“The King of Rock gave us an electrifying ride and an intimate confession in one single”
Elvis between the roar of rock and the voice of the heart
In October 1974, Elvis Presley surprised his fans with a single that revealed the two sides of his artistry: the unstoppable energy of “Promised Land” and the emotional vulnerability of “It’s Midnight.” Two different worlds, pressed onto the same vinyl, proving once again that the King was unique.
Back to his roots at Stax Studios
Both songs were born during the legendary December 1973 sessions at Stax Studios in Memphis. Surrounded by some of his most trusted musicians—James Burton on guitar, Ronnie Tutt on drums—Elvis found the perfect setting to unleash his voice.
- “Promised Land,” written by Chuck Berry, was turned by Elvis into a rock and roll powerhouse. The track drives forward like a speeding train, with Presley’s performance embodying the urgency of heading toward that symbolic “promised land.”
- “It’s Midnight,” composed by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Chesnut, reveals a different side of Elvis. It is almost a confession, where the loneliness of midnight becomes tangible through his heartfelt vocals—tender, vulnerable, and deeply human.
Impact on the charts and on the fans
The single did well commercially: “Promised Land” reached #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and climbed to #9 in the U.K. Singles Chart. Meanwhile, “It’s Midnight” found its audience on country radio, resonating with listeners who connected with Presley’s emotional delivery.
Yet beyond chart positions, the true magic was on stage. “Promised Land” quickly became a concert favorite during the mid-70s. Every live performance carried an electrifying spark, reminding fans of the rock rebel who had once changed music forever.
The Promised Land album
Both songs were later included in the 1975 album “Promised Land”, a record that highlighted the duality of Elvis as both a roaring rocker and a tender balladeer.
One single, two sides of a legend
The release of “Promised Land / It’s Midnight” was more than just another 1974 single—it was a reflection of Elvis Presley at his peak. He could shake the world with explosive rock and, in the very same breath, bare his soul in a ballad.
This vinyl stands today not only as a commercial success but as a timeless reminder that Elvis was—and will always be—the only artist capable of being both a hurricane and a caress in the same record.
Quick Facts: Promised Land / It’s Midnight
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Release date: October 1974 (RCA Victor)
- Recording: December 1973, Stax Studios (Memphis, Tennessee)
- Side A: Promised Land (cover of Chuck Berry’s 1964 song)
- Side B: It’s Midnight (written by Billy Edd Wheeler and Jerry Chesnut)
- Notable musicians:
- James Burton – guitar
- Ronnie Tutt – drums
- Glen D. Hardin – piano
- Duke Bardwell – bass
- J.D. Sumner & The Stamps – backing vocals
- Chart success:
- Promised Land: #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.)
- Promised Land: #9 on the U.K. Singles Chart
- It’s Midnight: appeared on country music charts
- Album connection: Promised Land (1975)
Access the Complete Discography of Elvis Presley in the following link of Elvis Radio 24h: https://elvisradio24h.com/tag/discography/ TCB
