Elvis Presley Songs of the 1960s: From Movie Star to Rock and Roll King Again

Well now, let’s talk about the 1960s for Elvis. Some folks might look back and think of it as the Hollywood years, and yeah, there were a lot of movies. But for me, Scotty Moore, standing right there next to him for so many of those groundbreaking records, the 60s were a whole lot more than just soundtracks. It was a decade of change, for Elvis and for music itself, and it’s packed with songs that still resonate today. We’re gonna dive deep into the Songs Of Elvis Presley In The 1960s, beyond the jumpsuits and Vegas glitz, back to the heart of the music.

The Dawn of a New Decade: Elvis is Back… and on the Big Screen

The sixties kicked off with Elvis returning from his time in the army. Folks were ready for him, and the music scene was waiting. He wasn’t just back; he was back. Think about it – the late 50s were revolutionary, but the 60s? That’s when things really started to shift. Elvis came into this decade already a king, but now he had to navigate a new landscape.

Initially, the focus was heavily on those movie soundtracks. Now, don’t get me wrong, some great tunes came out of those films. “It’s Now or Never,” for example. Opera meets Elvis? Who would’ve thought? But it topped the charts worldwide! Then you had “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”. That one, with that spoken word bridge, showed a different side of Elvis, a vulnerability that really connected with people. These weren’t your typical rock and roll stompers, but they were Elvis, evolving, experimenting. You can hear that evolution when you listen to elvis is back songs. That album, even though technically from 1960, really set the stage for the sound of Elvis in the early part of the decade. It showed he was ready to blend different styles and still sound undeniably like himself.

Elvis Presley passionately sings in a scene from one of his 1960s musical movies

But the sheer volume of movie work sometimes overshadowed the pure music. It’s a balancing act, you see. Elvis was a movie star, no doubt. But first and foremost, he was a musician. And sometimes, the movie songs, while catchy, weren’t always showcasing the full range of his talent. We all knew what he was capable of in the studio when he was really let loose.

Mid-Sixties Shifts: Trying New Directions

As the decade moved on, you could feel a bit of a shift. The British Invasion hit, and music was changing fast. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were taking over the airwaves. Elvis, ever the professional, kept doing his thing. He kept making movies, kept recording soundtracks. But you could sense a yearning for something more, something deeper.

There were still hits, sure. “Crying in the Chapel” was a big one, showing his gospel roots shining through. And there were rockers like “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” that reminded folks he could still bring the energy. But the albums in the mid-60s sometimes felt a little…formulaic. They were good, Elvis is always good, but they weren’t always pushing boundaries like he had in the 50s.

Now, some might say this period was a creative dip. But I see it differently. It was a period of exploration, even if it was sometimes subtle. He was trying different styles within the movie format, and he was laying the groundwork for something bigger. Think about it – even during this time, his voice was incredible. His phrasing, his delivery, it was all still top-notch. He was honing his craft, even if the material wasn’t always challenging him in the same way as before.

The ’68 Comeback Special: The King Returns to His Throne

And then came ’68. Man, what a year. The ’68 Comeback Special. That was lightning in a bottle. It wasn’t just a TV show; it was a statement. It was Elvis saying, “Hey world, remember who I am?”. And boy, did the world remember.

This wasn’t movie Elvis. This was Elvis. Leather suit, raw energy, stripped-down band, and that voice. He went back to his rock and roll and blues roots, and it was electrifying. Songs like “Trouble” and “Guitar Man” were raw, powerful, and full of that old Elvis swagger. It was like he’d shed the movie star skin and stepped back into the rock and roll persona that made him a legend in the first place.

The ’68 Special wasn’t just about reliving the past, though. It was about showing where he was now. He was more mature, his voice had even more depth, and he had a fire in his belly that had been simmering for years. And then there was “If I Can Dream.” Wow. That song. Talk about a message. It was powerful, emotional, and so relevant for the times. You can really get a sense of the meaning behind a song like elvis presley if i can dream meaning when you see him sing it in that special. It was more than just a song; it was a plea for hope and change.

The Comeback Special completely revitalized his career and reminded everyone of his core musical genius. It proved that beneath the Hollywood gloss, the rock and roll heart was still beating strong.

Beyond the Hits: Deeper Cuts and Hidden Gems of the 60s

Now, when you talk about Elvis’s 60s songs, everyone knows the big hits. But there’s so much more to discover if you dig a little deeper. Albums like “His Hand in Mine” showcased his deep love for gospel music. Songs like “Milky White Way” and “Swing Down Sweet Chariot” are just pure soul. If you want to hear Elvis sing from the heart, listen to his gospel recordings from the 60s.

And even within the movie soundtracks, there were gems. “Viva Las Vegas” is an obvious one – an absolute classic. But songs like “Return to Sender” and “Little Sister” are just great rock and roll tunes, even if they were tied to films. They showed he could still deliver that energy and that signature sound, no matter the context.

