"There were many miles between us.." -> Trying To Get To You

[SteamrollerBlues]

PART 1:

Back in November, I posted a topic examining ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ (which you can read here, in case you missed it the first time ‘round - - > http://elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=90660&p=1438741) . It was pretty well received and a lot of great discussion was done there. I had some fun gathering the information and I hope I was able to shine some light on the song.

Anyways, I had stated I might make another topic like it down the road, and that brings me to this posting today. Trying To Get To You is a song I’ve always loved by Elvis, and when I discovered a few months ago that he had recorded it in 1955, I was excited. I had only known the 1968 and 1970s live versions, and when I first heard Presley’s studio version, I was blown away. In my opinion, it’s sheer rock n’ roll brilliance. Right from Elvis’ a cappella opening of “I’ve been traveling over mountains…” to Scotty Moore’s excellent guitar work, Trying To Get To You is just a straight-up, kick-ass piece of music. That being said, let’s take a look at the song before Elvis stamped his mark on it.

Trying To Get To You was written by Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton, two respected and influential African-American songwriters of their time (and even today). McCoy’s songs have been recorded by greats such as Luis Jordan, Big Maybelle, and Nat King Cole. Singleton wrote (or co-wrote) reportedly over 1,000 songs such as “Strangers in the Night”, which as a number 1 hit for Frank Sinatra, and one of Elvis’ personal favorites “Spanish Eyes”, which of course, Presley later recorded.

After McCoy and Singleton wrote Trying To Get To You in 1954, it was first recorded by The Eagles and released on Mercury Records. And all though Elvis recorded his version before The Teen Kings w/ Roy Orbinson, their version was released in April 1956, months before Presley’s August single release.
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[SteamrollerBlues]

This will be going up in parts, this website doesn't like me too much I guess haha. Anyways, I'll get them all posted eventually.

[SteamrollerBlues]

PART TWO:
Elvis’ single version was recorded on July 11, 1955 at Sun Studios. Elvis played piano on this version (and on the earlier March ‘55 version he recorded, but his piano was mixed out by Sam Phillips). You can clearly hear Elvis playing piano on the single version, which was included on his 1956 debut LP.
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It would be 12 years until Elvis would revisit this Sun classic. Even though he omitted a verse in each of his later versions, he still gave the song a respectful and class treatment. In 1968, Presley rocked the song even harder than he did in 1955. Clad in black leather, hell bent on showing the world he still had it, Elvis showcases his magnificent voice and his more than adequate rhythm guitar playing.
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[SteamrollerBlues]

PART THREE:
Elvis often returned to the song in his 1970s live performances, the first known instance being recorded (from an off-line audience source) on November 14th, 1970 (evening show).

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Elvis only did a couple of versions in 1971, adding it regularly to his set in 1974. Most notably it was performed at his March 1974 Memphis concerts, and was included on the LP “Elvis Recorded Live On Stage in Memphis”.
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It’s not as rock and roll as it was in 1968, it’s more ‘vegas-y” but nonetheless, it’s still a fine, enjoyable performance and it’s one of the rare ‘50s songs that Elvis treated with respect right up to the end.
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So, I’d love to hear all your thoughts on Trying To Get To You and I hope you enjoyed this topic. If anyone has any information to share or corrections for me to make, I’d surely be glad to see it! Thanks for reading.


sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryin%27_to_Get_to_You
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Marie_McCoy#Songwriting_career
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Singleton_songwriter
http://www.elvisconcerts.com database

[SteamrollerBlues]

There, everything's posted. Even though it's split up, I hope you all enjoy reading it!

[Juan Luis]

I love it! Although the Orbison single was in April. Elvis fans heard it first on the LPM-1254 album. I enjoy all the live versions. For he always showed respect. Thanks for posting this masterpiece!

[SteamrollerBlues]

I love it! Although the Orbison single was in April. Elvis fans heard it first on the LPM-1254 album. I enjoy all the live versions. For he always showed respect. Thanks for posting this masterpiece!

Thanks Juan, for your input and the correction! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Was looking forward to your input on this!

