Introduction:
How “Let’s Be Friends” Became an Elvis Budget Album Cut
Elvis Presley’s “Let’s Be Friends” might not be a chart-topping hit, but it has a unique story in the King’s vast discography. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s history:
Budget Album Boom: In 1970, budget albums were all the rage. RCA Records, capitalizing on this trend, saw success with “Elvis Sings Flaming Star And Others” on their budget imprint, RCA Camden. This prompted a deal with Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, for four more budget LPs.
Birth of “Let’s Be Friends”: “Let’s Be Friends” was the first of these four budget albums, released in April 1970. The twist? It wasn’t part of Elvis’ standard recording contract. RCA paid a $300,000 advance against royalties, split between Elvis and the Colonel, to secure the material.
A Compilation of Movie Tracks: Unlike a typical Elvis album featuring new recordings, “Let’s Be Friends” was primarily a compilation. It featured unreleased songs Elvis recorded for his movies, tracks that hadn’t yet found their way onto a full-fledged album.
Charting and Legacy: “Let’s Be Friends” reached number 105 on the Billboard 200 chart, a respectable showing for a budget release. However, its short running time, typical of budget albums, meant it wasn’t a major commercial force.
A Glimpse into Movie Elvis: Despite not being a blockbuster, “Let’s Be Friends” offers a valuable window into Elvis’ work for Hollywood films. These unreleased movie tracks showcase a different side of Elvis, the one belting out tunes specifically crafted for the silver screen.
So, while “Let’s Be Friends” might not be a household name among Elvis hits, it serves as a reminder of the King’s versatility and the ever-evolving music industry landscape of the 1970s. Put on your headphones, and get ready to experience a collection of unreleased Elvis gems, a soundtrack waiting to be rediscovered.