Creating a song is a rather more internal process, but not always.
However, the performance is purely external and consists of the singer shining so that it can be heard by as many people as possible.
Of course, beyond that, it becomes a purely personal matter of the listener and is combined or expresses his own experiences.
Especially when the song is erotic or even revolves around this topic, then the right voice is the best means to get into… many hearts.
The music of Memphis had a plethora of creators and performers and it is no coincidence that the most immortal melodies were born there.
Just a smart mediator was enough to match a musical creation with the right voice.
And if that voice belongs to the only king of Rock’N’Roll then the sequel is probably to be expected.
The result of such a process is “Suspicious Minds“, which we met through the performance of the unique Elvis Presley.
The song of course is not of the “king” but belongs to the songwriter Mark James, or Francis Zambon, as his identity says, responsible for another hit, “Always on My Mind“.
The creator had already had some success locally in the Southern USA. and that brought him into contact with Memphis Soul.
His specific creation, however, did not start its course with the best prospects, as his own recording, released by Scepter Records without much response.
But fortunately, Chips Moman, the producer of Memphis Soul, noticed it and suggested it to Elvis in 1969, a year after its creation.
The “king” just fell in love with it and “smelled” the success that would bring him back to the top after an absence of 7 years.
As it turned out, it was also his last No. 1.
The lyrics…
The lyrical part is purely erotic and speaks of a personal experience of its creator.
It talks about the lack of trust in a relationship and in this case, it was not unfounded.
Specifically, it refers to the case where the songwriter was married to his first wife, but still had a crush on his childhood love, which he had also married.
His wife had suspected his feelings, but he believed that over time they would soften.
This did not happen and apart from a love triangle, one of the most classic compositions was created.
The recording …
Recorded by Elvis at American Sound Studio on January 23, 1968.
Without the presence of the creator, although he was in the same city, he preferred not to attend, because he found out a few days ago that the “king” felt uncomfortable in front of him.
Thus, the process took place from 4 to 7 in the morning.
Later, however, he was present at his mixing and his original recording seemed very slow, but the final, faster, result simply excited him.
His first live performance took place in July of that year at the Las Vegas International Hotel.
The single was released in November of the same year and soon climbed to the top of the American chart.
It was his last No. 1 song before his death.
The song gives the impression that it ends prematurely at 3:36, but this “erasure” lasts for 15 seconds, to come back and end with a repeated chorus.
The purpose is to convey the meaning of the lyrics.
Copyright…
After the death of the “king”, the song suffered a legal “suffering” concerning, what else, copyright.
Claimants were the producer of the song, the managers of Elvis‘ fortune, and the record label RCA.
The managers of the singer’s property finally won.
Covers…
The most notable of its covers is that of the Fine Young Cannibals, where the second vocals are played by Jimmy Somerville.
The accompanying video clip is in black and white in the first half, but in the second half-color is added to the musicians’ clothes.
The purpose of this performance was to show the course of the only King of Rock’N’Roll.
Country singer Dwight Yoakam in 1992 recorded his own version of the soundtrack to the movie “Honeymoon in Vegas”, and also shot an accompanying video.
There are many covers from different genres of music, but the voice of Elvis in this particular song will be etched in our memories forever …