Introduction:
Not every hit song comes from the pen of a legendary songwriter or a team of professional tunesmiths. Sometimes, a powerful melody and relatable lyrics can capture the public’s imagination from a more unexpected source. Such is the case with “I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby,” a song written and originally performed by Louisiana-born singer-songwriter Tony Joe White. Released in 1972 as a single from his album “The Train I’m On,” the track showcased White’s signature swamp rock sound, a bluesy, soulful blend that incorporated elements of rock and roll and Southern R&B.
“I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby” wasn’t a chart-topping sensation for White, but it resonated with audiences for its raw sincerity. The lyrics express a deep infatuation, sung in White’s distinctive, gravelly voice. The song’s structure is deceptively simple, relying on a hypnotic rhythm guitar riff and a driving backbeat to create an atmosphere of longing and intensity.
Two years after White’s original release, the song found a new life when it caught the ear of the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Presley, ever the astute interpreter of popular music, recognized the potential of “I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby.” In 1974, he recorded his own version of the song at the helm of producer Glen Spreen. Presley’s rendition retained the essence of White’s original, but with a few key changes. Gone was the swampy guitar of the original, replaced by a more polished arrangement featuring backing vocals from the Stamps Quartet. Presley’s own vocals, while still powerful, offered a smoother, more soulful delivery compared to White’s grittier approach.
Presley’s cover of “I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby” was released as the B-side to his single “Take Good Care of Her.” While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as the A-side, it did find a dedicated audience, particularly in the United Kingdom where it reached number 33 on the charts. More importantly, Presley’s cover introduced “I’ve Got A Thing About You Baby” to a wider audience, solidifying its place as a minor classic within the vast Presley catalog. The song stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted song, able to transcend genres and capture the hearts of listeners with its simple message of powerful attraction.