“The triumphant return of Elvis with a rock and roll anthem”
Origin and context of “A Big Hunk O’ Love”
In 1959, while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, Elvis Presley needed to keep his presence alive in the music scene. The entertainment industry was rapidly evolving, and the King’s absence worried both fans and his record label. To keep the Elvis phenomenon alive, RCA Records organized a special recording session in Nashville in June 1958, before the singer left for military service.
It was in these sessions that A Big Hunk O’ Love, written by Aaron Schroeder and Sid Wyche, was born. The song became the single that would mark Elvis’s triumphant return to the charts in 1959.
Recording and production
A Big Hunk O’ Love was recorded on June 10, 1958 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. This was a unique session: Elvis’s regular band, the Blue Moon Boys, were not present. Instead, he was backed by seasoned studio musicians, including Floyd Cramer on piano and Chet Atkins on guitar.
The result was a high-energy track, with a fast tempo, powerful accompaniment, and Elvis’s unmistakable voice at the peak of his youthful strength.
Release and chart success
- Released: July 1959 as a single.
- Side A: A Big Hunk O’ Love.
- Side B: My Wish Came True.
The song quickly climbed the charts:
- Reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the spot for two weeks.
- In the UK, it also achieved strong success, landing in the top positions.
- It became Elvis’s last major hit of the 1950s, closing his first era as a teen idol with a bang before moving into the 1960s.
Cultural impact and legacy
A Big Hunk O’ Love is considered one of Elvis Presley’s most intense and pure rock and roll recordings. It represents the transition between the rebellious energy of the 1950s and the artistic maturity that would follow.
It was also the first Nashville recording session where Elvis worked with studio musicians who would later play an essential role in shaping his sound throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The track continued to appear in numerous compilations and live performances, solidifying its status as a timeless Elvis classic.
Conclusion
With A Big Hunk O’ Love in 1959, Elvis Presley proved that his magnetism and talent could overcome any career interruption. The song was not only an undeniable number one hit but also a statement that the crown of the King of Rock and Roll remained firmly his.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
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