Introduction
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do” isn’t just a catchy Elvis Presley tune, it’s a time capsule capturing the King’s musical evolution and the turbulent decade of the 60s. Originally, the song belonged to blues legend Jimmy Reed, a Mississippi-born artist known for his gritty vocals and raw, electrifying guitar riffs. In 1956, “Baby” became a minor hit for Reed, its shuffling beat and suggestive lyrics setting dance floors alight.
Elvis, ever the musical magpie, caught wind of “Baby” and couldn’t resist its seductive charm. In 1960, he recorded his own version, injecting it with his trademark swagger and rock and roll flare. Gone were Reed’s rawness, replaced by Presley’s honeyed drawl and polished production. The result was a potent cocktail of blues, R&B, and pure Elvis charisma, propelling “Baby” to the top of the charts.
But “Baby” was more than just a chart-topper. It symbolized Elvis’s transition from squeaky-clean teen idol to mature artist. The lyrics, previously veiled in bluesy innuendo, became bolder in Presley’s hands, hinting at a newfound confidence and sensuality. His performance crackles with an electric energy, his voice dancing with playful defiance as he asks his “baby” for what she wants.
This evolution wasn’t without controversy. Some fans, accustomed to Elvis’s earlier bubblegum charm, were taken aback by the song’s suggestive swagger. Others saw it as a welcome push against his increasingly sanitized image. Regardless of the naysayers, “Baby” established Elvis as a force to be reckoned with, a versatile artist ready to explore the darker corners of the musical landscape.