes, some of the tunes work a little better within the context of the actual films, but that doesn’t mean they should have come out on record. Elvis should not have wasted his gift in this way.

It will take us a little while to get to the good stuff, but come aboard now and get strapped in to your seat. The ride will be a little bumpy in the beginning. We begin with the Poor/Horrible category.

#711 Confidence (1967)
Clambake
Comment: As the worst Elvis song released in his lifetime, “Confidence” also earns the “distinctions” of being the worst of his 1960s master recordings and the worst of his movie masters.

#710 Wolf Call (1964)
Girl Happy

#709 Barefoot Ballad (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#708 A Cane And A High Starched Collar (1960)
A Legendary Performer, Volume 2

#707 Scratch My Back (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#706 A Dog’s Life (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#705 Datin’ (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#704 Yoga Is As Yoga Does (1966)
I Got Lucky

#703 I’m Not The Marrying Kind (1961)
C’mon Everybody

#702 What Every Woman Lives For (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#701 We’re Gonna Move (1956)
A Date With Elvis
Comment: Recorded for the movie Love Me Tender, “We’re Gonna Move” is the worst of Elvis’ 1950s masters. It narrowly escapes being recognized as one of the ten worst masters of his entire career.

#700 Fort Lauderdale Chamber Of Commerce (1964)
Girl Happy

#699 Poor Boy (1956)
For LP Fans Only

#698 Startin’ Tonight (1964)
Girl Happy

#697 There’s Gold In The Mountains (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#696 Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (1965)
with Eileen Wilson
Frankie And Johnny

#695 Who Needs Money (1967)
with Ray Walker
Clambake

#694 Look Out, Broadway (1965)
with Eileen Wilson and Ray Walker
Frankie And Johnny

#693 Go East, Young Man (1965)
Harum Scarum

#692 Golden Coins (1965)
Harum Scarum

#691 Kissin’ Cousins No. 2 (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#690 House Of Sand (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#689 Carny Town (1964)
Roustabout

#688 Big Love, Big Heartache (1964)
Roustabout

#687 Spring Fever (1964)
Girl Happy

#686 Poison Ivy League (1964)
Roustabout

#685 Stop Where You Are (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#684 Everybody Come Aboard (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#683 Lonesome Cowboy (1957)
Loving You

#682 Steadfast, Loyal And True (1958)
King Creole

#681 This Is Living (1961)
C’mon Everybody

#680 The Walls Have Ears (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#679 Sound Advice (1961)
Elvis For Everyone!

#678 Wisdom Of The Ages (1965)
Harum Scarum

#677 Smokey Mountain Boy (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#676 And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind (1969)
From Memphis To Vegas/From Vegas To Memphis
Comment: “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” is the worst of Elvis’ non-movie masters and the worst of his mostly stellar American Sound sessions from 1969.

#675 Chesay (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#674 Little Egypt (1964)
Roustabout

#673 Let Me (1956)
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Volume 2

#672 Hot Dog (1957)
Loving You

#671 Padre (1971)
Elvis (Fool)
Comment: “Padre” is the worst of Elvis’ 1970s masters. In 1958, Elvis name-checked Toni Arden‘s “Padre” as his favorite song. It is unfortunate that his own recording 13 years later is so uninspired. I’m a firm believer that much of Elvis’ 1970s material is underrated, but “Padre” is tough to defend.

#670 If That Isn’t Love (1973)
Good Times

#669 She Wears My Ring (1973)
Good Times

#668 Mama (1962)
Let’s Be Friends

#667 Shake That Tambourine (1965)
Harum Scarum

#666 Earth Boy (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!

