Elvis Presley – Little Sister

Introduction:

In the early 1960s, Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, was navigating a musical crossroads. Having dominated the charts in the late 1950s with his electrifying blend of blues and country influences, he was now venturing into Hollywood films and a sound that incorporated more pop sensibilities. It was during this period, in 1961, that “Little Sister” emerged, a playful and catchy rock and roll number that became a major hit for Presley.

Composed by songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, “Little Sister” showcased a lighter side of Presley’s persona. The song tells the story of a man who, after being heartbroken by the older sister, sets his sights on the younger one. The lyrics playfully warn the “little sister” not to follow in her sibling’s footsteps, hinting at a past escapade. The playful back-and-forth between Presley and the implied younger sister creates a charming dynamic, further accentuated by the song’s structure.

Production duties for “Little Sister” were handled by Elvis Presley himself, alongside Steve Sholes and Bill Porter. The track featured Presley’s iconic vocals, backed by the tight rhythm section of Scotty Moore on lead guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums. The Jordanaires, a popular vocal group known for their distinctive harmonies, provided backing vocals, with Ray Walker’s deep bass particularly noticeable. Hank Garland rounded out the sound with his crisp lead guitar lines.

“Little Sister” proved to be a success story for Presley. Released as a double A-side single alongside “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame”, the song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. However, its true dominance came across the Atlantic, where it soared to the No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart. This international recognition solidified Presley’s global appeal and demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences beyond his American roots.

The song’s legacy extends beyond its chart success. “Little Sister” remains a beloved track in Presley’s vast catalog, often cited for its playful energy and Presley’s charismatic vocal delivery. It continues to be a fan favorite and a reminder of the King’s ability to blend rock and roll swagger with lighthearted charm.

Video:

Lyrics:

Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
And say it’s very nice, and then you run
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister does

Well, I dated your big sister, and I took her to a show
I went for some candy, along came Jim Dandy
And they snuck right out of the door

Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
And say it’s very nice, and then you run
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister does

Every time I see your sister
Well, she’s got somebody new
She’s mean, and she’s evil like that old Boll Weevil
Guess I’ll try my luck with you

Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
And say it’s very nice, and then you run
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister does

Well, I used to pull your pigtails
And pinch your turned-up nose
But you been a-growin’
And baby, it’s been showin’ from your head down to your toes

Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you-
Little sister, don’t you kiss me once or twice
And say it’s very nice, and then you run
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister does

Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done
Little sister, don’t you do what your big sister done