Introduction:
“Hey Jude” is a well-known song by The Beatles, originally written by Paul McCartney and released in 1968. It became one of the most iconic songs of the era, known for its emotional depth and the famous singalong “na-na-na” coda. The song was written for John Lennon’s son, Julian, during the time Lennon and his wife, Cynthia, were going through a divorce. McCartney originally titled the song “Hey Jules” to comfort Julian, but later changed it to “Hey Jude,” thinking it sounded better.
Elvis Presley, a fan of The Beatles, performed “Hey Jude” in a somewhat rare instance of covering a Beatles song. Presley’s version of “Hey Jude” was recorded on February 21, 1969, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, during one of his most creative periods, known as the “Memphis Sessions.” This recording came at a time when Presley was reasserting his place in the music industry after his comeback in 1968, following years focused on films rather than music.
While Presley did not officially release “Hey Jude” as a single, the song eventually appeared on several posthumous compilations, notably the 1972 album Elvis Now and later on various other collections. Presley’s cover, although not as popular as The Beatles’ original, offered a unique interpretation of the classic. His version, which runs just over four minutes, is a stripped-down, raw take compared to The Beatles’ more polished and lengthy recording.
Presley’s vocal performance on “Hey Jude” stands out for its emotional delivery, but the production of the track itself has often been critiqued for being somewhat underdeveloped compared to his other work. The cover was reportedly more of a jam session during the recording process rather than a fully planned studio effort. Some music historians view this version as an informal tribute from Presley to The Beatles, whom he admired despite the complex relationship between Presley and the “Fab Four” at the time.
Though Presley and The Beatles were leading figures of their respective eras in rock and roll, their interactions were few, and there was an undercurrent of tension, with Presley feeling somewhat threatened by the band’s rise during the British Invasion. However, his decision to cover “Hey Jude” signals a certain respect for The Beatles’ music and their contributions to pop culture.
Elvis’ version of “Hey Jude” remains a fascinating footnote in his discography, giving fans a glimpse into his broader musical interests during the late 1960s and his willingness to experiment with contemporary songs of the time.