Recorded by Elvis Presley on March 13, 1961, in Nashville at RCA Studio B included on the "Something For Everybody" album. Producer credit goes to Steve Sholes with Bill Porter behind the console.
First recorded and released by its composer Teddy Redell in 1960. Elvis closely follows the original arrangement. On the outtakes we even find Elvis with the same pause between some lines sung in the verses. The master shows Elvis going straight without extra bars when singing "Oh Judy". Elvis's version is less country-rock and more pop in my opinion, augmented with excellent piano by Floyd Cramer, and neat picking by Scotty Moore and Hank Garland.
I wonder if Elvis thought of Judy Spreckles, and the time they were "wearing each others rings". Or Elvis could have thought of Judy Tyler, who died tragically a few weeks (after filming with Elvis "Jailhouse Rock"), along with her husband (next day) and their dog and cat pets, in a terrible car accident. I cannot confirm a comment Elvis dedicated the song to her memory.
This is Elvis singing at his best, captured beautifully by Bill Porter.
A very nice toe tapper I will never get tired listening to, and enjoying. A beautiful sad love song. I love it!
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"Judy"
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elvis-fan
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Re: "Judy"
Always loved this song... it is underrated as a Presley recording. Elvis' voice is incredible and it's catchy and at a great tempo.
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jetblack
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Re: "Judy"
A very good track from the excellent 'Something For Everybody' LP.
'Judy' / 'There's Always Me' (RCA 1628) released in 1967 was one of the very few singles that didn't chart in the U.K.
I thought this pic would suit your post Juan.
Andy
'Judy' / 'There's Always Me' (RCA 1628) released in 1967 was one of the very few singles that didn't chart in the U.K.
I thought this pic would suit your post Juan.
Andy
Elvis - King of the UK charts
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midnightx
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Re: "Judy"
A somewhat pedestrian song, but one that contains quality vocal (and in terms of vocal work, Elvis circa 1960/1961 was incapable of delivering anything less).
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r&b
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
Its the 1961 Elvis voice that lifts this song up to above standard quality. As a song, its just Ok and not nearly as good as some of the other uptempo songs of 1960/61. Nice instrumental break and impeccable production also. Very bad choice for a 1967 single however. Just shows how RCA was so desperate for a studio single by then, to pull a studio song from a 1961 LP. Guess they forgot Elvis cut a Dylan song which was on a 1966 LP! Baffles the mind.
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Domino
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Re: "Judy"
Never heard that Teddy guy's recording before but Elvis sure made some significant improvements .Number one being he's a heck of a lot better singer.And a number 1 band never hurts.
Toe tapper is right.Don't remember which album I first heard it on but I did like hearing the outtakes on the E.P.Collection Vol.2.
Toe tapper is right.Don't remember which album I first heard it on but I did like hearing the outtakes on the E.P.Collection Vol.2.
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"Well sir,to be honest with you,we just stumbled upon it." - 1954
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midnightx
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Re: "Judy"
As good as Elvis' cover of "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" is, it is not single material. A great album cut with a sublime vocal, but a bit plodding and long for radio.r&b wrote:Its the 1961 Elvis voice that lifts this song up to above standard quality. As a song, its just Ok and not nearly as good as some of the other uptempo songs of 1960/61. Nice instrumental break and impeccable production also. Very bad choice for a 1967 single however. Just shows how RCA was so desperate for a studio single by then, to pull a studio song from a 1961 LP. Guess they forgot Elvis cut a Dylan song which was on a 1966 LP! Baffles the mind.
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KevinK
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Re: "Judy"
This is a song that for years, just pops into my head every now and then and I start humming it.
It's catchy, and I've never grown tired of it.
It's catchy, and I've never grown tired of it.
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Pete Dube
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Re: "Judy"
Never dug this one and don't get why so many seem to be fond of it. Yes he sings exquisitely, but to me it's exhibit A as an example of the neutering of Elvis in the early 60's.
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Steve Morse
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Re: "Judy"
BIG favourite of mine. I love the piano break.
I've said it many times on here - I think SFE is about the classiest album Elvis ever released. An album doesn't have to be a succession of potential hit singles.
I've said it many times on here - I think SFE is about the classiest album Elvis ever released. An album doesn't have to be a succession of potential hit singles.
"Won't you sing me away to a summer night - let me hold her in my arms again"
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: "Judy"
So much to talk about!
