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King Creole

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Rating: 4.6 Stars4.6 Stars4.6 Stars4.6 Stars4.6 Stars
Words & Music: Jerry Leiber/ Mike Stoller
There's a man in New Orleans
Who plays rock and roll
He's a guitar man
With a great big soul
He lays down a beat
Like a ton of coal
He goes by the name of King Creole

You know he's gone, gone, gone
Jumpin' like a catfish on a pole
You know he's gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole

When the king starts to do it
It's as good as done
He holds his guitar
like a tommy gun
He starts to growl
From way down his throat
He bends a string
And "that's all she wrote"

Well, he sings a song about a craw dad hole
He sings a song about a jelly roll
He sings a song about meat and greens
He wails some blues about New Orleans

Well, he plays something evil
Then he plays something sweet
No matter what he plays
You got to get up on your feet

When he gets the rockin' fever
baby, heaven sakes
He don't stop playin'
'Till his guitar breaks
Recorded: 1958/01/23, first released on EP

Reactions

dgirl (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 9, 2010report abuse
Unbeatable. This type of recording r(as did the whole LP) eally showed Elvis' growth from 1956 over the next 2 yrs. WHat happened in the 60's?
shoesuedeblues (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 9, 2010report abuse
Songwriters didn't come any better than Leiber & Stoller so it's no wonder that Elvis was anxious to record their songs for release while in the military. This didn't happen unfortunately but we still have a treasure trove of gems such as King Creole to remember what a superb partnership these three were.
Deano1 (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 9, 2010report abuse
The outstanding title tune from Elvis 4th movie. Lieber and Stoller with another brilliant song, the Jordaniares complimenting Elvis perfectly and Elvis delivering this high octane piece of rock and roll in his uniquely brilliant style. Put that all together and you have a 5 star track in every way. Not chosen as a single release in the U.S. (the equally great "Hard Headed Woman" was the single from the movie; "Trouble" would have been a good choice too.), it still was voted as American Bandstands' song of the year for 1958.
Steve V (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 9, 2010report abuse
Probably the best movie title song along with Jailhouse Rock. Leiber/Stoller was great, Elvis was great and no one could have touched the magic they created in the studio. Pure perfection.
old shep (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
The song reached the number 2 spot in the UK and the film was an even bigger success, great stuff.
Swen (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
What did the US army do to that guy? We were always told it was the communists who brainwashed people. When you compare the performances here and in say "Easy Come....." it´s almost impossible to comprehend it´s the same man. But this is great, and the movie, too!!
Natha (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
In the fifties practically every recording is outstanding. This one from an equally outstanding movie is definitely one of top favorites. Both the pure RnR by the King and the band are fabulous. A joy for the eye and ear.
Pedro Nuno (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
A Real Great Rock Song, from Elvis Best movie! Love the guitar solo, Love it!
Steve Morse (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
Fabulous song, fabulous soundtrack. The album tends to be forgotten about by Elvis fans but the sheer energy of the upbeat numbers, and richness of Elvis's voice on the ballads, make it one of his best. King Creole features possibly Elvis's lowest note - the F below middle C.
Deke Rivers 6 (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 24, 2009report abuse
Classic song,excellent film,nuff said !
derekd (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
Great Elvis R&R recording. Released in the Uk as a single and got to #2. Shame, it should have been another #1. Good guitar in the middle, was it Elvis? Someone once told me it was.
JerryNodak (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
I don't watch the movie that often. I don't watch ANY of the movies that often, but I love this song. It's one of my Top 5 title tracks.
bajo (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
One of those I never tire of! It's such an instant smash! There's a drive over this that makes you want more of it! I've looped one for my own pleasure! Elvis of the 50's could do no wrong it seemed!
KingKreole (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
Living in New Orleans, as I do, this song has special significance to me. It's a great song. Every version has been great too--all the outtakes are fantastic. I have even heard a strange remix version on YouTube that I like. You cannot go wrong with this track (or movie)!
bluesboy (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
Another classic from the fifties. I love the way Elvis soars from the menacing, low key verse into the high register of the chorus. Still brings me goosebumps. What a unique talent this man had. Still sorry he's gone.
dgirl (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
With each new release & film in the 50's Elvis just kept growing. King Creole proved this more than anything in the soundtrack recordings with its blusey/jazzy/rock tones and in his acting. How sad this didnt continue in the post Army films. One of the best film title tracks of them all.
sitdown68 (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
years ago I owned the import LP "You Are There"...it contained a couple of non-Dixieland outtakes. There was one with a long guitar solo by Scotty Moore. It's t h e best song so far I've heard from the fifties. There is a unique drive and swing to it, an unrestiable must hear any time. It was also my first Elvis movie. And I consider it as the best ever. It was not too close the novel as it was shifted from NYC to NO but I think it would have been difficult to interprete it as written. I read the book. The original story would be worthwhile a remake directed by Barbara Streisand or Steven Spielberg due to their jewish background...
Jay (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
This was a deserved Number 2 hit here in the UK! Shame didn't make Number 1 really, a classic!
My boy, my boy (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 13, 2009report abuse
Elvis the pelvis at his best once again...pure 50's rock'n'roll !!!...Who knows what could've happened had Elvis never gone to the army after King Creole...But I guess nothing lasts forever !
Steve V (profilecontact) wrote on Feb 3, 2009report abuse
This and Jailhouse Rock are his 2 best film title songs and his 2 best movies. This could have been a hit single. With Elvis & Leiber & Stoller, you could not lose.
Kees (profilecontact) wrote on Apr 26, 2008report abuse
As classic as the movie (well at least to many Elvis fans).

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