And let’s not forget the influence of the blues. Elvis always had that blues feeling in his voice, and you can hear it in songs throughout the 60s. While he might not have released a dedicated blues album in this decade, the blues influence is undeniable, and you can explore more of his blues side by checking out elvis presley blues songs. It’s part of what made his music so rich and so real.

The Legacy of Elvis’s 60s Songs: Setting the Stage for the 70s and Beyond

The 1960s for Elvis were a journey. From the early movie years to the triumphant Comeback Special, it was a decade of change, adaptation, and ultimately, reaffirmation. His songs from this era are a testament to his versatility and his enduring talent. They paved the way for the concert years of the 70s and solidified his place as not just a rock and roll icon, but a true entertainer who could connect with audiences across genres and generations.

Even today, when you listen to Songs Of Elvis Presley In The 1960s, you hear more than just music. You hear a story. A story of an artist navigating changing times, rediscovering his roots, and ultimately, reminding the world why he was and always will be, the King. And that’s a legacy that will keep on rockin’ for generations to come. Just like you can still watch that’s the way it is elvis presley full movie and feel that energy, the 60s songs capture a crucial part of the Elvis story.

So, crank up those 60s Elvis tunes. Dig beyond the hits. You might just find a new favorite, or rediscover an old one. And remember, this music isn’t just history; it’s alive, it’s vibrant, and it’s still got that Welcome Shock Naue feeling that only Elvis could deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elvis Presley’s Songs in the 1960s

What was Elvis Presley’s first big hit song in the 1960s?

Elvis’s first major hit of the 1960s was “It’s Now or Never,” released in 1960. This song, adapted from the Italian song “O Sole Mio,” showcased Elvis’s vocal range and versatility, topping charts worldwide and signaling a successful start to the decade for him musically.

Did Elvis Presley primarily focus on movie soundtracks in the 1960s?

While Elvis did dedicate a significant portion of the 1960s to his movie career and recording soundtracks for those films, it’s inaccurate to say he primarily focused on them. He released numerous non-soundtrack singles and albums throughout the decade, especially towards the beginning and end of the 60s, demonstrating his continued commitment to music outside of his movie obligations.

What was the ’68 Comeback Special and why was it important for Elvis’s 1960s music?

The ’68 Comeback Special was a pivotal television event that marked Elvis Presley’s return to live performance after focusing on movies for much of the decade. It was crucial because it revitalized his music career, reminding audiences of his raw rock and roll energy and vocal prowess. It shifted public perception back to Elvis the musician and away from Elvis the movie star, significantly impacting the direction of his music in the late 60s and beyond.

Were Elvis Presley’s 1960s songs all rock and roll?

No, Elvis’s songs in the 1960s spanned various genres. While he remained rooted in rock and roll, he also explored pop, gospel, blues, and even country influences. His 60s discography includes operatic ballads like “It’s Now or Never,” gospel tracks on albums like “His Hand in Mine,” and blues-infused performances, showcasing a diverse musical palette beyond just rock and roll.

What are some examples of Elvis Presley’s gospel songs from the 1960s?

Elvis recorded several gospel songs and albums in the 1960s. Notable examples include tracks from the album “His Hand in Mine” such as “His Hand in Mine,” “Milky White Way,” and “Swing Down Sweet Chariot.” These songs highlight his deep connection to gospel music and are considered some of his most heartfelt and soulful recordings of the decade.

How did the British Invasion affect Elvis Presley’s music in the 1960s?

The British Invasion, led by bands like The Beatles, did impact the music landscape of the 1960s, but its direct effect on Elvis’s music is debatable. While popular music tastes shifted, Elvis continued to produce music and remained commercially successful. The Comeback Special, in part, can be seen as his way of reasserting his place in the evolving music scene, proving his enduring relevance amidst new musical trends.

What is considered Elvis Presley’s last song in a movie from the 1960s?

Figuring out Elvis Presley’s last song in a movie from the 1960s depends on how you define “song” and “movie.” If you’re thinking about the last movie he released in the 60s with songs, that would be “Change of Habit” (1969). However, tracing his entire filmography and soundtracks can get a bit detailed. For more specific information, you might want to look into resources focused on elvis presley movie last song to get a definitive answer based on film release dates and song lists.

What are some underrated Elvis Presley songs from the 1960s that are worth listening to?

Beyond the hits, many Elvis songs from the 1960s deserve recognition. “Ask Me” is a beautiful ballad, “Reconsider Baby” shows his bluesy side, and “Big Boss Man” is a rocking track that often gets overlooked. Exploring albums beyond the greatest hits collections will reveal numerous gems from his 60s catalog that showcase his vocal talent and musical range.

Where can I find a comprehensive collection of Elvis Presley’s songs from the 1960s?

To find a comprehensive collection of Elvis Presley’s 1960s songs, you should look for box sets or complete album collections that focus on this decade. Record labels often release decade-specific compilations, and streaming services usually have complete discographies available. Searching for “Elvis Presley 1960s albums” on music platforms or online retailers is a good starting point.