“A little-known track that reveals another side of Elvis Presley”
Introduction
Elvis Presley is remembered for his great hits that revolutionized popular music, but within his vast catalog there are lesser-known gems worth revisiting. One of them is “A Cane and a High Starched Collar”, recorded on August 7, 1960, and officially released on January 7, 1976, more than fifteen years later.
This long delay in its release turned the track into a highly valued rarity among collectors and Elvis fans, as it belongs to his vibrant cinematic era.
Recording Context
In 1960, Elvis was making his comeback to the music and film scene after serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. His career was in full swing, and he aimed to diversify his image, not just as a rock idol but also as a versatile performer.
The song “A Cane and a High Starched Collar” was recorded in Hollywood for the movie Flaming Star, a western directed by Don Siegel and released in December 1960. While the film only included two songs, this track was crafted to match the story’s frontier atmosphere.
Song Details
- Title: A Cane and a High Starched Collar
- Recording date: August 7, 1960
- Official release: January 7, 1976. Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol.2
- Studio: Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California
- Songwriters: Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, a prolific duo who wrote many songs for Elvis.
- Running time: Approx. 2:45 minutes
- Genre: Folk/Western, with light, melodic arrangements.
- Film context: Although it fit the film’s western setting, the song was ultimately not included in the final cut of Flaming Star.
Musical Style and Performance
“A Cane and a High Starched Collar” steers away from Elvis’s explosive rock and roll style, leaning instead toward light folk with western influences. His vocal delivery is relaxed and cheerful, revealing a different side of the rock icon.
The musical arrangement is simple: acoustic guitar, bass, and light percussion, all evoking the rural, frontier atmosphere of the Old West.
Release in 1976
Although it was recorded in 1960, the song remained unreleased for over a decade. It finally saw the light of day on January 7, 1976, when it was included in a compilation album (Elvis: A Legendary Performer Vol.2), much to the surprise of fans who had never heard this western-flavored side of Elvis.
The fact that the track was officially released 16 years after being recorded made it a cult favorite, prized by collectors and appreciated by fans who enjoy exploring Elvis’s lesser-known work.
Conclusion
“A Cane and a High Starched Collar” is a perfect example of how Elvis Presley transcended rock and roll to explore other genres. Recorded in August 1960 for the movie Flaming Star and finally released in 1976, this track highlights Elvis’s artistic versatility and his ability to adapt to any musical style.
Although it never achieved the fame of his greatest hits, it remains a charming piece that shows Elvis’s flexibility—not only as the King of Rock, but also as an artist capable of embracing folk and western music.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
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