Introduction:
“Too Much,” performed by Elvis Presley, is a rock and roll classic that played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of popular music in the 1950s. The song was written by Bernard Weinman and Lee Rosenberg, who had initially intended it for a different artist. However, when the song made its way to Elvis, it became an iconic part of his repertoire.
Elvis Presley recorded “Too Much” on September 2, 1956, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood. This was during a prolific period in Elvis’s career when he was transitioning from being a regional star to an international phenomenon. By the time he recorded “Too Much,” Elvis had already had several hits, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” These songs helped solidify his reputation as the “King of Rock and Roll.” The recording of “Too Much” featured his regular backing band, including Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and backing vocals by the Jordanaires.
The song was released by RCA Victor as a single on January 4, 1957, with “Playing for Keeps” as the B-side. “Too Much” quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Pop Singles chart on February 9, 1957. This success further established Elvis as a dominant force in the music industry and demonstrated the mass appeal of his energetic and charismatic performances.
Musically, “Too Much” is characterized by its driving rhythm and blues-influenced sound, which was a hallmark of Elvis’s early work. The song’s lyrics revolve around a tumultuous love affair, with the narrator expressing that the relationship is overwhelming but impossible to give up. Elvis’s vocal delivery on “Too Much” is powerful and dynamic, showcasing his ability to convey emotion through his unique blend of country, blues, and gospel influences.
“Too Much” became a staple of Elvis’s live performances and has been covered by various artists over the years, cementing its place in rock and roll history. The song’s success not only contributed to Elvis’s growing fame but also helped to define the sound and spirit of rock and roll during its formative years.