Introduction:
Though the legend of Elvis Presley is built upon a foundation of rock and roll classics like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock,” his musical journey extended far beyond the genre that propelled him to superstardom. “The Twelfth of Never,” a hidden gem unearthed in the later years of his career, showcases Presley’s versatility and his enduring ability to captivate audiences.
Recorded in 1974 during a rehearsal session for an upcoming Las Vegas engagement, “The Twelfth of Never” remained unreleased for over two decades. This wasn’t a conscious decision; the song simply hadn’t made it onto Presley’s setlist. However, fate intervened in 1995 when bootlegged recordings of the rehearsal session surfaced, bringing “The Twelfth of Never” to the attention of the public for the first time.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the Elvis Presley fan community. Here was a previously unknown track, delivered with the raw energy and soulful vocals that characterized Presley’s live performances. The song’s unexpected arrival added a new dimension to his already expansive catalogue.
“The Twelfth of Never” falls under the umbrella of pop music, a genre that Presley frequently dabbled in throughout his career. The song itself is a cover, originally written by Jerry Livingston and Mack David in 1956. It had been recorded by several artists before Presley, most notably by Johnny Mathis whose version reached number one on the Billboard charts.
However, Presley’s rendition injects a new lifeblood into the song. Gone is the smooth crooning of Mathis, replaced by Presley’s signature intensity. The stripped-down rehearsal setting allows his voice to take center stage, brimming with a powerful conviction that transcends the informality of the recording. The raw emotion in his delivery is palpable, leaving listeners wondering why this captivating performance remained hidden for so long.
The official release of “The Twelfth of Never” in 1995 served a dual purpose. It was included on the compilation album “The Essential 70’s Masters – Walk A Mile In My Shoes”, a box set chronicling Presley’s later years. However, it also received a standalone single release alongside Presley’s iconic hits “Walk a Mile In My Shoes” and “Burning Love.” This promotional strategy, highlighting the “recently discovered sensation,” propelled “The Twelfth of Never” onto the UK charts, peaking at a respectable #21.
Though it never became a chart-topping smash like some of Presley’s earlier hits, “The Twelfth of Never” stands as a testament to his enduring artistry. It’s a captivating discovery, a glimpse into the soulful depths of a legendary performer, and a reminder that even the King of Rock and Roll had hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed.