Introduction:
In 1968, a revolution was brewing within the very heart of American music. Rock and roll, the genre that had exploded onto the scene a decade prior with Elvis Presley at its helm, was undergoing a significant shift. Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were pushing the boundaries of sound and songwriting, while psychedelic rock emerged as a vibrant new movement. Elvis Presley, however, found himself in a curious position. After a string of commercially successful but critically derided Hollywood musicals throughout the 1960s, his musical fire seemed to be fading.
Enter the ’68 Comeback Special, a watershed moment in Presley’s career. This televised event, filmed just before Christmas in 1968, aimed to recapture the raw energy and electrifying spirit of his early rock and roll days. Stripped down from the elaborate productions of his recent films, the special featured Elvis in a more intimate setting, backed by his original band members, guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana. This reunion held immense significance. Moore and Fontana were not just Presley’s earliest collaborators, but also the architects of the groundbreaking sound that propelled him to superstardom. Their return promised a return to the roots, a chance for Elvis to reclaim his throne as the King of Rock and Roll.
One of the standout performances from the special is “Trying To Get To You”. Originally released in 1956 on Presley’s self-titled debut album, the song was a powerful showcase of his early rockabilly style. Characterized by its driving rhythm section, bluesy guitar licks, and Presley’s signature soulful vocals, the track became a rock and roll anthem.
The ’68 Comeback Special version of “Trying To Get To You” takes on a new life. Free from the constraints of studio production, the performance pulsates with an urgency and intensity that was missing from much of Presley’s recent work. The stripped-down arrangement allows the raw talent of both Presley and his band to shine through. Elvis himself delivers a passionate and dynamic vocal performance, his voice brimming with a newfound energy that captivated audiences and reignited his career.
This performance of “Trying To Get To You” is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It marked a pivotal moment in Presley’s trajectory. It signaled his return to his musical roots, a rediscovery of the sound that made him a legend. The raw power and unbridled energy on display would pave the way for a creative resurgence in the latter part of his career, solidifying his enduring impact on the history of rock and roll.