Elvis Presley’s “Pledging My Love”: A Look at the 1976 Graceland Sessions and Turbulent Times
Elvis Presley’s recording career in the mid-1970s saw him return to his personal space at Graceland for sessions that produced some of his final works. Among the tracks laid down during these home recordings was “Pledging My Love,” a song that captures a heartfelt sentiment of devotion. Exploring this period reveals not just the music but also the dynamic personal and professional life of the King, offering insights into the era that still fascinate fans who hold All My Love Elvis Presley in their hearts.
Pledging My Love Lyrics
Forever my darling our love will be true
Always and forever I’ll love only you
Just promise me darling Your love in return
May this fire in my soul dear Forever burn
My heart’s at your command dear
To keep, love and to hold
Making you happy’s my desire
Keeping you is my goal
Forever I’ll love you for the rest of my days
I’ll never part from you or your loving ways
Just promise me darling Your love in return
May this fire in my soul dear Forever burn
My heart’s at your command dear
To keep, love and to hold
Making you happy’s my desire
Loving you is my goal
Forever I’ll love you for the rest of my days
I’ll never part from you or your loving ways
Just promise me darling Your love in return
May this fire in my soul dear Forever burn
Recording Details
“Pledging My Love,” with words and music by Robey and Washington, was recorded on October 29, 1976. This session took place in the intimate setting of the Jungle Room at Graceland, Memphis. The track was first released on the album Moody Blue, which would become one of the last albums released during Elvis’s lifetime.
The 1975-1976 Period: Recordings and Events
The mid-1970s were a busy and often turbulent time for Elvis, marked by both recording productivity and personal events.
January 20, 1975: Generosity in Denver
A story circulated reporting Elvis’s generosity towards his police friends. Denver television newsman Don Kinney reportedly joked on air about wanting a car from Elvis, who then bought him a Seville. Don Kinney later shared his own account that contradicted some details of this widely reported story.
February 1976: The First Jungle Room Sessions
In February 1976, RCA brought mobile recording equipment to Graceland for a week of sessions in the Jungle Room. Songs recorded here comprised the album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee and over half of the Moody Blue album. Notable tracks from these sessions include “Bitter They Are Harder They Fall,” “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Last Farewell,” “Solitaire,” “Moody Blue,” “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” “For The Heart,” “Hurt,” “Danny Boy,” “Never Again,” “Love Coming Down,” “America The Beautiful,” and “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain.” For fans interested in exploring the depth of his repertoire beyond well-known hits like wooden heart 1960, these sessions showcase his versatility in the later years.
March 1976: On Tour
Elvis returned to the concert circuit in March 1976 for a short tour, his first since July 1975. The tour faced initial confusion with band members threatening to leave. While Glen Hardin and Ronnie Tutt were replaced, James Burton returned after a raise was negotiated. Shane Kiester initially replaced Hardin on keyboards but was later replaced by Tony Brown. Security was also a concern after the first show.
October 1976: Continuation of Graceland Recordings
Recording continued at Graceland’s Jungle Room on October 29-30, 1976. These sessions yielded tracks such as “It’s Easy For You,” “Way Down,” and “Pledging My Love.” Additional tracks like “There’s A Fire Down Below” and “He’ll Have To Go” were also worked on during this time. Many enthusiasts appreciate how Elvis infused his unique style into diverse songs during these sessions.
Early November 1976: Personal Changes
In early November 1976, Elvis and Linda Thompson, his girlfriend since 1972, ended their relationship.
November 23, 1976: Jerry Lee Lewis Incident
A notable incident occurred on November 23, 1976, when Jerry Lee Lewis appeared at the gates of Graceland in the early hours of the morning. Witnesses reported him carrying a gun and demanding to see Elvis. Police found Lewis in his car with a loaded .38 caliber derringer. This was the second consecutive night Lewis had shown up, reportedly trying to connect with Elvis. Elvis observed the situation via closed-circuit monitors.
The Moody Blue album remains a key release from this era, featuring several tracks from the Graceland sessions, including “Pledging My Love.” While Elvis didn’t write his own songs like some artists, his interpretations were unique. Exploring songs like elvis what now my love provides further context to the emotional depth he brought to his music.
For those wanting to delve deeper into Elvis’s career, various releases capture his live performances and studio work. Watching a live performance, perhaps even of an iconic song like elvis presley my way live, offers a different perspective than the studio recordings.
Cover art for the Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD featuring a young Elvis
The Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD offers a rare glimpse into his early career, featuring unreleased film of performances from 1956, including hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” as well as the performance of “Long Tall Sally.” It also includes interview footage with Elvis’s parents and footage that provides context to his early shows, highly recommended for fans. Learning about his journey from his beginnings in Tupelo sheds light on how Elvis became the legend who commands All My Love Elvis Presley from fans worldwide. While the question of whether elvis presley write his own songs is often discussed, his ability to connect with lyrics like those in “Pledging My Love” was undeniable.
Conclusion
The recording of “Pledging My Love” at Graceland in 1976 is a snapshot of a complex period in Elvis Presley’s life. The home sessions allowed for a unique recording environment, while the concurrent events, both professional challenges on tour and personal issues, paint a picture of the pressures the King faced. “Pledging My Love” stands as a testament to his enduring ability to convey emotion through song, a quality that continues to resonate with listeners today. The 1976 recordings and the events surrounding them provide valuable context for understanding the final years of a music icon.
