I Gotta Know

[norrie]

Listening to the fabulous new FTD Elvis' Golden Records Vol 3.
I don't know why but every time I hear "I Gotta Know" it takes me by surprise and I wonder why I keep forgetting how darned good it is.
A song with a bit of a doo wop feel about it the backing vocals, especially the bass singing are a joy to behold.The song is so infectious and one of those ones that I can't resist singing along too.It all sounds so effortless as well,2 takes was enough,the first take -all 30ish seconds are on Elvis Is Back FTD.
Does this qualify as an underrated gem or is it better known than I think...I gotta know..!

..


norrie

[Juan Luis]

Elvis had such a vast amount of hits. Some get lost in the shuffle, in my opinion. This one is great and would surely stand out more with another artist that had a smaller catalog of gold. I love it!

[Tony C]

This song was recorded by Cliff Richard and released on his second album the year before Elvis recorded his version. About ten years ago, Cliff featured this song on one of his tours and for no particular reason I messaged Paul Evans via his website to let him know. It was a good idea because he was pleased to find that out and we exchanged a few messages back and forth, mainly about Elvis and how proud he was to have had his songs sung by such a great artist.

[drjohncarpenter]

Listening to the fabulous new FTD Elvis' Golden Records Vol 3.
I don't know why but every time I hear "I Gotta Know" it takes me by surprise and I wonder why I keep forgetting how darned good it is.
A song with a bit of a doo wop feel about it the backing vocals, especially the bass singing are a joy to behold.The song is so infectious and one of those ones that I can't resist singing along too.It all sounds so effortless as well,2 takes was enough,the first take -all 30ish seconds are on Elvis Is Back FTD.
Does this qualify as an underrated gem or is it better known than I think...I gotta know..!

..


norrie

This Paul Evans and Matt Williams tune is definitely B-side pop material, but a whole lot of fun. The moment where Elvis sings "tell me if you love me, yes or NO" -- and then the song stops for just a beat before starting the chorus -- is so darned infectious, what a hook! No wonder it made #20 on the Billboard "Hot 100" that year.

It's kind of cool that the 1960 RCA single release paired an A-side title and a B-side title that made up a complete sentence: "Are You Lonesome To-night?" / "I Gotta Know"!

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in July 1959, and issued in November. Another, better recording made in September 1959 somehow appeared only on the STEREO version of an EP Columbia issued in February 1960. Five months after that original U.K. LP release, Elvis and crew rethought "I Gotta Know" from the versions done by Cliff and his band into something a lot closer to doo-wop. If only all of Presley's covers after 1960 had been so creatively imagined.


FIRST VERSION: MONO

..

Cliff Richard and The Shadows "I Gotta Know" Cliff Sings (Columbia SX-1192, November 6, 1959)
Recorded 7-26-1959 at Abbey Road Studios.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cliff_Sings


SECOND VERSION: STEREO

..

Cliff Richard and the Shadows "I Gotta Know" Cliff Sings No. 1 [STEREO EP only] (Columbia ESG 7788, February 1960)
Recorded 9-06-1959 at Abbey Road Studios.
http://cliff.lifeon.net/cliff/uk-ep.asp

[Scarre]

Not one of my favorites but alot better than Cliffs. Some say EP:s voice was at it's best during the beginning of the 60s. Not far fetched...

[mike edwards66]

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in September 1959, and issued in November. Five months after that U.K. release, Elvis and crew completely rearrange the number, from a rockabilly-pop number to something a lot closer to doo-wop.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

[skatterbrane]

The Jordanaires are definitely a huge plus on this song, not always the case.

[drjohncarpenter]

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in September 1959, and issued in November. Five months after that U.K. release, Elvis and crew completely rearrange the number, from a rockabilly-pop number to something a lot closer to doo-wop.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

Actually, the fact is it is unclear exactly who got songwriting demos of "I Gotta Know" from Paul Evans and Matt Williams. And there is no indication of what arrangement may have been given such a demo, as we do not possess a single one. If you actually have evidence on this subject, please do share it.

In more than one interview, Evans recalled Hill & Range publishers asking if they could submit it for Fabian's first session. How would they have known the material was suitable without hearing a demo? In any event, Paul wanted it held for Elvis, and told them no.

One thing I forgot about is that Cliff Richard and the Shadows cut the song twice, both times at Abbey Road. The first (which I posted above) is a MONO recording done on 7-26-1959, his first studio session, and issued on the Cliff Sings LP that November. The second is a STEREO recording made on 9-06-1959, and released on the STEREO version of the Cliff Sings, No. 1 EP in February 1960. I have amended my previous post.

The second version is different from the first, more uptempo, and that much closer to what Elvis put on tape in April 1960. It seems very far-fetched to imagine Cliff and his band made two recordings of "I Gotta Know" and never had a demo to work with.

