ELVIS DISCOGRAPHY (1969): “IN THE GHETTO – ANY DAY NOW”

Reference: 47-9741

Side A: In The Ghetto
Recorded: January 20, 1969, American Sound studios in Memphis, Tennessee
Author: Scott “Mac” Davis

Side B: Any Day Now
Recorded: February 21, 1969, American Sound studios in Memphis, Tennessee
Author: Bob Hilliard & Burt Bacharach

Publication date: April 15, 1969

INFORMATION

First single published by Elvis with recordings belonging to Chips Moman’s American Sound Studios. The King had returned thanks in part to the NBC television special, retaking his throne with these magnificent recordings in Memphis and just around the corner awaiting him a triumphant return to the stage at the International in Las Vegas. The single was taken from the first full-length album released in June 1969 with material recorded in the months of January and February.

On Side A, a risky song, In The Ghetto, again a socially compromised song but that gave spectacular results. Number three in the US, after three years without being in the Top 10 of Billboard magazine and number two in the United Kingdom. The master was taken from take number 23.

Side B, the delicious Any Day Now, whose master was taken from cut number six. It did not enter the lists. It is currently platinum.

For these recording sessions Elvis had a new group of excellent musicians. Fourteen years of relationship between Elvis and the musicians who had accompanied him since practically the beginning of his career, such as Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana or The Jordanaires, were left behind. Reggie Young on guitar, Tommy Cogbill and Mike Leech on bass, Gene Chrisman on drums, Bobby Wood on piano, Bobby Emmons on organ and vocal accompaniment Jeannie Green, Donna Thatcher, Mary Holladay, Ginger Holladay, Susan Pilkington, Carolyn Montgomery, Dolores Edgin, Joseph Babcock, Hurshel Wiginton and Millie Kirkham.