Yes, led by Teddy Redell's piano and smooth vocal, the tune is very much in a Jerry Lee Lewis, Sun Records, easy rolling pop mode. Yet one wonders why it made an Elvis studio date. Was this the best his management could deliver for the a guy who had scored four straight #1 singles by the time of the sessions? Perhaps the publishing was a slam dunk.
Redell first released it as the B-side to "Can't You See" (Vaden 116, January 1960), an indie label:
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When he signed to Atco, the songs changed places and "Judy" became the A-side (Atco 6162, March 14, 1960).
Sadly, "Judy" is most significant for being a prime example of Elvis beginning to coast on his talent at a studio session. He basically uses Redell's work as a template for his RCA master, and changes little in the arrangement. This includes the vocal, the piano solo, everything. The early outtakes are kind of fun, as one can hear Elvis on acoustic guitar. This personal engagement was dropped by take 8, which was chosen for release.
It's unclear who selected the album track for a single side six year later, a very inept decision that only made it to #78 in Billboard's "Hot 100" on September 30, 1967.
What was #1 on the charts? "The Letter" by the Box Tops, for the second consecutive week. It was a terrific Wayne Carson song produced by Dan Penn in Memphis, and issued on Mala 565. The late, great Alex Chilton supplied that fantastic lead vocal. He was 16 years old!
Billboard - August 19, 1967
Here was Elvis Presley, as he looked during the fabled "Summer of Love" ... oh, that hair ...
This YouTube video upload by Miloš 02 identifies the original "Judy" players and location:
An interesting side note is that Redell recorded for Sam Phillips at Sun in both 1957 and 1960, but apparently nothing was good enough to get pressed on vinyl.
Hope y'all enjoyed these additions to the topic.
"Oh, Judy ... there'll never be anyone else for you but me ..."
midnightx wrote:A somewhat pedestrian song, but one that contains quality vocal (and in terms of vocal work, Elvis circa 1960/1961 was incapable of delivering anything less).
r&b wrote:Its the 1961 Elvis voice that lifts this song up to above standard quality. As a song, its just Ok and not nearly as good as some of the other uptempo songs of 1960/61. Nice instrumental break and impeccable production also. Very bad choice for a 1967 single however. Just shows how RCA was so desperate for a studio single by then, to pull a studio song from a 1961 LP. Guess they forgot Elvis cut a Dylan song which was on a 1966 LP! Baffles the mind.
Yes, led by Teddy Redell's piano and smooth vocal, the tune is very much in a Jerry Lee Lewis, Sun Records, easy rolling pop mode. Yet one wonders why it made an Elvis studio date. Was this the best his management could deliver for the a guy who had scored four straight #1 singles by the time of the sessions? Perhaps the publishing was a slam dunk.
Redell first released it as the B-side to "Can't You See" (Vaden 116, January 1960), an indie label:
..
..
When he signed to Atco, the songs changed places and "Judy" became the A-side (Atco 6162, March 14, 1960).
Sadly, "Judy" is most significant for being a prime example of Elvis beginning to coast on his talent at a studio session. He basically uses Redell's work as a template for his RCA master, and changes little in the arrangement. This includes the vocal, the piano solo, everything. The early outtakes are kind of fun, as one can hear Elvis on acoustic guitar. This personal engagement was dropped by take 8, which was chosen for release.
It's unclear who selected the album track for a single side six year later, a very inept decision that only made it to #78 in Billboard's "Hot 100" on September 30, 1967.
What was #1 on the charts? "The Letter" by the Box Tops, for the second consecutive week. It was a terrific Wayne Carson song produced by Dan Penn in Memphis, and issued on Mala 565. The late, great Alex Chilton supplied that fantastic lead vocal. He was 16 years old!
Billboard - August 19, 1967
Here was Elvis Presley, as he looked during the fabled "Summer of Love" ... oh, that hair ...
This YouTube video upload by Miloš 02 identifies the original "Judy" players and location:
Judy (T. Redell), Vaden 45-116 (1960), Atco 45-6162 (1960).
Teddy Redell (vocals, piano), Fred Dale Douglas (electric guitar), Ray Molenick (bass), Kinky King (drums).
The song was recorded in January 1960 at KLCN Radio station in Blytheville, Arkansas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=879fqFYg0o0
An interesting side note is that Redell recorded for Sam Phillips at Sun in both 1957 and 1960, but apparently nothing was good enough to get pressed on vinyl.
Hope y'all enjoyed these additions to the topic.