#665 Kismet (1965)
Harum Scarum

#664 Catchin’ On Fast (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#663 He’s Your Uncle, Not Your Dad (1967)
Speedway

#662 Mirage (1965)
Harum Scarum

#661 Big Boots (1960)
G.I. Blues

#660 No Room To Rhumba In A Sports Car (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#659 Blue River (1963)
Double Trouble

#658 Sing You Children (1966)
You’ll Never Walk Alone

#657 She’s A Machine (1966)
Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others

#656 Smorgasbord (1966)
Spinout

#655 I Love Only One Girl (1966)
Double Trouble

#654 Wheels On My Heels (1964)
Roustabout

#653 Take Me To The Fair (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#652 The Yellow Rose Of Texas/The Eyes Of Texas (1963)
Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others

#651 Western Union (1963)
Speedway

#650 In Your Arms (1961)
Something For Everybody

#649 It Ain’t No Big Thing (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#648 Woman Without Love (1975)
Today

#647 Song Of The Shrimp (1962)
Girls! Girls! Girls!
Comment: The fact that a movie tune in which Elvis sings from the first-person perspective of a shrimp is not even close to being the worst song on this list is a testament to the utter horribleness of the above songs.

#646 It’s Carnival Time (1964)
Roustabout
Comment: From “It’s Carnival Time” at #646 and below in today’s list, the songs transition from Poor/Horrible to the Below Average/For Elvis Fans Only category.

#645 One Boy, Two Little Girls (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#644 Hey, Hey, Hey (1967)
Clambake

#643 It Won’t Be Long (1966)
Double Trouble

#642 You Can’t Say No In Acapulco (1963)
Fun In Acapulco

#641 I’m Falling In Love Tonight (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#640 Miracle Of The Rosary (1971)
Elvis Now

#639 I’m Yours (1961)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#638 Happy Ending (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#637 The Love Machine (1966)
I Got Lucky

#636 Queenie Wahine’s Papaya (1965)
Paradise, Hawaiian Style

#635 Baby, If You’ll Give Me All Of Your Love (1966)
Double Trouble

#634 Shout It Out (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#633 There Is So Much World To See (1966)
Double Trouble

#632 Do The Clam (1964)
Girl Happy

#631 Adam And Evil (1966)
Spinout

#630 The Meanest Girl In Town (1964)
Girl Happy

#629 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song (1967)
with Nancy Sinatra
Speedway

#628 I’ll Be Back (1966)
Spinout

#627 Come Along (1965)
Frankie And Johnny

#626 Three Corn Patches (1973)
Raised On Rock

#625 I Love You Because (1954)
Elvis Presley
Comment: “I Love You Because,” one of Elvis’ very first recordings, is the lowest ranked of his legendary Sun sessions.

#624 When I’m Over You (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#623 Lover Doll (1958)
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Volume 2

#622 For The Millionth And The Last Time (1961)
Elvis For Everyone!

#621 A World Of Our Own (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#620 If I Were You (1970)
Love Letters From Elvis

#619 Echoes Of Love (1963)
Kissin’ Cousins

#618 There Is No God But God (1971)
He Touched Me

#617 Reach Out To Jesus (1971)
He Touched Me

#616 Wooden Heart (1960)
G.I. Blues

#615 Do Not Disturb (1964)
Girl Happy

#614 I’ve Got To Find My Baby (1964)
Girl Happy

#613 Who Am I (1969)
You’ll Never Walk Alone

#612 Tell Me Why (1957)
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Volume 2

#611 Girl Of Mine (1973)
Raised On Rock

#610 Susan When She Tried (1975)
Today

#609 Relax (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#608 You Gotta Stop (1966)
I Got Lucky

#607 What’s She Really Like (1960)
G.I. Blues

#606 Just A Little Bit (1973)
Raised On Rock

#605 Just For Old Time Sake (1962)
Pot Luck With Elvis

#604 Harem Holiday (1965)
Harum Scarum

#603 Tonight’s All Right For Love (1960)
A Legendary Performer, Volume 1

#602 How Would You Like To Be (1962)
It Happened At The World’s Fair

#601 A Whistling Tune (1961)
C’mon Everybody

To Be Continued . . .

Read Part 2

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Luke 16:13

Elvis Movies: KID GALAHAD

/ TY / 1 Comment

Before we get started with the main feature, I want to take a brief moment to remind you that Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS movie begins playing next week in many locations around the world. Based on the trailers, the attention to detail looks amazing. I love that this trailer throws in a couple of brief shots of the real Elvis as well.

I have also watched and read a few interviews with Austin Butler, who plays Elvis Presley, and he seems completely invested in the role. Many actors have tried and mostly failed to fill Elvis’ shoes before him, but this 30-year-old really seems to have discovered his spirit. We’ll find out soon.

