Introduction
Introduction to “Jailhouse Rock”
In the summer of 1957, the music world was abuzz with excitement as a young Elvis Presley was set to star in his third film, Jailhouse Rock. The film, directed by Richard Thorpe, was a musical drama that told the story of Vince Everett, a young man who is wrongfully imprisoned for manslaughter. While incarcerated, Everett discovers his talent for singing and dancing, and quickly becomes a popular figure among the inmates.
The film’s soundtrack was produced by Colonel Tom Parker, who was also Presley’s manager. Parker enlisted the help of songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller to write a number of songs for the film, including the title track, “Jailhouse Rock”. Leiber and Stoller, who had already written several hit songs for Presley, including “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender”, were up to the challenge. They wrote “Jailhouse Rock” as a fast-paced, upbeat song that perfectly captured the energy and excitement of Presley’s performances.
The song was recorded at Radio Recorders in Hollywood on April 30, 1957, with Presley singing lead vocals and Scotty Moore on guitar. The session was produced by Leiber and Stoller, and it was completed in just one take.
“Jailhouse Rock” was released as a single on September 24, 1957, and it quickly became a smash hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for seven weeks. It also topped the charts in the United Kingdom and Australia.
“Jailhouse Rock” is considered to be one of Presley’s greatest hits. It is a classic rock and roll song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.
In addition to its commercial success, “Jailhouse Rock” is also considered to be a significant cultural artifact. The song helped to popularize rock and roll music and helped to establish Presley as a cultural icon. The song’s lyrics and music reflect the social and political turmoil of the 1950s, and the song’s message of rebellion and defiance resonated with young people around the world.
“Jailhouse Rock” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages. It is a testament to Presley’s talent as a singer and performer, and it remains one of the most popular songs in the history of rock and roll.