Introduction:
By the late 1960s, the cultural landscape of America was undergoing a seismic shift. Rock and roll, the music that had propelled Elvis Presley to superstardom a decade earlier, was fragmenting into diverse subgenres. Meanwhile, the Western film, a mainstay of Hollywood for decades, was facing its own evolution. Gone were the days of John Wayne and strictly formulaic narratives. A new breed of Westerns, blending social commentary with action, began to emerge.
It was within this context that “Stay Away, Joe” arrived in 1968. The song, featured in the film of the same name, marked a departure for Presley. While still categorized as a musical Western, the film incorporated comedic elements and a more contemporary setting compared to the traditional dusty frontier towns of classic Westerns. Similarly, “Stay Away, Joe”, while retaining a country music base, infused the genre with a touch of rock and roll swagger.
The song’s origins lie with songwriters Sid Wayne and Ben Weisman, but Presley’s charismatic delivery and the film’s unique blend of genres breathe life into the track. “Stay Away, Joe” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but it served as an interesting footnote in Presley’s filmography and musical trajectory. It showcased his ability to adapt to the changing musical and cultural landscape while still retaining the charm that made him a star.
Unlike the typical Western hero, the protagonist of the film, Joe Lightcloud (played by Presley), is a rodeo champion of mixed Native American descent returning to his reservation. The film tackles themes of cultural identity and social progress, themes not often explored in traditional Westerns. “Stay Away, Joe”, mirroring the film’s narrative, avoids the stereotypical Western balladry. The song’s upbeat tempo and Presley’s signature rock and roll swagger create a sound that feels fresh and contemporary, even amidst the Western setting.
Despite its lack of mainstream success, “Stay Away, Joe” holds a certain historical significance. It represents a moment in Presley’s career where he experimented with blending genres and adapting to the evolving musical tastes of the audience. The song, along with the film, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Hollywood Westerns while hinting at the changing cultural landscape of the late 1960s.