“The 1973 release that blended the power of blues with the melancholy of pop in the unmatched voice of Elvis Presley”
Introduction
In 1973, Elvis Presley was at a crucial stage in his career. Following the international success of his television special Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite, the King of Rock sought to reaffirm his relevance in the music world with new releases. One of them was the single “Steamroller Blues / Fool”, issued by RCA Victor in April of that year.
This record reflected the duality of Elvis’s artistry in the 1970s: on one side, the raw power and vocal energy of blues-rock with Steamroller Blues; on the other, the sensitivity and romanticism of Fool, a ballad that revealed his most melodic and emotional side.
Technical details of the single
- Title: Steamroller Blues / Fool
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Release date: April 1973
- Format: 45 RPM vinyl single
- Record label: RCA Victor
- Producer: Felton Jarvis
- Recordings:
- Steamroller Blues: live, Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite (Honolulu, January 14, 1973).
- Fool: recorded at RCA Studio C, Hollywood, March 1972.
The songs
Steamroller Blues
Originally written and recorded by James Taylor (1970), Elvis turned it into an explosive piece of electric blues. Performed live during the historic Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert, Presley unleashed his vocal power alongside a top-tier band, creating one of the most memorable renditions of his 1970s repertoire.
Fool
Composed by James Last and Carl Sigman, this melodic ballad is filled with melancholy. Elvis recorded it in 1972 with orchestral arrangements that enhanced the nostalgic tone of the lyrics. The track highlights Presley’s ability to move audiences with restrained, heartfelt performances.
Production and recording
The single was part of RCA Victor’s strategy to capitalize on the worldwide success of Elvis’s satellite broadcast in January 1973. Steamroller Blues was presented exactly as it was performed in Honolulu, capturing the energy of the live event.
Meanwhile, Fool originated from earlier Hollywood studio sessions in 1972, initially intended for the album Elvis (Fool Album), released in July 1973. Pairing both songs on one single offered a striking stylistic contrast that showcased Elvis’s versatility.
Reception and chart performance
The single received positive reviews and achieved solid chart positions, particularly in the U.S. and Europe:
- Reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Climbed to #15 in the UK Singles Chart.
- Enjoyed strong success in Germany and the Netherlands, where Elvis maintained a loyal fanbase.
Although not one of the biggest commercial hits of his career, the single reinforced Elvis’s image as a relevant artist capable of excelling both in powerful blues and tender ballads.
Anecdotes and curiosities
- Steamroller Blues became a live favorite in Elvis’s 1970s setlists.
- The contrast between the two tracks (a high-energy blues and a gentle ballad) perfectly represented his musical range.
- Some European editions featured different cover art, making certain vinyl releases highly collectible today.
- The Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite concert, from which Steamroller Blues was taken, was viewed by over one billion people worldwide.
Awards and recognition
Although the single itself did not win awards, Elvis’s Steamroller Blues performance from Aloha from Hawaii was widely acclaimed and remains one of his most brilliant 1970s moments.
Conclusion
The single Steamroller Blues / Fool stands as a perfect example of Elvis Presley’s artistic richness in 1973: the overwhelming strength of his voice in the blues and the intimate sensitivity of his ballads.
Reason to listen today: because it represents the charisma and versatility of the King of Rock at his artistic peak, blending spectacle and emotion in two unforgettable songs.
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