Introduction:
Take Me To The Fair by Elvis Presley is a lively tune that inhabits the world of 1960s rock and roll. Released in 1963, the song appeared in the musical comedy film, It Happened at the World’s Fair. Presley starred alongside actress Joan Crawford in the film, though the musical moments were largely separate from the plot. This wasn’t the first or last time Presley would act and sing in a Hollywood movie, and soundtracks became a big part of his career.
Take Me To The Fair was not credited with a single producer, but rather fell under the umbrella of producer Leith Stevens. Stevens was a accomplished composer and arranger who had experience working on films and television before collaborating with Presley on It Happened at the World’s Fair. It wasn’t necessarily common for Presley to have a sole producer on his film songs at this point in his career, and Stevens likely oversaw the musical direction for the film as a whole.
While Take Me To The Fair wasn’t a chart-topping hit for Presley, it did find its place among fans and became a consistent inclusion on his concert setlists. The song’s upbeat tempo and playful lyrics resonated with audiences, showcasing Presley’s energetic and charismatic stage presence.
Take Me To The Fair serves as a time capsule, capturing a specific sound and style of popular music from the early 1960s. Presley’s vocals are full of life, and the instrumentation keeps the listener engaged with a driving beat and bright backing instruments. The song may not be one of Presley’s most well-known recordings, but it offers a glimpse into the musical direction he was exploring during this period in his filmography.