Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s I Gotta Know, released in 1960, is a ballad that showcases a different side of the singer many fans associate with high-energy rock and roll. This song, though classified as rock and roll, leans towards a doo-wop rhythm and blues style with its smooth tempo and prominent backing vocals by the Jordanaires. While not reaching number one on the Billboard charts, I Gotta Know achieved significant success, becoming a million seller and staying on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven weeks, peaking at number twenty.
I Gotta Know originated as a B-side to Presley’s other hit, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, but despite its placement, the song found its own audience. It was written by songwriting duo Paul Evans and Matt Williams. The recording session for I Gotta Know took place on April 4, 1960, at RCA’s Nashville studios. RCA producer Steve Sholes, who had worked with Presley on numerous recordings since 1954, oversaw the session. Sholes is credited with significantly shaping the sound of early Elvis Presley, and I Gotta Know is another example of their successful collaboration.
I Gotta Know stands out in Presley’s discography for its lyrical content. The song depicts a man wrestling with insecurity in his relationship. The narrator fixates on mixed signals he receives from his lover, prompting him to plead, “I gotta know, I gotta know, baby, what’s on your mind.” This emotional vulnerability is a departure from Presley’s usual bravado and charisma, offering a glimpse into a different facet of his performing persona.
Despite being a B-side, I Gotta Know became a fan favorite and has endured as a beloved track among collectors and fans of Presley’s more nuanced works. It showcases Presley’s vocal range and his ability to deliver a heartfelt performance beyond the energetic rock and roll persona that made him famous.
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