[drjohncarpenter]

After McCoy and Singleton wrote Trying To Get To You in 1954, it was first recorded by The Eagles and released on Mercury Records. And all though Elvis recorded his version before The Teen Kings w/ Roy Orbinson, their version was released in April 1956, months before Presley’s August single release.

This is incorrect. Elvis' Sun recording of "Tryin' to Get to You" (correct spelling) was issued by RCA in March 1956, on his debut LP. The album was a huge seller, and it is quite likely that Roy Orbison was inspired by the Presley track.





Elvis Presley (RCA LPM 1254, March 17, 1956)



Also, it is unclear whether the JE-WEL single by the Teen Kings, which had it on the B-side, was ever actually distributed to retail outlets before the group was invited to Sun for a session with Sam Phillips. The resulting single, Sun 242, released May 12, 1956, kept the A-side, "Ooby Dooby," but dropped "Tryin' to Get to You." The Orbison recording of this number at Sun would not surface until the Sun LP released years later, Roy Orbison At The Rock House (Sun SLP 1260, December 4, 1961).

560400_JE-WEL 101.jpg

Teen Kings "Trying To Get You" (JE-WEL 101, April 1956)
Note: title incorrect on label!



It's a wonderful song, no doubt, and certainly Presley's Sun recording does not stray far from the obscure Mercury recording by the Eagles, especially the lead vocalist. Looking at all the known performances of it by Elvis, it is without question that his otherworldly rendition from the 6-27-1968 8pm show in Burbank, may be the finest three minutes of his entire career. It is the essence of life, its joy, hope and dreams, all done by one man, one voice, and just one electric guitar. It is a tour de force. RCA issued it without fanfare, in January 1974's anthology, Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Volume 1.

Thanks for the topic!

[SteamrollerBlues]

Thank you Doc for the correction! And thank you for your knowledgeable insight, I was looking forward to your response on this topic. Glad you liked it!

[promiseland]

After McCoy and Singleton wrote Trying To Get To You in 1954, it was first recorded by The Eagles and released on Mercury Records. And all though Elvis recorded his version before The Teen Kings w/ Roy Orbinson, their version was released in April 1956, months before Presley’s August single release.

This is incorrect. Elvis' Sun recording of "Tryin' to Get to You" (correct spelling) was issued by RCA in March 1956, on his debut LP. The album was a huge seller, and it is quite likely that Roy Orbison was inspired by the Presley track.





Elvis Presley (RCA LPM 1254, March 17, 1956)



Also, it is unclear whether the JE-WEL single by the Teen Kings, which had it on the B-side, was ever actually distributed to retail outlets before the group was invited to Sun for a session with Sam Phillips. The resulting single, Sun 242, released May 12, 1956, kept the A-side, "Ooby Dooby," but dropped "Tryin' to Get to You." The Orbison recording of this number at Sun would not surface until the Sun LP released years later, Roy Orbison At The Rock House (Sun SLP 1260, December 4, 1961).

560400_JE-WEL 101.jpg

Teen Kings "Trying To Get You" (JE-WEL 101, April 1956)
Note: title incorrect on label!



It's a wonderful song, no doubt, and certainly Presley's Sun recording does not stray far from the obscure Mercury recording by the Eagles, especially the lead vocalist. Looking at all the known performances of it by Elvis, it is without question that his otherworldly rendition from the 6-27-1968 8pm show in Burbank, may be the finest three minutes of his entire career. It is the essence of life, its joy, hope and dreams, all done by one man, one voice, and just one electric guitar. It is a tour de force. RCA issued it without fanfare, in January 1974's anthology, Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Volume 1.

Thanks for the topic!

I couldn't agree more Doc. That's the version I was expecting the OP to have posted. Love Me and Are You Lonesome Tonight are all the best of the best from that 6-27-1968 8pm show.
I've never cared much for the original 50's master, and for some unknown reason they have replaced the 68 version on the Legendary Performer Vol. 1 CD with this one.

[Hobbes]

Thank you for this topic. This is a song that I've never grown tired of hearing and Elvis apparently felt the same way. I love Scotty's guitar work on this.

[SteamrollerBlues]

Thank you for this topic. This is a song that I've never grown tired of hearing and Elvis apparently felt the same way. I love Scotty's guitar work on this.

