"Guitar Man" by Elvis Presley

Song#:  0468
Date:  01/24/1981
Debut:  77
Peak:  28
Weeks:  14
Genre:  Pop, Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  After his death in August, 1977, Presley had one posthumous single hit the chart which was a live version of "My Way" (#22, gold, 1977) taken from a CBS special. A few others made it to the country chart, but it wasn't until this song was released over three years later that a Presley song made it back to the pop chart. In the years following his death, Presley's long-time producer Felton Jarvis took Presley's vocals from songs he had previously recorded and put them to new and/or remixed music. The resulting album, "Guitar Man," featured this title-track single. Written by Jerry Reed and originally recorded by Presley in 1968 for the "Clambake" album, the initial single release of the song peaked at #43. Jarvis' newer, electric version did better and got in the Top 30. However, it was a bigger hit on the country chart peaking at #1 and becoming Presley's last to do so.

ReduxReview:  Although the remix with the old vocal is done very well, I actually prefer the original to this "electrified" one. However, it's not a tune I'd choose to include on any "best of" Elvis playlist I might have in my iTunes. It's okay, just not essential.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Jarvis worked on the album and finished it up, but unfortunately died just prior to the album's release. The album peaked at #6 on the country chart and #49 on the pop chart.  2) Presley holds a few chart records including most Top 40 hits (80) and as of this date the most weeks spent at #1 (79). He is currently tied with Mariah Carey, so there is a good chance he could lose this record in coming years.

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