Introduction:
In 1968, a pivotal year for American music, a different kind of Elvis Presley emerged. The King, who had dominated the charts and cultural landscape throughout the 50s with his smooth blend of rock and roll and pop, found himself in a transitional phase. The musical landscape had shifted towards the grittier sounds of blues and rock, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones taking center stage. Presley’s recent film work, heavy on lighthearted musicals, hadn’t exactly kept him at the forefront of musical innovation.
Enter the “Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special”, a televised event aimed at reigniting the spark that had initially ignited the rock and roll firestorm. Stripped down from the elaborate productions of his films, the special showcased a raw and energetic Elvis, reconnecting with his musical roots. It’s within this context that we find “Baby, What You Want Me To Do”, a blues-infused stomper originally written and recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1959.
Presley’s rendition of the song is a revelation. Gone are the polished vocals and orchestrated arrangements of his earlier hits. Here, we hear a fired-up Elvis, his voice a powerful growl that perfectly complements the song’s driving rhythm section. The backing band, featuring Scotty Moore on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, and a young Charlie Hodge on bass, lays down a tight groove that pulsates with a bluesy energy. Presley himself throws himself into the performance, his signature hip gyrations taking a backseat to a more primal, almost desperate energy.
The performance transcended mere nostalgia. It served as a powerful reminder of Presley’s raw talent and undeniable charisma. “Baby, What You Want Me To Do” became a highlight of the “Comeback Special,” showcasing a revitalized Elvis ready to reclaim his throne in the ever-evolving world of rock and roll. This stripped-down, bluesy performance not only reignited Presley’s career but also cemented his legacy as a genre-bending innovator who could effortlessly shift between heartthrob crooner and down-and-dirty bluesman.