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[Davelee]

Great song by Elvis. I also love the Eagles' version. One of the oldies Elvis treated with respect in the 70s.

[SteamrollerBlues]

Great song by Elvis. I also love the Eagles' version. One of the oldies Elvis treated with respect in the 70s.

Indeed it is, I always look forward to listening to a concert with this track in it. Glad you enjoyed the topic!

[Rockin_John]

He really seems to love that song, even in 1977. Look at James and John, they seem to enjoy this number as well!

If only Elvis could have been healthy...there are glimpses of life in that clip...like he's trapped somewhere deep inside...

[flamingstar81]

Great topic, SteamrollerBlues. Elvis' studio recording of trying to get to you is excellent and it's one of my favourites from the 50's. My personal favourite live version is the one from Memphis 20/03/1974, it's the one version I've listened to the most often, Elvis sings the song with great panache, imo. I agree that Elvis respected this song throughout his career and he seemed to enjoy it whenever he sang it too.

[SteamrollerBlues]

He really seems to love that song, even in 1977. Look at James and John, they seem to enjoy this number as well!

If only Elvis could have been healthy...there are glimpses of life in that clip...like he's trapped somewhere deep inside...

It's a very good performance, considering the time-frame. The voice is far from what it was in 1968, or even 1974, but there is like you said glimpses of life. I believe the song was a personal favorite of Vernon's? Maybe that's why Elvis always treated it good.

Glad you enjoyed the topic.

[Stevenson]

Thanks, Steamroller, for this grat topic!

I love the song, especially the line:
"Or could keep me away from you" - pure gold!

I recently stumbled upon this version of Ricky Nelson, which is quite good (perhaps despite the fact he sounds so delicate, almost as anemic ), love the voices in the background singing: "Tryyyyyin'...." Hear for yourself:

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[vinelvis]

Thanks for the topic. I think "Tryin' to get to you" is a great song, and Elvis liked it too. He never grew tired of this 'oldie'. He still perfomed it with joy and power in 1977!

[SteamrollerBlues]

Thanks Stevenson for posting that Ricky Nelson version, it's pretty alright, I dig it. Glad you enjoyed the topic!
Thanks vinelvis, you are indeed correct. Glad you enjoyed it as well!

[DEH]

I have always been surprised that he didn't add this regularly to setlist until 1974. He did a good version in Vegas in August 1971 and then nothing until 1974.

[SteamrollerBlues]

I have always been surprised that he didn't add this regularly to setlist until 1974. He did a good version in Vegas in August 1971 and then nothing until 1974.

It would have been a very worthy addition to the Aloha special I think. Hope you enjoyed the topic!

[mike edwards66]

.....it is without question that his otherworldly rendition from the 6-27-1968 8pm show in Burbank, may be the finest three minutes of his entire career.

It's not bad.

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It’s not as rock and roll as it was in 1968....

Maybe not, but it is just as authentic, and in many ways more true to his original Sun recording.

[Juan Luis]

.....it is without question that his otherworldly rendition from the 6-27-1968 8pm show in Burbank, may be the finest three minutes of his entire career.

It's not bad.

..
It’s not as rock and roll as it was in 1968....

Maybe not, but it is just as authentic, and in many ways more true to his original Sun recording.

Very true.

[James27]

Thanks for this thread. TTGTY as always been one of my eternal favorite Elvis songs. In my opinion, the version from the 2nd "sit-down show" in 1968, ranks amongst his greatest performances ever. If I could use only 1 video track to show to an aula full of university students for example, of who Elvis was, what he was all about, it would be that song in that version, turned up LOUD. Everything that is great about Elvis is on display in that version. We're so lucky it was filmed.

edit: only after my reply I thoroughly read Doc's comment (below) about that '68 version, which mirrors mine. I guess I'm not alone in thinking about this performance this way.

Looking at all the known performances of it by Elvis, it is without question that his otherworldly rendition from the 6-27-1968 8pm show in Burbank, may be the finest three minutes of his entire career. It is the essence of life, its joy, hope and dreams, all done by one man, one voice, and just one electric guitar. It is a tour de force.

Thanks for the combined information, gents.