"Oh, Judy ... there'll never be anyone else for you but me ..."
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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r&b
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
Edited of course. As pleasant as Judy is, it belonged to 1961, not 67. When I heard Darin having a hit with the folksy If I Was A Carpenter in 1966, I thought Elvis may have one with Tomorrow if released. It was the time of Dylan. He was having hits & albums getting critical acclaim, and so many other artists were covering his songs and releasing songs like his songs (Bob Lind Elusive Butterfly for example). Maybe not the best Dylan tune for Elvis to cover, but it wasnt known and that may have helped more than him doing Blowin In The Wind or another classic. I could just imagine the Billboard ads if it was released! If it wasnt a hit, ok, but by releasing 2 1961 songs in 1967, it showed just out of touch Presley 45s had become.midnightx wrote:As good as Elvis' cover of "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" is, it is not single material. A great album cut with a sublime vocal, but a bit plodding and long for radio.r&b wrote:Its the 1961 Elvis voice that lifts this song up to above standard quality. As a song, its just Ok and not nearly as good as some of the other uptempo songs of 1960/61. Nice instrumental break and impeccable production also. Very bad choice for a 1967 single however. Just shows how RCA was so desperate for a studio single by then, to pull a studio song from a 1961 LP. Guess they forgot Elvis cut a Dylan song which was on a 1966 LP! Baffles the mind.
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HoneyTalkNelson
Topic author
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: "Judy"
"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !HoneyTalkNelson wrote:Don't forget, "Judy" was a Summer Vacation Special in 1967!
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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r&b
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !HoneyTalkNelson wrote:Don't forget, "Judy" was a Summer Vacation Special in 1967!
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
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Juan Luis
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
The advertising worked. Cause you are still talking about it.r&b wrote:Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !HoneyTalkNelson wrote:Don't forget, "Judy" was a Summer Vacation Special in 1967!
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: "Judy"
Certainly, "BY POPULAR DEMAND" is management hyperbole. In the summer of 1967, no one on the planet was demanding "Judy" by Elvis Presley.r&b wrote:Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !HoneyTalkNelson wrote:Don't forget, "Judy" was a Summer Vacation Special in 1967!
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
.
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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Juan Luis
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
No kidding! American advertising at its finest!drjohncarpenter wrote:Certainly, "BY POPULAR DEMAND" is management hyperbole. In the summer of 1967, no one on the planet was demanding "Judy" by Elvis Presley.r&b wrote:Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !HoneyTalkNelson wrote:Don't forget, "Judy" was a Summer Vacation Special in 1967!
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: "Judy"
The RCA ad and single art were almost certainly designed by Tom Parker. He probably chose that remarkable picture sleeve image, too.Juan Luis wrote:No kidding! American advertising at its finest!drjohncarpenter wrote:Certainly, "BY POPULAR DEMAND" is management hyperbole. In the summer of 1967, no one on the planet was demanding "Judy" by Elvis Presley.r&b wrote:Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
.
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: "Judy"
You, my aunt, and of course, the great Judy Garland, who he loved very, very much.Pink&Black wrote:Love it! So cool Elvis sang about me
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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r&b
Topic author
Re: "Judy"
Yes just a total mess. As out of touch as the music was on that single, the photo was just as bad. No wonder the great singles Big Boss Man and Guitar Man were basically ignored. What preceded sure didnt help his cause. Again tho, an artist has to take control sometimes. 'Col, no matter how much in demand these two songs are, I aint a-gonna have them come out on a single!' Puppetdrjohncarpenter wrote:The RCA ad and single art were almost certainly designed by Tom Parker. He probably chose that remarkable picture sleeve image, too.Juan Luis wrote:No kidding! American advertising at its finest!drjohncarpenter wrote:Certainly, "BY POPULAR DEMAND" is management hyperbole. In the summer of 1967, no one on the planet was demanding "Judy" by Elvis Presley.r&b wrote:Im sure everyone was waiting 6 years for this to happen, NOT!drjohncarpenter wrote:"BY POPULAR DEMAND" !
"Available for the first time on 45 RPM" !!
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brian
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Re: "Judy"
It went to #1 in Sweden.r&b wrote:Its the 1961 Elvis voice that lifts this song up to above standard quality. As a song, its just Ok and not nearly as good as some of the other uptempo songs of 1960/61. Nice instrumental break and impeccable production also. Very bad choice for a 1967 single however. Just shows how RCA was so desperate for a studio single by then, to pull a studio song from a 1961 LP.