The Beatles and Elvis: Covering Each Other’s Songs
Did the Beatles ever cover Elviss songs? This question has puzzled many music enthusiasts, as it highlights the profound influence of Elvis Presley on the development of the Beatles. Indeed, a deep exploration into the early days of the band reveals the significant role that Elvis’s music played in shaping their sound and inspiration. This article delves into the instances where the Beatles covered Elvis Presley's songs and the lasting impact of this musical relationship.
From Small Country Fairs to Beatlemania
It all began in 1960 when John Lennon, the future Beatle, was starting to form his band. The Beatles, initially a small local group, found inspiration in Elvis’s music. They sang Elvis’s early rock and roll covers at small country fairs, playing to audiences eager to hear the sound of a new generation. As the band matured and became more professional in 1961, their love for Elvis only grew.
John Lennon, in particular, was deeply influenced by Elvis’s rags to riches story. He saw in Elvis’s journey a blueprint for the Beatles to follow. Lennon famously stated, 'Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles.' This sentiment is reflected in the band’s early setlists, which were heavily populated with Elvis's covers. As John developed his own musical style, the Beatles continued to perform Elvis's songs, cementing their place in the rock and roll history.
Recording Elvis’s Songs
As the band became more popular, they began to record some of Elvis’s songs for BBC shows. These recordings were later compiled in the album ‘The Beatles at the Beeb’. Amazingly, some of the songs they covered, like 'That’s Alright Mama', 'Stuck on You', and 'Mean Woman Blues', still appear in their discography.
Notable Cover Songs
Among the most notable cover songs by the Beatles were 'That’s Alright Mama', recorded as part of the BBC shows in 1963 for the radio show 'Pop Goes The Beatles'. Other covers included 'Memphis, Tennessee' and 'Long Tall Sally'. These songs were not only Elvis covers but also popularized by other artists within the rock and roll scene.
Post-Beatles Solo Careers and Cover Songs
Even after the Beatles broke up in 1969, the influence of Elvis remained. Each member of the band continued to record and perform Elvis’s songs in their solo careers. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr all covered or recorded versions of songs originally performed by Elvis.
Examples of Solo Covers
Paul McCartney recorded a version of 'That’s Alright Mama' for his Russian album in 1987. George Harrison, on the other hand, recorded 'I Forgot to Remember to Forget' in 1964, which appeared on the 'Live at the BBC' album released in the 1990s. Ringo Starr recorded a version of 'Don’t Be Cruel' for an early 90s album, with the bonus track 'Since My Baby Left Me'. John Lennon, meanwhile, referenced Elvis’s song 'Baby Let's Play House' in his own song 'Run for Your Life'.
Elvis's Covers of The Beatles
While the Beatles may not have recorded studio versions of Elvis’s songs, the King of Rock and Roll did cover some of their hits. Elvis’s renditions of 'Get Back', 'Something', 'Lady', 'Madonna', 'Yesterday', and 'Hey Jude' are notable. These covers provided the Beatles with inspiration and validation, showing that their music was reaching a wider audience.
Conclusion
The Beatles and Elvis Presley’s musical partnership is a fascinating chapter in rock and roll history. From small venues to global success, each band member saw in the other a beacon of inspiration. Their covers of each other’s songs not only stoked their musical creativity but also solidified their place in the rock and roll pantheon. The enduring legacy of this relationship continues to captivate music lovers and scholars alike.