Let it be me

[Timo]

Straight to the point: how do you like this one:


It was, as you know, originally a French song Je t'appartiens (apparently quite a hit in the 1950`s), subsequently versioned by numerous performers from Bob Dylan to Leonard Nimoy, but probably most famously by the Everly Brothers. For the sages of this forum I have a question: do you know what version (or versions) was the one that got Elvis to attach the song to his live repertoire? How did he get hooked on this song?

I have always liked Elvis`s live rendition of the song very much. I think it stands apart from the other versions I`ve heard in its unashamedly bombastic, yet very articulate and controlled delivery. It`s grand but not grandiose, smooth but not schmaltzy. There is fire that I haven`t detected in any of the other versions I have heard. Elvis sings full throttle, but not in a lazy or uncontrolled way and with just enough nuances not to make it a shout-through. His voice is just perfect with some delightful rawness to it. He just carries the tune with an awesome authority that sir Tom Jones himself (who also covered the song) would envy. To me it really seems that this was how Elvis envisioned and felt the song, and thus: it`s pure Elvis.

Was the arrangement made by Glen Hardin? I don`t recall. However, it clearly fits perfectly with the vision Elvis had. Just listen to the integrity of his singing. He doesn`t doubt for a second. And neither does the listener. Elvis makes the song his own, which is so great about many of these 1970 cover song versions when compared to some later ones.
So, how do you find it? Do you like some other version better or is this your go-to version?

[Ciscoking]

I love the song..its Elvis at his best...heaven thanks ..he changed his repertoire in his second Vegas season...

[bajo]

There are so many beautiful versions of this song out there. Still, I really like Elvis' version. Maybe because he did it his way, as always!

[Juan Luis]

At least publicly Elvis did not single any performer of this song out. A song by "several different people, not my song but I'd like to sing it for you". Or words very close to that effect.


I LOVE IT!

[Fabbe]

I love the song, how Elvis sings it and the arrangement! I wish they recorded it in better quality...

[poormadpeter2]

Can't stand it - by anyone. Don't know why!!!

And that is the most succinct and to the point post you will ever get out of me!!

[Timo]

Can't stand it - by anyone. Don't know why!!!

And that is the most succinct and to the point post you will ever get out of me!!

Ha! Nice to have variety!

[lovin' EP]

One of my favorites. Just beautiful.

Elvisly,

Linda

..

[flamingstar81]

I love the song, it really suited Elvis' voice in 1970. For me, it's one of the highlights in Elvis' show from that superb Jan/feb 1970 Vegas season. I just wish Elvis would have sang it whilst the MGM cameras were rolling in TTWII.

[Mister Mike]

Great song. Excellent arrangement. Elvis sings it beautifully. What more is there to say? (except that I always felt it would have been an excellent show closer in Vegas. I could picture the curtain coming down has they held that final note.)

[drjohncarpenter]

Straight to the point: how do you like this one:

..

It was, as you know, originally a French song Je t'appartiens (apparently quite a hit in the 1950`s), subsequently versioned by numerous performers from Bob Dylan to Leonard Nimoy, but probably most famously by the Everly Brothers. For the sages of this forum I have a question: do you know what version (or versions) was the one that got Elvis to attach the song to his live repertoire? How did he get hooked on this song?

I have always liked Elvis`s live rendition of the song very much. I think it stands apart from the other versions I`ve heard in its unashamedly bombastic, yet very articulate and controlled delivery. It`s grand but not grandiose, smooth but not schmaltzy. There is fire that I haven`t detected in any of the other versions I have heard. Elvis sings full throttle, but not in a lazy or uncontrolled way and with just enough nuances not to make it a shout-through. His voice is just perfect with some delightful rawness to it. He just carries the tune with an awesome authority that sir Tom Jones himself (who also covered the song) would envy. To me it really seems that this was how Elvis envisioned and felt the song, and thus: it`s pure Elvis.

Was the arrangement made by Glen Hardin? I don`t recall. However, it clearly fits perfectly with the vision Elvis had. Just listen to the integrity of his singing. He doesn`t doubt for a second. And neither does the listener. Elvis makes the song his own, which is so great about many of these 1970 cover song versions when compared to some later ones.

So, how do you find it? Do you like some other version better or is this your go-to version?

I don't really have a "go-to" version, but when I think of the song, the Everly Brothers hit springs to mind.

Elvis' performance is almost too over the top, but his commitment is absolute, and so exciting. He would not be like that in future years.

I don't recall really appreciating his live cover until a gorgeous, alternate live recording from February 1970 was chosen to close 1978's Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 3.

The song itself was not a left field choice by any means, though.

There were scores of the English-language version out there as of January 1970. It had been a hit several times already, the Everly Brothers took it to #7 in 1960, and Betty Everett and Jerry Butler charted even better in 1964, making it to #5 on the pop chart and #1 on the r&b chart.

Elvis absolutely heard both. Plus, there were recordings by Nancy Sinatra, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, the Fifth Dimension, even the Sweet Inspirations, who had a top twenty r&b hit with it in 1967!

