Introduction:
In 1968, the legendary Elvis Presley embarked on a mission to recapture the raw energy and electrifying sound that propelled him to superstardom a decade earlier. This mission manifested in the landmark television special, Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special’, a program that marked a pivotal moment in his career. One of the standout performances of the special was “Baby, What You Want Me To Do”, a blues-infused rocker that showcased a revitalized Elvis, stripping away the glitz of his recent Las Vegas shows and returning to his rock and roll roots.
Originally written and recorded by blues legend Jimmy Reed in 1956, “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” became a staple of Presley’s early live sets. His electrifying performances of the song helped solidify his status as a rock and roll pioneer, and the song’s suggestive lyrics and driving rhythm resonated with a generation. However, by the late 1960s, Elvis’s career had taken a more commercially-driven turn, with his music often catering to a more mainstream pop audience. The ’68 Comeback Special aimed to change that.
The special was produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator who understood the importance of showcasing the “real” Elvis. Jarvis assembled a stripped-down band featuring Scotty Moore (Elvis’s original guitarist) and D.J. Fontana (his original drummer), reuniting the core group that had fueled his early success. This stripped-back approach allowed Elvis’s raw talent and charisma to shine through.
Elvis’s performance of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” on the ’68 Comeback Special is nothing short of electrifying. He attacks the song with a renewed fervor, his vocals powerful and expressive. Moore’s guitar work is sharp and stinging, perfectly complementing the driving rhythm section. The performance is a masterclass in rock and roll energy, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between Elvis and his original bandmates.
The impact of “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” and the ’68 Comeback Special as a whole was undeniable. The special helped to re-energize Elvis’s career, reminding audiences of his raw talent and undeniable stage presence. It also served as a blueprint for his future success, paving the way for a string of critically acclaimed albums in the early 1970s. Today, “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy as the King of Rock and Roll.