As I’ve said before, after seeing so many horrible attempts to tell the Elvis Presley story in the past, I never even thought I’d watch this movie at all, much less go to the theater opening weekend as I’m now planning to do. The trailer above concludes with “Suspicious Minds (Caught In A Trap),” my mom’s favorite song. She would have been excited to see this movie with me and, though she passed away over three years ago now, I know she’ll be there next to me.

Continuing my rewatch of movies featuring the real Elvis Presley, next up is Kid Galahad – his 10th movie. I have only seen this one a couple of times before.

“Presley Packs the Screen’s Biggest Wallop…with the Gals…with the Gloves…with the Guitar!”

Kid Galahad (United Artists)
Wide Release: August 29, 1962 (United States)
Starring: Elvis Presley, Gig Young, Lola Albright, Joan Blackman
Screenplay By: William Fay
Story By: Francis Wallace
Music Score By: Jeff Alexander
Produced By: Davis Weisbart
Directed By: Phil Karlson
Running Time: 96 Minutes

Sugarboy Romero (Orlando de la Fuente) faces off against Kid Galahad (Elvis Presley) in the climax of 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Sugarboy Romero (Orlando de la Fuente) faces off against Kid Galahad (Elvis Presley) in the climax of 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Elvis Presley stars as Walter Gulick in Kid Galahad. After a stint in the Army, Walter returns to his hometown of Cream Valley, New York, for the first time since becoming an orphan at 14-months-old. The 22-year-old is looking for a job fixing cars, but since he arrives too early in the morning for the auto shop to be open, he naturally checks out a nearby boxing camp instead to see if they need a mechanic.

The fictitious Cream Valley, New York, coincidentally enough, looks remarkably like Idyllwild, California. I suppose that’s better than trying to pass off California as Europe, at least. “Cream Valley” – the name sounds like a magical place where they make salad dressing or something like that.

Shockingly enough, the boxing camp doesn’t need a mechanic. However, Walter does find a job there as a sparring partner. It turns out his Army background has provided him with both auto repair and boxing experience.

As a sparring parter, Walter is a bit of a failure. He stands there and takes a beating from the fighter – over 70 punches. Walter doesn’t try to defend himself or even at first throw any punches in return. He finally throws one punch, proceeding to knock out the now worn-out fighter. While this doesn’t make for a great sparring partner, the boxing camp’s owner, Willy (Gig Young), sees dollar signs and soon puts Walter on the professional boxing circuit.

Several movies before this one, the screenplay adaptation of A Stone For Danny Fisher was changed once Elvis was attached to the project such that the boxer lead character became a singer instead. That 1958 movie, one of Elvis’ best performances as an actor, was also eventually renamed King Creole, after one of the songs in the film.

A few years later, in Kid Galahad, Elvis finally got his chance to play a boxer. According to longtime friend Sonny West, if Elvis had his way, he would have reunited with King Creole director Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) on this film, which was produced in late 1961. Curtiz had also directed the original 1937 version of Kid Galahad, starring Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart. Despite Elvis’ campaign, Phil Karlson received the directing nod instead. Curtiz passed away in April 1962 at the age of 74.

Willy (Gig Young) and Lew (Charles Bronson) listen as Walter (Elvis Presley) sings "Riding The Rainbow" while driving a Model T Ford in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Willy (Gig Young) and Lew (Charles Bronson) listen as Walter (Elvis Presley) sings “Riding The Rainbow” in a Model T Ford in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Charles Bronson appears in Kid Galahad as Lew, who acts as Walter’s trainer. Lew seems genuinely enamored of “the kid” and tries to look out for him. Bronson does a terrific job in this role and is a highlight of the film. This is apparently one of the few movies where Bronson smiles – and he smiles early and often in Kid Galahad.

Elvis Presley is Walter Gulick in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Elvis Presley is Walter Gulick in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Willy, it turns out, has gambling and other problems that are putting his boxing camp in jeopardy. A mobster leaves two thugs to stay at the camp for insurance.

