Elvis Presley – Baby, What You Want Me To Do

Introduction:

“Baby, What You Want Me to Do” is a blues song written by Jimmy Reed, a renowned blues singer and harmonica player. It was first recorded by Reed in 1950 for the Vee-Jay label and released in 1951.

The song’s lyrics express the frustration and resignation of a man in a tumultuous relationship. The protagonist repeatedly asks his lover what she wants him to do, highlighting his confusion and willingness to please her, even if it means enduring an uncertain and potentially painful situation. The song’s repetitive structure and simple yet evocative lyrics have made it a popular choice for blues and rock and roll artists.

Over the years, “Baby, What You Want Me to Do” has been covered by numerous musicians, including Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. It is considered a blues standard and has been inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.

Elvis Presley’s version of the song, recorded for his 1968 NBC television special, “Elvis,” showcases his powerful vocals and stage presence. His rendition helped to introduce the song to a wider audience and solidified its place in popular music history.

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“HE BURST THROUGH THE DOOR, DRUNK, SHOUTING ‘WHO THE HELL IS THAT?’ — AND NOBODY INSIDE COULD HAVE KNOWN THEY WERE WATCHING THE BEGINNING OF ONE OF COUNTRY MUSIC’S GREATEST FRIENDSHIPS.” It was 1961 at the tiny Blackboard Café in Bakersfield, California. A young, unknown Merle Haggard stood onstage singing Marty Robbins songs, hoping someone might notice. Then the front door slammed open. In walked George Jones—already a country star, already deep into another night of drinking. He stopped in his tracks, listened for a moment, then demanded to know who the young singer was. That unexpected encounter sparked a friendship that would last a lifetime. Jones would often say Merle Haggard was his favorite country singer, while Haggard admired Jones’s voice so deeply that he compared it to a priceless Stradivarius violin. Both men rose from hardship, battled personal struggles, and carried the relentless pressure of living up to legendary reputations. They recorded unforgettable albums together, shared countless stages, and remained fiercely loyal despite difficult moments. When George Jones announced his farewell concert, Haggard quietly bought two $1,000 meet-and-greet tickets, never imagining he would never get the chance to use them. The final words Jones shared with Haggard backstage—and the heartfelt tribute Haggard wrote after losing his friend—became a reminder that some friendships continue echoing long after the last song has faded away.