Introduction:
New Orleans, a high-octane rock and roll song by the legendary Elvis Presley, was released in 1959. Though not an A-side single, it carved its own path to success, becoming a fan favorite and leaving a lasting mark on Presley’s musical legacy.
Composed by the songwriting duo of Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus, New Orleans pulsates with the energy of its namesake city. Shuman and Pomus, who penned numerous hits for Presley including “Jailhouse Rock” and “A Mess of Blues,” were known for capturing the essence of American roots music. In New Orleans, they channeled the city’s rich musical gumbo, a blend of blues, jazz, and R&B that would become a cornerstone of rock and roll.
The song’s recording session took place on January 15, 1958, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. Elvis Presley, then at the height of his early career, was known for his electrifying performances and his ability to infuse different genres into his music. New Orleans was no exception. Presley’s charismatic vocals and the rhythmic backing by his band, The Scotty Moore Trio (featuring Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums), bring the song’s energetic spirit to life.
New Orleans was released in January 1959 as the B-side to the single “King Creole”. King Creole was the title track for Presley’s second film, a musical drama centered around a teenager caught between two worlds. New Orleans, though not the film’s main focus, resonated with audiences. The song reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a testament to its popularity and Presley’s star power.
New Orleans endures not just for its chart success, but for the way it encapsulates a specific time and place in American music history. The song represents the early rock and roll scene, where genres freely borrowed from each other, and young musicians were breaking new ground. New Orleans also serves as a reminder of Presley’s influence. His ability to bridge musical styles and ignite audiences with his charismatic performances helped propel rock and roll into the cultural phenomenon it is today.
Video:
Lyrics:
You’ll never know what heaven meansUntil you’ve been down to New OrleansYou ain’t been livin’ till you cuddle and cooWith some black-eyed baby by the old bayou
You’ve never seenYou’ve never seen those Cupid doll queensLike they got ’em in New OrleansAnd, oh, they love you like no one canIt makes you awful glad that you were born a man
If-if-if you ain’t been thereThen you ain’t been nowhereThe livin’s lazy and the lovin’s fineIf you feel low down, so help me HannahYou should lose the blues in Louisiana
Get the leadGet the lead out of your jeansAnd hot foot it down–hot foot down to where?New OrleansLouisiana, baby, tells you stay awhileLive it up, love it up, southern styleWay down in New, New Orleans