Introduction:
The Mystery of Elvis Presley’s “Mary in the Morning”
Elvis Presley’s “Mary in the Morning” is a curious case in the King’s vast discography. While the song itself has a clear history, its connection to Presley remains shrouded in a bit of mystery.
Composed by songwriting duo Johnny Cymbal and Michael Lendell (who also went by Michael Rashkow), “Mary in the Morning” first found success in 1967. Italian-American crooner Al Martino’s rendition became the definitive version, topping the Easy Listening chart and reaching the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s themes are classic heartbreak ballad territory, with the lyrics portraying a lovesick narrator yearning for “Mary” each morning.
Here’s where Elvis enters the picture. In 1970, Presley recorded his version of “Mary in the Morning” during the sessions for his documentary film “That’s the Way It Is.” While the film famously captures Presley’s electrifying live performances, there’s no documented evidence of him ever including “Mary in the Morning” in his live sets. The song remains a studio recording, included on the “That’s the Way It Is” soundtrack album.
Presley’s take on the song is a soulful interpretation, showcasing his rich vocals backed by a restrained yet powerful arrangement. Despite the strong performance, “Mary in the Morning” never achieved the chart success of Martino’s version, and it remains a lesser-known gem within Presley’s catalog.
The reasons for Presley’s choice to record “Mary in the Morning” are unclear. Perhaps he simply connected with the emotional core of the song. Maybe it was intended for a future live performance that never materialized. Whatever the reason, Presley’s version offers a glimpse into his artistic versatility, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into established material.
So, as you listen to Elvis Presley’s “Mary in the Morning,” keep in mind its intriguing backstory. It’s a song originally popularized by another artist, a studio recording never performed live, yet delivered with the unmistakable passion of The King himself.