Elvis Presley – Trouble (Supper Club)

Introduction:

By 1968, Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of rock and roll, found himself at a crossroads. After a string of commercially successful but critically derided Hollywood musicals throughout the 1960s, his musical fire seemed to have dimmed. Yearning to reclaim his artistic footing and reconnect with his roots, Elvis agreed to participate in a television special produced by NBC. This aptly titled “Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special” would prove to be a pivotal moment in his career, reigniting his passion for live performance and showcasing a revitalized Elvis to the world.

A key component of the special’s success was the electrifying performance of “Trouble (Supper Club)”. While the exact origins of the song remain unclear, it’s believed to be a blues-inspired number that Elvis had been working on for some time. The stripped-down, raw energy of the performance stood in stark contrast to the heavily orchestrated productions of his recent films. Backed by his longtime bandmates Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), and a tight horn section, Elvis delivered a powerful and charismatic vocal, reminding audiences of the raw talent that had first propelled him to stardom.

Producer Steve Binder, recognizing the electrifying energy of the performance, made “Trouble (Supper Club)” a centerpiece of the special. The song’s placement early in the show served a dual purpose. Firstly, it established a raw, dynamic tone that set the stage for the rest of the evening. Secondly, it showcased a rejuvenated Elvis, fully engaged with his music and the audience. This powerful performance not only reconnected Elvis with his core fanbase but also introduced him to a new generation of music lovers.

The impact of “Trouble (Supper Club)” and the “Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special” was undeniable. The special garnered high ratings and critical acclaim, marking a turning point in Elvis’s career. He would go on to release a string of critically acclaimed albums that returned him to his rock and roll roots. “Trouble (Supper Club)” itself, though not a major commercial hit, became a fan favorite and a powerful testament to Elvis’s enduring talent and charisma. The song’s legacy lives on as a reminder of the electrifying energy and raw power that Elvis Presley brought to the stage, a force that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Trouble”