Introduction:
Smokey Mountain Boy wasn’t one of Elvis Presley’s biggest hits, but it holds a special place in the filmography of the King of Rock and Roll. Released in 1964, the song soundtracked a pivotal scene in the movie Kissin’ Cousins. Smokey Mountain Boy is a country ballad, a departure from Presley’s rock and roll** staples, and showcased his versatility as a singer.
The Kissin’ Cousins soundtrack offered a mix of musical styles. Several songs leaned into the rock and roll that made Presley famous, but Smokey Mountain Boy stood out for its country twang. Lenore Rosenblatt and Victor Millrose penned the ballad, which tells the story of a young man, likely from the Smoky Mountains region, pining for his home. The lyrics paint a picture of rural life, far from the Hollywood dream the character finds himself chasing.
Smokey Mountain Boy was recorded in two stages. The backing track was laid down at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville on September 30, 1963, the first track recorded that evening. Elvis himself wasn’t feeling well at the time, battling a cold. Despite this, they were able to capture a master take in just three attempts. Elvis added his vocals later, on October 10th, at MGM’s soundstage in Hollywood. Again, the third take proved to be the charm.
While Smokey Mountain Boy wasn’t a chart-topping hit, it has become a fan favorite among collectors and Elvis Presley** devotees. The song offers a glimpse into a country side of Presley that wasn’t always on display. It also stands as a unique piece of the Kissin’ Cousins soundtrack, a film that blended rock and roll with country stylings. The Smokey Mountain Boy scene itself was one of the few filmed on location for the movie, adding another layer of authenticity to the country ballad.
Today, Smokey Mountain Boy can be found on various Elvis Presley compilation albums and is available for streaming on most major platforms. While it may not be Presley’s most famous song, it remains an interesting detour in his vast catalog, a country ballad sung by the King of Rock and Roll.