Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Too Much”. Released in 1957, this rock and roll scorcher stands as a testament to the King’s undeniable charisma and the electrifying energy that first captivated audiences in the mid-50s. While Elvis had already established himself as a rising star with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog,” “Too Much” showcased a different side of the young performer.
Composed by songwriting duo Bernard Weinman and Lee Rosenberg, “Too Much” was originally recorded by R&B singer Bernard Hardison in 1955. However, it was Elvis’s powerhouse rendition that truly propelled the song into the spotlight. Unlike the smoother ballads that were also part of his repertoire, “Too Much” pulsates with a raw, infectious energy. The driving rhythm section, courtesy of Elvis’s legendary backing band – Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums – lays the foundation for a sonic firestorm.
Elvis, with his signature blend of youthful swagger and soulful delivery, takes center stage. His voice, a potent mix of rockabilly twang and gospel fervor, navigates the song’s emotional terrain with remarkable ease. He seamlessly shifts from pleading vulnerability – “You give me too much, baby, just a little more than I can stand” – to a playful defiance – “I just can’t help myself, I gotta love you if it kills me.” The call-and-response vocals provided by the Jordanaires, a gospel quartet who frequently collaborated with Elvis, add another layer of texture and gospel-tinged harmony to the mix.
“Too Much” wasn’t just a critical darling; it was a certified commercial success. The song rocketed to the top of both the Billboard and Cashbox charts, further solidifying Elvis’s position as the king of rock and roll. It even managed to crack the R&B charts, a testament to the song’s broad appeal and Elvis’s ability to bridge musical genres.
More than just a chart-topper, “Too Much” became a signature song for Elvis. His electrifying performance of the song on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in January 1957 is considered a landmark moment in television history. Clad in his trademark black suit and sporting his signature pompadour, Elvis’s energetic stage presence and suggestive hip movements sent shockwaves through the nation. While some critics decried his “suggestive” gyrations, there was no denying the raw power and undeniable talent on display.
“Too Much” stands as a timeless rock and roll classic. It encapsulates the essence of Elvis’s early career: the electrifying energy, the soulful vocals, and the captivating stage presence that would forever change the landscape of popular music.