When Ralphie (Jeff Morris), one of the goons, makes an unwanted advance at Willy’s long-time fiancée, Dolly (Lola Albright), Walter knocks him flat out without even needing to take a beating first this time. “It wouldn’t have happened, but he don’t know how to behave himself with a lady,” explains Walter.

Dolly says, “Thanks, Galahad” to Walter, and the name sticks.

“Dolly, please take the Eagle Scout out of here before Ralphie wakes up and kills him,” quips Lew before they find a loaded gun on Ralphie. Incidentally, I must note that it is hard to take a mafia henchman seriously with a name like “Ralphie.”

Joan Blackman is Rose in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Joan Blackman is Rose in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Willy’s kid sister, Rose (Joan Blackman), travels in from the Bronx to reorganize the camp when he keeps phoning her for money. She owns half of the business, apparently an inheritance from their father. Galahad is immediately all googly eyes for her. Blackman had appeared with Elvis before in Blue Hawaii, and the pair here manage to show more chemistry together than they did in that 1961 movie – which is admittedly a pretty low bar.

Willy is not too happy when the couple gets engaged. “You can’t yell loud enough to make me shut up,” Galahad tells him during a heated argument. “I’m not marrying Rose because she’s your sister, Willy, but in spite of it.”

Hearing the ruckus, Dolly intervenes and asks Willy what’s wrong as he is about to punch Galahad. “What’s the matter with me? This cream-headed clown wants to marry my sister, that’s what’s the matter with me,” he answers.

The long-suffering Dolly delivers this stinger, causing Willy to storm off: “Well, at least he’s not asking her to hang around for three or four years, Willy.”

Soon enough, Dolly leaves Willy (what is with the names in this movie?). This exchange is one of my favorites in the film – great acting from Lola Albright. Dolly at first seems happily surprised when Willy appears to give in, thinking he is finally going to marry her – but then realization dawns and she becomes sad again.

Dolly: “It’s just that you and marriage have never learned to mix.”
Willy: “All right.”
Dolly: “‘All right’ what?”
Willy: “I’ll lay you 3-to-1, angel, I never bet on another horse. … What’s the matter? What did I do now?”
Dolly: “You’ll probably never know. Excuse me.”

Lew (Charles Bronson) holds up an old poster found advertising 1921's Dempsey vs. Carpentier fight in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Lew (Charles Bronson) holds up an old poster found advertising 1921’s Dempsey vs. Carpentier fight in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

In a fun, blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Galahad tosses Lew an old boxing poster he found. The poster advertises a real match that took place on July 2, 1921: Jack Dempsey vs. Georges Carpentier – “the fight of the century.” The event was over 40 years old at the time of Kid Galahad and is, of course, over 100 years old now.

Galahad proves an unexpected success in boxing. He uses the same strategy each time – stand and take a beating for awhile and then throw one punch to knock out the other fighter. He identifies himself as being from Cream Valley, and the little town loves him for it. One of the locals notes, “All these other muscleheads up here, not one of them said he was from Cream Valley.”

I kept expecting a relative or at least an old family friend to show up from Galahad’s past – especially when a priest looks incredulously at his 1939 Cream Valley baptism certificate. Alas, Lew is apparently not Galahad’s long-lost older brother.

Ed Asner is Frank Gerson in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

The legendary Ed Asner makes his first appearance in a feature film in Kid Galahad, playing a district attorney who is trying to get Willy to testify against the mobsters.

Galahad (Elvis Presley) trains with Lew (Charles Bronson) for the big fight in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Galahad (Elvis Presley) trains with Lew (Charles Bronson) for the big fight in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Willy signs Galahad up for a fight against an especially tough opponent, Ramon “Sugarboy” Romero (Orlando de la Fuente), so Lew works hard with him to prepare for the climactic battle. All that’s missing is the Rocky theme.

Speaking of music, most of the songs in Kid Galahad are unfortunately mediocre or worse. Though not mentioned if he learned this skill in the Army as well, Galahad, of course, is a singer.

“I Got Lucky” is a bit of a highlight, including Galahad doing “the Twist” with Rose.

The film’s best song, the clever “King Of The Whole Wide World,” is ruined by jazzy overdubs during the movie’s opening titles. The best version of this song can still be found on 1986’s Return Of The Rocker album – the first release of the extended master including Boots Randolph’s complete saxophone solo.