[joshferrell]

it's a catchy tune...no doubt about it...

[stevelecher]

The Jordanaires are definitely a huge plus on this song, not always the case.

They were very good most of the time.

Some say EP:s voice was at it's best during the beginning of the 60s. Not far fetched...

I'd say it's inarguable.

[Bodie]

Very interesting topic.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Be curious to know what Elvis thought of Cliff.
He must have heard a lot of Cliff's records whilst out in Germany as Cliff was popular in Europe.

There is footage of Cliff going up to Elvis' home in Germany and knocking on the door hoping to meet Elvis but it's a pity Elvis wasn't home.

[The Pirate]

A slightly interesting fact about Cliff's (Stereo, not Mono) version of I Gotta Know, is that one of the studio engineers was Norman Smith. Aside from working on The Beatles' studio recordings (up until the Rubber Soul album) Norman later went on to have a recording career of his own under the name of Hurricane Smith. I had no idea about any of that when, as a young Beatles fan in 1971, I sang along with this one. It was originally intended to be a demo for John Lennon.

..

[promiseland]

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in September 1959, and issued in November. Five months after that U.K. release, Elvis and crew completely rearrange the number, from a rockabilly-pop number to something a lot closer to doo-wop.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

The main difference in the two is - one is Elvis Presley and the other is Cliff Richard..

[Mike Windgren]

Hi there!! .

There is footage of Cliff going up to Elvis' home in Germany and knocking on the door hoping to meet Elvis but it's a pity Elvis wasn't home.

Yup, a very cool video from 1959 made during Cliff Richard´s holiday, where he tried to visit Elvis in the U.S military camp Ray Barracks (Friedberg) as well . Bye for now .

..

P.S: U.S military camp Ray Barracks was finally closed in 2007.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Barracks,_Friedberg,_Germany

[midnightx]

This Paul Evans and Matt Williams tune is definitely B-side pop material, but a whole lot of fun.

That mirrors my sentiments as well. While it isn't in line with Elvis' best work from the period, I always had a soft-spot for this track.

[mike edwards66]

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in September 1959, and issued in November. Five months after that U.K. release, Elvis and crew completely rearrange the number, from a rockabilly-pop number to something a lot closer to doo-wop.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

Actually, the fact is it is unclear exactly who got songwriting demos of "I Gotta Know" ...........

Well, it was unclear, until I cleared it up for you. You're welcome.

This nugget of information came my way by chance. Listening to Radio Merseyside, a few weeks back, Trevor Simpson was on discussing his latest FTD - Best Of British book. And the person who told Trevor this was.........................................Paul Evans.

You can now update your records.

[drjohncarpenter]

This Paul Evans and Matt Williams tune is definitely B-side pop material, but a whole lot of fun.

That mirrors my sentiments as well. While it isn't in line with Elvis' best work from the period, I always had a soft-spot for this track.

Certainly, compared to the B-sides that Elvis would deliver in just a few years time, "I Gotta Know" is a small miracle. The Jordanaires' bass singer, Ray Walker, delivers some marvelous work.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

Actually, the fact is it is unclear exactly who got songwriting demos of "I Gotta Know" from Paul Evans and Matt Williams. And there is no indication of what arrangement may have been given such a demo, as we do not possess a single one. If you actually have evidence on this subject, please do share it.

In more than one interview, Evans recalled Hill & Range publishers asking if they could submit it for Fabian's first session. How would they have known the material was suitable without hearing a demo? In any event, Paul wanted it held for Elvis, and told them no.

One thing I forgot about is that Cliff Richard and the Shadows cut the song twice, both times at Abbey Road. The first (which I posted above) is a MONO recording done on 7-26-1959, his first studio session, and issued on the Cliff Sings LP that November. The second is a STEREO recording made on 9-06-1959, and released on the STEREO version of the Cliff Sings, No. 1 EP in February 1960. I have amended my previous post.

The second version is different from the first, more uptempo, and that much closer to what Elvis put on tape in April 1960. It seems very far-fetched to imagine Cliff and his band made two recordings of "I Gotta Know" and never had a demo to work with.

Well, it was unclear ...

Your follow-up answer indicates it remains that way. Of three interviews I know of with Paul Evans, there is nothing specific said about demos delivered by Hill & Range. There are no known demos we can hear for ourselves. And you clearly have zero evidence to share, except something you "heard on the radio." Thanks for stopping by.

[drjohncarpenter]

Man, oh man ...

You need to read all the replies in a topic of discussion before you start chastising anyone. It's really not difficult, you'll look much more perceptive, and in this case entirely understand what I wrote and why I wrote it. Bottom line: I do not take kindly to members who pick a small piece of a thoughtful, well-researched post and badger me. I have seen you do much worse to other members with much less thrown at you.

