“Discover all the details of Elvis Presley’s 1957 EP Loving You Vol. 2 — its context, track list, production, curiosities, and how its songs translated into live performances”
1. Introduction
In 1957, Elvis Presley had already become a global rock & roll phenomenon and a dominant force in popular culture. That same year saw the release of the EP Loving You Vol. 2, a companion record to the soundtrack of his film Loving You. The EP showcases Elvis’s dynamic range as a performer and reflects the growing sophistication of his recording career. This article explores its background, track details, production, reception, and the live interpretations connected to it.
2. Key Release Information
- Title: Loving You Vol. 2
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Format: 7? EP (Extended Play), 45 RPM
- Label: RCA Victor (catalog number EPA 2-1515)
- Release Date (U.S.): June 26, 1957
- Context: Issued as a companion release to the Loving You film soundtrack, which debuted on June 20, 1957.
- International Editions: In some markets it appeared as Vol. II or Vol. 2, with minor label variations.
The EP served as part of RCA’s marketing strategy to capitalize on the success of Loving You in both cinemas and record stores.
3. Track List and Details
The Loving You Vol. 2 EP includes four songs closely associated with the film soundtrack:
Side A
- Lonesome Cowboy
- Hot Dog
Side B
3. Mean Woman Blues
4. Got a Lot o’ Livin’ to Do!
Track Notes:
- “Lonesome Cowboy” – Written by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett. Recorded in January 1957 for the Loving You sessions. A light western-themed number reflecting the movie’s style.
- “Hot Dog” – A playful, fast rockabilly track that captures Elvis’s youthful energy and stage charisma.
- “Mean Woman Blues” – Written by Claude Demetrius, recorded January 12, 1957 in Hollywood. One of the rawest performances of the set, later becoming a concert highlight.
- “Got a Lot o’ Livin’ to Do!” – By Aaron Schroeder and Ben Weisman, also featured on the full Loving You soundtrack album. Energetic and upbeat, it mirrors the spirit of 1950s rock & roll optimism.
This EP, released alongside the film, extended the commercial life of its songs and highlighted Elvis’s appeal beyond the movie screen.
4. Production and Recording Context
Recording sessions took place at Radio Recorders Studios in Hollywood between January and February 1957.
The Vol. 2 EP appeared shortly after the main soundtrack LP, giving fans additional material linked to the same cinematic project.
At the time, EPs were an essential format for Elvis’s audience — affordable, collectible, and perfect for international distribution.
“Vol. 2” followed the earlier Loving You Vol. 1 EP, which contained a different selection of songs from the film, reinforcing RCA’s strategy of segmenting releases for maximum reach.
5. Reception and Place in Elvis’s Discography
While precise sales numbers for this EP are limited, its release coincided with Elvis’s most prolific recording year. It complemented the album and film Loving You, both major successes in 1957.
Collectors value Loving You Vol. 2 for its distinctive artwork and its connection to one of Elvis’s most significant cinematic projects.
Critically, it represents the bridge between the early Sun-era rawness and the more polished RCA sound that would define his late-1950s output.
6. Significance and Legacy
Loving You Vol. 2 captures Elvis Presley at the height of his early fame — balancing film stardom, studio mastery, and a maturing artistic identity.
Though overshadowed by his major singles, the EP stands as a testament to his range: from bluesy swagger to exuberant rockabilly.
For collectors and historians, it serves as a snapshot of the 1957 recording and marketing machine that helped cement Elvis’s status as the “King of Rock & Roll.”
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s Loving You Vol. 2 EP remains a fascinating chapter in his 1957 discography — a release that merged film promotion with musical artistry. Its four tracks reveal different shades of his talent and the creative drive of that pivotal year. While its songs were seldom concert staples, they form a key link in understanding how Elvis’s cinematic and musical worlds intertwined.
For any website dedicated to Elvis Presley, this EP deserves special attention as a symbol of his artistic momentum and the unstoppable cultural phenomenon he became.
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