One thing I will note is, I doubt there are any other boxing movies out there where the fighter who was knocked out in the previous scene invites the guy who just walloped him to sing a song with him. Ah, Elvis Movies, you’ve gotta love them.

Kid Galahad is notable for another reason – Elvis’ hair. This is one of only two color movies for which Elvis did not dye his hair black. Instead, he opted for his natural brown hair.

Elvis Presley is Walter "Kid Galahad" Gulick in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Elvis Presley is Walter “Kid Galahad” Gulick in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Kid Galahad is often enjoyable and certainly stands apart from many of Elvis’ other movies, particularly in terms of effort – most notably with the boxing details. Though it never quite delivers a knockout punch, Kid Galahad is still a winner.

Boldly Go

Michael Dante plays Joie in Kid Galahad and appears as Maab in the 1967 Star Trek episode “Friday’s Child.”

Joie (Michael Dante) spars with Galahad (Elvis Presley) in 1962's KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Joie (Michael Dante) spars with Galahad (Elvis Presley) in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Michael Dante is Maab in the 1967 STAR TREK episode "Friday's Child" (Paramount)

Michael Dante is Maab in the 1967 STAR TREK episode “Friday’s Child” (Paramount)

In addition, multiple uncredited cast members from Kid Galahad went on to appear in Star Trek, including:

  • Dave Cadiente [Kid Galahad: Boxer | Star Trek: Enterprise Crewmember in “The Tholian Web” (1968) and the Klingon Sergeant in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984)]
  • Al Cavens [Kid Galahad: Fight Spectator | Star Trek: Klingon Crewman in “Day Of The Dove” (1968) and Second Fop in “All Our Yesterdays” (1969)]
  • Louie Elias [Kid Galahad: Boxer | Star Trek: Various roles in “Dagger Of The Mind” (1966), “And The Children Shall Lead” (1968), “Is There In Truth No Beauty?” (1968), “The Tholian Web” (1968), and “The Cloud Minders” (1969)]
  • Seamon Glass [Kid Galahad: Boxer | Star Trek: Benton in “Mudd’s Women” (1966)]
  • Gil Perkins [Kid Galahad: Freddie | Star Trek: Slave #3 in “Bread And Circuses” (1968)]
  • Paul Sorensen [Kid Galahad: Joe | Star Trek: Merchantman Captain in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock (1984)]
  • Bill Zuckert [Kid Galahad: O’Grady | Star Trek: Johnny Behan in “Spectre Of The Gun” (1968)]

Honorable mentions:

  • Nick Dimitri [Kid Galahad: Boxer | Various roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the 1990s]
  • Bert Remsen [Kid Galahad: Max | Kubus in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – “The Collaborator” (1994)]

While researching the various Star Trek connections, I also noticed there are tons of cast and crew crossovers between Kid Galahad and the Rocky movies. I just don’t have the energy to capture them here, so I leave it to a more industrious Elvis or Rocky fan in the future to document them elsewhere.

Elvis Presley is Kid Galahad and Orlando de la Fuente is Sugarboy Romero in 1962’s KID GALAHAD (United Artists)

Kid Galahad Tote Board

  • Punches: 334 (including 11 knockouts)
  • Kisses: 10
  • Songs: 6

Songs In Kid Galahad

  1. “King Of The Whole Wide World” (1961), written by Ruth Batchelor & Bob Roberts
  2. “This Is Living” (1961), written by Fred Wise & Ben Weisman
  3. “Riding The Rainbow” (1961), written by Fred Wise & Ben Weisman
  4. “Home Is Where The Heart Is” (1961), written by Sherman Edwards & Hal David
  5. “I Got Lucky” (1961) [performed twice], written by Dolores Fuller, Fred Wise, & Ben Weisman
  6. “A Whistling Tune” (1961), written by Sherman Edwards & Hal David

The Mystery Train’s Kid Galahad Scorecard

  • Story: 6 (out of 10)
  • Acting: 8
  • Fun: 4
  • Songs: 4
  • Overall: 6 (Worth Watching)

Kid Galahad Around The Web

“I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:26-27