“A comprehensive look at the single that confirmed Elvis Presley’s musical reign — from its recording and release to its commercial success and lasting legacy in rock ’n’ roll history”
1. Introduction
At the dawn of 1957, Elvis Presley was already the brightest rising star in rock ’n’ roll. It was then that he released a single pairing the electrifying “Too Much” on the A-side and the melodic “Playing for Keeps” on the B-side. This release not only reinforced his commercial dominance but also showcased the breadth of his style — from raw rock energy to romantic tenderness.
2. Basic Single Information
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Title: Too Much / Playing for Keeps
- Release Date: January 3, 1957 (some sources list January 4)
- Label: RCA Victor
- Format: 7” 45 RPM (and 78 RPM editions) — catalog number 47-6800
- A-Side: “Too Much” (written by Lee Rosenberg and Bernard Weinman)
- B-Side: “Playing for Keeps” (written by Stan Kesler)
3. Recording, Musicians, and Production
- “Playing for Keeps” was recorded on September 1, 1956, at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood.
- “Too Much” was recorded the following day, September 2, 1956, at the same studio.
- Personnel: Elvis Presley on vocals and rhythm guitar (and occasionally piano); Scotty Moore on lead guitar; Bill Black on bass; D. J. Fontana on drums; backing vocals by The Jordanaires.
- The session was produced under RCA’s supervision, aiming to further strengthen Elvis’s growing dominance in the pop and rock markets.
4. Musical Style and Lyrical Themes
“Too Much”
A driving rock ’n’ roll number with punchy guitars and Elvis’s commanding vocals. The lyrics express a youthful mix of passion and frustration — “you’re too much for me to take” — a theme resonating with 1950s teen energy. Its upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm made it a jukebox favorite across America.
“Playing for Keeps”
The B-side offered contrast: a slower, heartfelt ballad with a country-pop flavor. The phrase “playing for keeps” — borrowed from children’s games meaning “playing for real” — becomes a metaphor for love and commitment. Elvis’s smooth, emotive delivery reveals his ability to blend tenderness with strength, showing another side of his artistry.
5. Chart Performance and Commercial Reception
- “Too Much” reached number 1 on the Billboard Best Sellers and Jukebox charts in the United States.
- It also topped the overall Billboard Top 100 chart.
- The B-side, “Playing for Keeps,” climbed to number 34 on the same chart.
- Nearly 500,000 advance orders were placed for the single, showing the incredible demand for Elvis’s new releases at the time.
- Billboard magazine listed it as a “Best Buy” upon release, confirming both tracks as commercial standouts.
6. Context in Elvis’s Career
By early 1957, Elvis was already dominating radio and television with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” The Too Much / Playing for Keeps single solidified his versatility — bridging raw rock with smooth romanticism. It also arrived just before another landmark release, “All Shook Up,” marking a period of unstoppable momentum that defined the peak of his early career.
7. Legacy and Cultural Importance
- “Too Much” remains one of Elvis’s quintessential 1950s rock songs, capturing the rebellious energy of the era.
- “Playing for Keeps,” though less chart-dominant, highlighted Presley’s range as both rocker and crooner.
- The single represents a turning point in popular music — blending rock, pop, and country influences in a way that shaped the modern soundscape.
- The original RCA Victor pressing (catalog 47-6800) remains a sought-after collector’s item today.
8. Fun Facts
- While most records list January 4 as the release date, some sources note January 3, 1957 — likely reflecting regional distribution differences.
- Songwriter Stan Kesler, author of “Playing for Keeps,” had previously penned several early Presley tracks during the Sun Records era.
- Elvis was appearing regularly on national television at the time, and his growing fame helped propel the single’s rapid sales.
- Despite being a B-side, “Playing for Keeps” received strong radio play, with many fans considering it equal in strength to the A-side.
9. Why It Matters for Elvis-Focused Websites
For a website devoted to Elvis Presley, this single offers multiple points of engagement:
- It illustrates Elvis’s artistic evolution — from raw rock to heartfelt ballads.
- It provides detailed production data about his core studio band.
- It highlights his cultural dominance in early 1957.
- It offers opportunities for fan interaction — comparing A-side vs B-side preferences, lyric breakdowns, or record-collecting details.
10. Conclusion
The release of Too Much / Playing for Keeps in January 1957 stands as a milestone in Elvis Presley’s career. It reaffirmed his position as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll while showcasing his versatility as a performer. The single fused rhythm, emotion, and charisma in a way only Elvis could deliver. For fans, historians, and collectors alike, this record remains a timeless emblem of Presley’s golden era — proof that even at the height of his fame, he was still pushing the boundaries of what popular music could be.
Access the Complete Discography of Elvis Presley in the following link of Elvis Radio 24h https://elvisradio24h.com/category/discography/
