Elvis Presley – Love Me Tender (1970)

Introduction:

Alright, folks, gather ’round and let’s take a trip back to 1970, a time when the King, the one and only Elvis Presley, was still reigning supreme. Now, by 1970, Elvis’s sound had evolved a bit. Gone were the early days of pure, raw rockabilly. This was the era of the Las Vegas Elvis, the jumpsuit-clad showman, delivering electrifying live performances for a dedicated fanbase.

Tonight, we’re setting the spotlight on a particular gem from this period, a song that bridges the gap between Elvis’s roots and his Vegas persona. We’re talking about Love Me Tender, a track that holds a special place in Elvis’s story, and American music history for that matter.

Originally released in 1956 as the title track for Elvis’s debut film, Love Me Tender was a ballad unlike anything Elvis had done before. Sure, there was still that unmistakable Elvis charm in his vocals, but the song itself was a beautiful adaptation of a Civil War-era folk ballad called “Aura Lee.” This sentimental take on love and loss resonated deeply with audiences, propelling the song to the top of the charts and solidifying Elvis’s status as a pop culture icon.

Now, fast forward to 1970. Elvis was a seasoned performer by this point, and his live shows were legendary for their energy and audience interaction. Love Me Tender became a staple in his setlist, but this wasn’t just a simple retread of the original. This was Elvis, the master showman, reimagining the song for a new decade.

There’s a certain rawness to Elvis’s 1970 renditions of Love Me Tender. The band is tight, with a bluesy undercurrent that adds depth to the ballad. But it’s Elvis’s voice that truly steals the show. He imbues the song with a world-weariness that wasn’t present in the earlier version. He’s still pleading for love, but there’s a newfound vulnerability in his delivery.

It’s important to remember that 1970 was a tumultuous time in America. The Vietnam War was raging, and social change was sweeping the nation. Elvis, ever the cultural barometer, couldn’t help but be affected by these currents. His interpretation of Love Me Tender in this context takes on a whole new meaning. It becomes a song that speaks not just of romantic love, but of a yearning for simpler times, for a world that seemed to be slipping away.

Of course, no discussion of Elvis in the 1970s would be complete without mentioning the legendary producer, Felton Jarvis. Jarvis was the architect of Elvis’s Vegas sound, and his influence is all over this version of Love Me Tender. He polishes the rough edges without sacrificing the emotional core of the song. The result is a recording that’s both powerful and intimate, a testament to Elvis’s enduring talent and the enduring power of a great song.

So, there you have it. Love Me Tender in 1970: a song that transcended time and genre, a testament to Elvis’s artistry, and a window into a fascinating period in American music history. Now, let’s crank up the volume and experience the magic for ourselves.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Love Me Tender”
(from “Elvis (NBC TV Special)” soundtrack)