Thanks.

[mike edwards66]

There are no known demos we can hear for ourselves.

Yeah. We know that.

And you clearly have zero evidence to share, except something you "heard on the radio." Thanks for stopping by.

That's how mysteries are solved. Picking up little nuggets here and there. Always listening, always seeing, always stopping by.

[Vince_Everett]

I just wanted to say that I really dig these threads. After "Mr. Songman" and "Burning Love" I'm now playing "I Gotta Know" over and over again. Sometimes you forget how enjoyable a certain song is. Keep 'em coming!

[drjohncarpenter]

I just wanted to say that I really dig these threads. After "Mr. Songman" and "Burning Love" I'm now playing "I Gotta Know" over and over again. Sometimes you forget how enjoyable a certain song is. Keep 'em coming!

Of those three, which is your favorite?

Also, do you have Paul Evans' 1959 demo of "I Gotta Know"?

[Vince_Everett]

I just wanted to say that I really dig these threads. After "Mr. Songman" and "Burning Love" I'm now playing "I Gotta Know" over and over again. Sometimes you forget how enjoyable a certain song is. Keep 'em coming!

Of those three, which is your favorite?

Also, do you have Paul Evans' 1959 demo of "I Gotta Know"?

I find it difficult to pick favorites. I do know for sure that "Mr. Songman" will always be the least favorite of the three. "Burning Love" is (of course) a way more iconic Elvis song than "I Gotta Know" (I played the San Antonio 1972 live version of "Burning Love" (and a few other live songs) on TV to my relatives after Christmas dinner tonight and they all sang along even though I never play any Elvis songs to my relatives or at home). Because "Burning Love" is such an iconic Elvis song I almost feel obliged to like it more than "I Gotta Know". However, "I Gotta Know" is such a catchy underappreciated song. I can't help tapping my feet and singing along so to speak. "Burning Love" blew me away when I heard it for the very first time when I was around 9 or 10 years old and "I Gotta Know" blew me away a few years ago when I first heard it as well. Both for very different reasons. As of now I really enjoy "I Gotta Know" more than "Burning Love".

I've never heard the demo version of "I Gotta Know" by Paul Evans. I just checked and it's not on YouTube either. Would love to hear it though.

[Good Time Charlie]

It's also noteworthy that this is a cover of a Cliff Richard and the Shadows album track, which they cut in September 1959, and issued in November. Five months after that U.K. release, Elvis and crew completely rearrange the number, from a rockabilly-pop number to something a lot closer to doo-wop.

Actually, Cliff didn't have Paul Evans' demo to work from, but Elvis did. That accounts for the main difference in the two.

Actually, the fact is it is unclear exactly who got songwriting demos of "I Gotta Know" ...........

Well, it was unclear, until I cleared it up for you. You're welcome.

This nugget of information came my way by chance. Listening to Radio Merseyside, a few weeks back, Trevor Simpson was on discussing his latest FTD - Best Of British book. And the person who told Trevor this was.........................................Paul Evans.

You can now update your records.

Hello Mike like yourself I pick up various bits of info over the years from all sources and I had certainly read this info somewhere before from Paul Evans I believe saying he couldn't work out how Cliff managed to record the song before Elvis and that Cliff didn't receive the demo but Elvis did.

Somehow Cliff's people intercepted the lyrics to the song along the way and knew that it was earmarked for a possible new Elvis single and thought they'd try their hand at doing it before the king. Can't blame them really!

[When In Rome]

As mentioned above the recent 'Best Of British Volume 3' has a chapter regarding the song 'I Gotta Know' but it still remains a mystery as to how Cliff got it first.
Here's an excerpt, sorry it's a bit wonky and cut short but it's a large tome and difficult to scan, I don't want to ruin my book either!
We join the excerpt with Paul Evans himself explaining his theories... " The fact that Cliff's 'I Gotta Know was released...

excerpt.jpg

Surely Cliff wasn't really thought of as such competition that Elvis shouldn't consider a single of the same song? Cliff's version was hidden away on an album and EP anyway?! Oh well, what do I know?

The book is still available to purchase from the author himself here...

http://elvisthebestofbritish.co.uk/#/buy-now/

However, the bonus CD purports to contain '...exciting songwriter demo's as Elvis first heard them...' if the demo included here of Paul Evans singing 'I Gotta Know' is supposed to be from 1958/59 then Ill be a monkey's uncle, frankly it sounds w-a-y too contemporary...

[r&b]

Very catchy and in line with the times of 1960 and could have been an A side, but there was only so many singles you could put out. A Mess of Blues was another stellar B side song. 1960 may have been Elvis' most abundant year as far as quality studio recordings go.