Perhaps, though, the one which Elvis likely drew upon in early 1970 came from these two artists:







Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell (Capitol ST 2928, October 5, 1968)
Billboard "Hot Country LPs" #1, October 26, 1968

Side 1
1. Less Of Me
2. Little Green Apples
3. Gentle On My Mind
4. Heart To Heart Talk
5. My Elusive Dreams
6. (It's Only Your) Imagination

Side 2
1. Mornin' Glory
2. Terrible Tangled Web
3. Sunday Mornin'
4. Let It Be Me
5. Scarborough Fair / Canticle


Notice also their version of "Gentle On My Mind." Elvis would record his own take on this hit in Memphis just a few months after this LP was in the stores. Bobbie and Glen's single release of "Let It Be Me" made the top 40, and the country top 20, in 1969.







Bobbie Gentry and Glen Campbell "Let It Be Me" (CBS-TV's "Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour" - Wednesday, March 19, 1969)

Beautiful.

[ForeverElvis]

My wife and I had the organist play Let It Be Me at our wedding. Always one that I’ve loved, my wife that is!


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[keninlincs]

I like it

[Juan Luis]

Can't stand it - by anyone. Don't know why!!!

And that is the most succinct and to the point post you will ever get out of me!!

I wish everyone would post like that when not liking a song!

[Steve Morse]

Straight to the point: how do you like this one:


It was, as you know, originally a French song Je t'appartiens (apparently quite a hit in the 1950`s), subsequently versioned by numerous performers from Bob Dylan to Leonard Nimoy, but probably most famously by the Everly Brothers. For the sages of this forum I have a question: do you know what version (or versions) was the one that got Elvis to attach the song to his live repertoire? How did he get hooked on this song?

I have always liked Elvis`s live rendition of the song very much. I think it stands apart from the other versions I`ve heard in its unashamedly bombastic, yet very articulate and controlled delivery. It`s grand but not grandiose, smooth but not schmaltzy. There is fire that I haven`t detected in any of the other versions I have heard. Elvis sings full throttle, but not in a lazy or uncontrolled way and with just enough nuances not to make it a shout-through. His voice is just perfect with some delightful rawness to it. He just carries the tune with an awesome authority that sir Tom Jones himself (who also covered the song) would envy. To me it really seems that this was how Elvis envisioned and felt the song, and thus: it`s pure Elvis.

Was the arrangement made by Glen Hardin? I don`t recall. However, it clearly fits perfectly with the vision Elvis had. Just listen to the integrity of his singing. He doesn`t doubt for a second. And neither does the listener. Elvis makes the song his own, which is so great about many of these 1970 cover song versions when compared to some later ones.
So, how do you find it? Do you like some other version better or is this your go-to version?

Very well put !

When I first heard On Stage, soon after it was released, I rapidly came to the conclusion that Let It Be Me just had to be released as a single. The Powers That Be instead chose The Wonder Of You which spent 6 weeks at No. 1 in the UK. Maybe they made the right choice !

Though I was familiar with the Everly Brothers' version, Elvis reinvented the song with a good hint of the bombast to come. (Incidentally, I never really liked Elvis's treatment of I Can't Stop Loving You - I wish he had stuck with his treatment used at American Studios in his 1969 impromptu recording).

Elvis turns Let It Be Me into a very pretty, very heartfelt and very romantic song, no holds barred. I love his version.

[Timo]

Straight to the point: how do you like this one:


It was, as you know, originally a French song Je t'appartiens (apparently quite a hit in the 1950`s), subsequently versioned by numerous performers from Bob Dylan to Leonard Nimoy, but probably most famously by the Everly Brothers. For the sages of this forum I have a question: do you know what version (or versions) was the one that got Elvis to attach the song to his live repertoire? How did he get hooked on this song?

I have always liked Elvis`s live rendition of the song very much. I think it stands apart from the other versions I`ve heard in its unashamedly bombastic, yet very articulate and controlled delivery. It`s grand but not grandiose, smooth but not schmaltzy. There is fire that I haven`t detected in any of the other versions I have heard. Elvis sings full throttle, but not in a lazy or uncontrolled way and with just enough nuances not to make it a shout-through. His voice is just perfect with some delightful rawness to it. He just carries the tune with an awesome authority that sir Tom Jones himself (who also covered the song) would envy. To me it really seems that this was how Elvis envisioned and felt the song, and thus: it`s pure Elvis.

Was the arrangement made by Glen Hardin? I don`t recall. However, it clearly fits perfectly with the vision Elvis had. Just listen to the integrity of his singing. He doesn`t doubt for a second. And neither does the listener. Elvis makes the song his own, which is so great about many of these 1970 cover song versions when compared to some later ones.
So, how do you find it? Do you like some other version better or is this your go-to version?

Very well put !

When I first heard On Stage, soon after it was released, I rapidly came to the conclusion that Let It Be Me just had to be released as a single. The Powers That Be instead chose The Wonder Of You which spent 6 weeks at No. 1 in the UK. Maybe they made the right choice !

