Elvis Presley’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”: The Story Behind the 1976 Recording

Among the many iconic songs recorded by the King of Rock and Roll, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” holds a special place. When you hear this poignant ballad performed by Elvis Presley, “blue eyes” in the title evokes a certain melancholic image associated with the artist’s expressive performances. This article delves into the history and recording of blue eyes crying in the rain by elvis presley, a significant track from his later career, recorded during a pivotal time in his life. As elvis king of rock and roll, his interpretations of songs across genres often became definitive versions, and this country ballad was no exception.

The beautiful country song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was written by Fred Rose, a prolific songwriter who penned several country hits, including collaborations with Hank Williams. The song was first recorded by Roy Acuff in 1947. Decades later, in 1975, Willie Nelson recorded his slower version, which became a major hit and is largely credited with inspiring Elvis’s own rendition.

Elvis recorded his version in the unique setting of the Jungle Room at Graceland on February 7, 1976. This intimate home recording session, facilitated by RCA’s mobile recording equipment brought into his den, captured a raw and heartfelt performance. The track was included on the album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard“, released in April 1976. The album performed well, reaching number 1 on the Country Album charts, showcasing Elvis’s continued connection with country music audiences. elvis presley singing blue hawaii might represent one side of his repertoire, but his ability to deliver heartfelt country and gospel songs was equally impactful.

“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” has been covered numerous times by various artists before and after Elvis recorded it. Notable performers who have put their own stamp on the song include Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Conway Twitty, and Olivia Newton-John. Each artist brings a unique interpretation to the ballad’s themes of lost love and lingering memory. elvis presley blue spanish eyes is another example of how Elvis could take a song with ‘blue eyes’ in the title and make it his own.

The emotional lyrics of the song resonate deeply:

In the twilight glow I see her Blue eyes crying in the rain When we kissed goodbye and parted I knew we’d never meet again

Love is like a dying ember Only memories remain Through the ages I remember Blue eyes crying in the rain

Someday when we meet up yonder We’ll stroll hand in hand again In a land that knows no parting Blue eyes crying in the rain

Blue eyes crying in the rain Blue eyes crying in the rain Blue eyes crying in the rain

Recorded on February 7, 1976, the song was first released on the “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee” album.

Timeline of Events Surrounding the 1976 Recordings

The period around the recording of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was busy for Elvis, marked by recording sessions and touring.

January 20, 1975: A Story of Generosity

An anecdote from this time involves Denver television newsman Don Kinney jokingly wishing for a car on air after reporting on Elvis’s generosity to police friends. The story is that Elvis bought him a Cadillac Seville. Don Kinney later provided his own account contradicting some details, elaborating on the circumstances of receiving a car from Elvis.

February 2-8, 1976: The Jungle Room Sessions

Elvis held a week of significant recording sessions in the den at Graceland. RCA brought in mobile recording equipment to capture these performances. Songs recorded during this period formed the bulk of the “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee” album and over half of the subsequent “Moody Blue” album.

• February 2 / 3, 1976: “Bitter They Are Harder They Fall”, “She Thinks I Still Care”, “The Last Farewell”
• February 3 / 4, 1976: “Solitaire”
• February 4 / 5, 1976: “Moody Blue”, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
• February 5 / 6, 1976: “For The Heart”, “Hurt”, “Danny Boy”
• February 6 / 7, 1976: “Never Again”, “Love Coming Down”
• February 7 / 8, 1976: “Feelings”, “America The Beautiful”, “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”

These sessions highlight Elvis’s eclectic musical interests during this phase of his career, from ballads to patriotic anthems. Beyond country hits like “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” his repertoire included timeless classics such as original suspicious minds, demonstrating his versatility.

March 1976: Tour Notes

Returning to the concert circuit after a break, Elvis’s March 1976 tour was relatively short and saw changes in his band, the TCB Band. Guitarist James Burton and drummer Ronnie Tutt initially planned to leave, but Burton returned after Elvis agreed to raise fees for the band members. Shane Kiester replaced Glen D. Hardin on keyboards, and Larry Londin sat in for Ronnie Tutt. Kiester later left, and Tony Brown took over on keyboards in April. Security issues were also a concern for Elvis during this tour.

October 29-31, 1976: Continuation of Jungle Room Recordings

More recording took place in the Jungle Room later in 1976.

• October 29 / 30, 1976: “It’s Easy For You”, “Way Down”, “Pledging My Love”
• October 30 / 31, 1976: “There’s A Fire Down Below” (Track), “He’ll Have To Go” (Track)
• October 31, 1976: “He’ll Have To Go” (Vocal Overdub)

Early November, 1976: Personal Life

Around this time, Elvis and Linda Thompson, his steady girlfriend since 1972, ended their relationship.

November 23, 1976: Incident at Graceland

A notable incident occurred when Jerry Lee Lewis appeared at the gates of Graceland in the early hours, reportedly with a gun and demanding to see Elvis. Witnesses described him as screaming and cursing. Police found Lewis in his car with a loaded weapon. This was the second consecutive night Lewis had shown up, attempting to connect with Elvis, who observed the events unfold on closed-circuit monitors inside Graceland.

Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD

An excellent resource for fans looking to see early footage of Elvis is the “Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD”. This DVD contains previously unreleased film of Elvis performing six songs, including “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” live in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1956. It features a live performance of “Long Tall Sally” seen for the first time, plus bonus audio. The DVD offers valuable color and black and white footage, putting the viewer in the context of his early career, along with interviews with his parents. The afternoon show footage is highlighted as wonderful and electrifying, capturing Elvis in his prime.

Cover art for the ‘Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley’ DVD

Conclusion

Elvis Presley’s recording of “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” stands as a testament to his ability to interpret and popularize songs from various genres, leaving a lasting impact even on classic country tunes. Recorded during the intense and eventful year of 1976 at his home in Graceland, this version remains a cherished track for fans, embodying the emotional depth Elvis could bring to a ballad. The context of its recording, nestled amongst other significant sessions and personal events, paints a vivid picture of the King’s life during this period.