Elvis Presley – Too Much

Introduction:

Not all of Elvis Presley’s chart-topping hits originated from his pen. “Too Much”, a high-octane rockabilly song released in 1956, stands as a prime example. This energetic tune, showcasing Presley’s signature charisma and powerful vocals, became a cornerstone of his meteoric rise to fame.

While Presley didn’t write “Too Much”, the songwriting team of Bernard Weinman and Lee Rosenberg crafted a song perfectly suited to his burgeoning rock and roll persona. Their work wasn’t entirely unknown territory for Presley. Weinman and Rosenberg had previously penned “Let’s Have a Party”, another Presley hit released in July of 1956.

“Too Much” was not Presley’s first recording in 1956. That distinction belongs to “Heartbreak Hotel”, a song released in January of that year. However, “Too Much” followed quickly on its heels, hitting record stores in March. Unlike “Heartbreak Hotel” which leaned more towards country music with a rock and roll twist, “Too Much” was a full-fledged rocker. It pulsated with a driving backbeat and featured Presley’s now-famous rhythmic guitar playing alongside Scotty Moore’s electric lead fills. The Jordanaires, Presley’s backing vocal group, added rich harmonies that complemented Presley’s impassioned delivery.

The producer for “Too Much” remains uncertain. Some credit Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records who launched Presley’s career, while others credit RCA Records, Presley’s record label after he left Sun Records in 1954. Regardless of the official credit, there’s no doubt that “Too Much” benefited from the expertise of someone who understood how to capture the raw energy of Presley’s live performances and translate it to the recording studio.

“Too Much” was a massive success. It reached number one on both the Billboard and Cashbox sales charts, solidifying Presley’s place as a rock and roll superstar. The song’s influence extended beyond the pop charts. “Too Much” was performed live by Presley on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in January of 1957, further exposing him to a national audience and contributing to the growing rock and roll phenomenon. The song’s impact continues to be felt today, considered a rockabilly classic and a staple of Presley’s extensive catalog.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Too Much”