Though I was familiar with the Everly Brothers' version, Elvis reinvented the song with a good hint of the bombast to come. (Incidentally, I never really liked Elvis's treatment of I Can't Stop Loving You - I wish he had stuck with his treatment used at American Studios in his 1969 impromptu recording).

Elvis turns Let It Be Me into a very pretty, very heartfelt and very romantic song, no holds barred. I love his version.

Thank you for your feedback, brother. It seems we`re on a same page here.

[Timo]

I've always been fond of Elvis`s version of Let it Be Me. I think it was very much in his wheelhouse on the concert stage in 1970, where he gave a committed and impassioned vocal to a song that certainly has some hymnal qualities, although some of that's lost here. But to no great detriment, as it's well arranged and nicely played by all involved. The drumming is especially good whilst the tempo was a good fit for Elvis, who often had an impatience on stage. And that's evident towards the end of certain performances when he just couldn't contain himself any longer. Especially when he was partial to punctuating the end of a song with a crescendo. But I do like Elvis`s take on this song.

This said, I would choose Willie Nelson`s version as my favourite. His performance is quieter, more sensitive and retains that hymnal quality I mentioned above. Willie's recording appears on his 1982 album, Always on My Mind, which was produced by Chips Moman.

..

First time I heard the Nelson version. It`s beautiful! Thank you.

[DarrylMac]

It's one of the highlights of that Vegas season for me - he really delivers something special with it, and I've always really, really enjoyed it.

It's one of the reasons I'll always take the 1970 Vegas runs over what came before - he started to really broaden his horizons, and show some ambition with the material. The On Stage album is still one of my absolute favourites (acknowledging the 69 cuts on it!).

[Timo]

It's one of the highlights of that Vegas season for me - he really delivers something special with it, and I've always really, really enjoyed it.

It's one of the reasons I'll always take the 1970 Vegas runs over what came before - he started to really broaden his horizons, and show some ambition with the material. The On Stage album is still one of my absolute favourites (acknowledging the 69 cuts on it!).

I think you got something there. I mean about broadening his horizons. He really did that at the time, didn`t he. I only wish he had done that after 1970 too. Oh well, I´m quite happy with what we got. And On Stage is still one of the best live albums by anyone anywhere ever. And that`s a (subjective) fact!

[ForeverElvis]

I've always been fond of Elvis`s version of Let it Be Me. I think it was very much in his wheelhouse on the concert stage in 1970, where he gave a committed and impassioned vocal to a song that certainly has some hymnal qualities, although some of that's lost here. But to no great detriment, as it's well arranged and nicely played by all involved. The drumming is especially good whilst the tempo was a good fit for Elvis, who often had an impatience on stage. And that's evident towards the end of certain performances when he just couldn't contain himself any longer. Especially when he was partial to punctuating the end of a song with a crescendo. But I do like Elvis`s take on this song.

This said, I would choose Willie Nelson`s version as my favourite. His performance is quieter, more sensitive and retains that hymnal quality I mentioned above. Willie's recording appears on his 1982 album, Always on My Mind, which was produced by Chips Moman.

..

I’ll have to listen to the Nelson version tonight, I don’t think I’ve heard it. I love Elvis’ version but I think the Everly Brothers recording is delicate, absolutely beautiful, the harmony is stunning.

Elvis and the Everly’s - same song but very different approaches.


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[Dan_T]

IMHO, Elvis makes this his own. Loved it since hearing it 40 odd years ago.

[FredAistair]

I've always been fond of Elvis`s version of Let it Be Me. I think it was very much in his wheelhouse on the concert stage in 1970, where he gave a committed and impassioned vocal to a song that certainly has some hymnal qualities, although some of that's lost here. But to no great detriment, as it's well arranged and nicely played by all involved. The drumming is especially good whilst the tempo was a good fit for Elvis, who often had an impatience on stage. And that's evident towards the end of certain performances when he just couldn't contain himself any longer. Especially when he was partial to punctuating the end of a song with a crescendo. But I do like Elvis`s take on this song.

This said, I would choose Willie Nelson`s version as my favourite. His performance is quieter, more sensitive and retains that hymnal quality I mentioned above. Willie's recording appears on his 1982 album, Always on My Mind, which was produced by Chips Moman.

..

I’ll have to listen to the Nelson version tonight, I don’t think I’ve heard it. I love Elvis’ version but I think the Everly Brothers recording is delicate, absolutely beautiful, the harmony is stunning.

Elvis and the Everly’s - same song but very different approaches.


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I am one of those and I accept I am in the minority who just doesn't get the liking for Nelson's nasal vocals.

[lovin' EP]

Doesn't get much better than this. The Everly Brothers had amazing harmony together. That being said, I do love Elvis' version of this beautiful song.

Elvisly,

Linda

..

[Juan Luis]

..

[Juan Luis]

This thread comparing "Let It Be Me" versus "The Wonder Of You" posted by Linda is very interesting.
http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81085