For fans of Elvis Presley, the song “And I Love You So” holds a special place, showcasing the King’s powerful and emotive vocal performance. This ballad, originally written and performed by Don McLean, became a notable part of Elvis’s repertoire, featuring on his 1975 album Today. The period surrounding the recording of Elvis Singing And I Love You So was a busy and challenging time for Presley, marked by health issues, personal matters, and significant purchases, all leading up to productive studio sessions in Hollywood.
The story of Elvis singing “And I Love You So” is intertwined with the events of early 1975. Let’s delve into the context of this recording and the significant moments in Elvis’s life during that time. Elvis’s career encompassed a wide range of musical styles, from his early rock and roll anthems to ballads and gospel hymns. Fans interested in the breadth of his work might explore Elvis’s Biggest Hits for a look at his most commercially successful songs.
The Song: “And I Love You So”
Written by Don McLean, “And I Love You So” is a poignant love song that Elvis made his own. His version is celebrated for its heartfelt delivery.
Lyrics:
And I love you so, The people ask me how, How I’ve lived till now I tell them I don’t know
I guess they understand How lonely life has been But life began again The day you took my hand
And yes I know how lonely life can be Shadows follow me The night won’t set me free But I don’t let the evening get me down Now that you’re around me
And you love me too Your thoughts are just for me You set my spirit free I’m happy that you do
The book of life is brief Once the page is read All but love is dead This is my believe
Recorded: 1975/03/10, first released on Today
Early 1975: Health and Personal Challenges
The start of 1975 was difficult for Elvis personally and professionally. Instead of his usual performance season in Las Vegas, Elvis was admitted to Baptist Memorial Hospital in late January. Several physical problems required him to remain hospitalized until February 14. While no surgery was needed, this stay had a positive side effect: it helped him curb reliance on unnecessary addictive pills.
Meanwhile, on February 5, Vernon Presley, Elvis’s father, suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the same hospital, recuperating in a room adjacent to Elvis’s.
Elvis was discharged from the hospital on February 14, returning to Graceland to continue his recovery. The shows that were canceled in January and February due to his hospitalization were subsequently rescheduled for the second half of March.
The Airplane Purchase
Amidst his health issues, Elvis pursued a significant purchase. On January 20, 1975, he placed a $75,000 deposit on an impounded Boeing 707 jet. However, the deal ultimately fell through. The previous owner was Robert Vesco, a fugitive financier, and acquiring the plane would have involved complex negotiations with the IRS. Furthermore, Elvis was warned that if the plane ever landed in countries where Vesco was establishing a base, there was a risk he might attempt to seize it.
In April, Elvis successfully purchased a Convair 880 Jet that had recently been taken out of service by Delta Airlines. The cost was a substantial $250,000 at the time. After extensive refurbishing, the total expenditure exceeded $600,000. He promptly renamed the aircraft the Lisa Marie after his daughter.
Returning to Music: The March 1975 Sessions
After recuperating, Elvis was ready to return to recording. On March 3, Elvis flew to California to prepare for upcoming studio work. The session that would produce the Today album began on March 10, 1975, at RCA’s Sunset Boulevard Studios in Hollywood, California. The session commenced at 9:00 am with Elvis arriving accompanied by Sheila Ryan and his daughter, Lisa Marie. This period saw him recording a mix of new songs and covers, showcasing the diverse range that characterized his career. From early rock and roll hits reminiscent of tracks produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller like Hound Dog to later ballads and album tracks, Elvis was always exploring different sounds.
The recording schedule over the next few days was productive:
March 10, 1975 RCA Studio C – Hollywood, California
March 11, 1975 RCA Studio C – Hollywood, California
- Green Green Grass Of Home
- I Can Help
- And I Love You So
- Susan When She Tried
March 12, 1975 RCA Studio C – Hollywood, California
- T-R-O-U-B-L-E
- Tiger Man (Jam)
- Woman Without Love
- Shake A Hand
- Bringing It Back
March 13, 1975 RCA Studio C – Hollywood, California
It was on the second day of these sessions, March 11, 1975, that Elvis recorded his version of “And I Love You So.” This session highlights his continued dedication to recording new material following a period of personal and health-related challenges. His ability to deliver impactful performances remained undiminished, cementing his status as a versatile artist capable of interpreting various musical styles, much like the varied tracks found on albums or movie soundtracks like Elvis Presley Change of Habit songs.
Conclusion
The recording of Elvis Singing And I Love You So for the Today album in March 1975 was a significant moment, not just musically, but also in the context of Elvis Presley’s life at the time. Despite facing health issues and personal hurdles early in the year, Elvis returned to the studio with renewed focus, resulting in an album that featured memorable tracks like “And I Love You So.” This period demonstrates his resilience and enduring passion for music, contributing further to his legendary catalog. His influence spans decades and genres, inspiring various interpretations of his work, including orchestral versions of his hits such as Elvis Presley Burning Love with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Furthermore, for those interested in his spiritual side, a list of Elvis Presley Hymns list provides insight into his gospel recordings.
Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD
Cover art for “Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD” featuring unreleased 1956 concert footage
Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950’s with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don’t Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The ‘parade’ footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis’ Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying: Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
