Discover the story and curiosities behind “A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You”, the romantic song performed by Elvis Presley in the 1962 movie Girls! Girls! Girls!
Introduction
In 1962, Elvis Presley starred in Girls! Girls! Girls!, one of his most popular musical films of the decade. Among the soundtrack’s songs was “A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You”, a charming and light romantic ballad that showcased the softer side of the King of Rock and Roll. Although it was never released as a single, it became a memorable part of his movie catalog thanks to its fresh and melodic style.
Song Details
- Title: A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You
- Performer: Elvis Presley
- Songwriters: Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett
- Recording date: March 27, 1962
- Studio: Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California
- Film: Girls! Girls! Girls! (Paramount Pictures, 1962)
- Album / Soundtrack: Girls! Girls! Girls! (released in November 1962 by RCA Victor)
- Genre: Romantic pop ballad
The Song in the Film
In Girls! Girls! Girls!, Elvis plays Ross Carpenter, a young fisherman and singer trying to make a living in Hawaii while caught up in romantic entanglements. Within this setting, “A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You” is performed as a romantic number that reinforces the love story of the film.
The simplicity of the melody, combined with Elvis’ warm voice, creates an intimate and memorable moment in the movie, contrasting with the livelier tropical numbers featured on the soundtrack.
The Songwriters: Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett
The duo Tepper-Bennett were among Elvis’ most prolific songwriting collaborators during his Hollywood years. They wrote over 40 songs for him, often tailored to the light, accessible, and romantic style that movie studios wanted for their musicals.
With A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You, they crafted a simple, catchy tune that perfectly matched the lighthearted, musical-comedy style of Elvis’ film career.
Recording and Production
The track was recorded on March 27, 1962, at Radio Recorders studios in Hollywood. These sessions produced several songs for the Girls! Girls! Girls! soundtrack, including the big hit Return to Sender.
Musical arrangements were deliberately soft: gentle guitar, subtle orchestral backing, and a tender vocal delivery from Elvis, designed to fit smoothly within the movie’s romantic scenes.
Release and Reception
- Album: The song was officially released as part of the Girls! Girls! Girls! soundtrack in November 1962.
- Single: It was never issued as a stand-alone single, so it did not chart on its own.
- Reception: While it didn’t reach the fame of Return to Sender, it was appreciated by fans who enjoyed Elvis’ gentler, melodic side on screen.
Trivia
- It was one of the first romantic numbers recorded for the film.
- Elvis kept his vocals deliberately restrained, giving the song an intimate quality that contrasted with his rock persona.
- Tepper and Bennett also wrote Song of the Shrimp for the same soundtrack.
Legacy
Though not one of Elvis’ most famous hits, “A Boy Like Me, A Girl Like You” perfectly reflects the musical style of his 1960s film career: light, romantic, and memorable songs designed to complement the movies.
Today, it remains a hidden gem of the Girls! Girls! Girls! soundtrack, a film that, along with Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco, cemented Elvis’ image as an international musical film star.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
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