About The Song
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “One Night”. To truly appreciate this performance, we need to rewind the clock to 1968. This was a pivotal year for the King. After a string of commercially successful, but creatively stifling, Hollywood musicals, Elvis’s musical fire seemed to be fading.
Enter the ’68 Comeback Special. This NBC television program was a bold move. It stripped away the glitz and orchestras of the movies, presenting Elvis in a raw, intimate setting with his longtime bandmates Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and D.J. Fontana. It was a return to his roots – the electrifying rockabilly sound that had ignited the world in the 1950s.
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“One Night” perfectly encapsulates the energy of this comeback. It’s not on the original soundtrack of the Special, but its inclusion on later releases speaks volumes about its impact. The song itself is a bluesy shuffle, a simmering cauldron of desire and frustration. The lyrics are simple – a plea for a night of passion – but Elvis imbues them with an urgency that’s impossible to ignore.
This performance is a masterclass in vocal control. We hear the swagger of the young Elvis in his lower register, but there’s also a newfound depth and maturity. He effortlessly stretches notes, lets out soulful growls, and punctuates the song with playful yelps. It’s a performance that reminds us why Elvis was crowned the King – his charisma and vocal prowess are undeniable.
But “One Night” is more than just a vocal showcase. It’s a testament to the power of the band. Scotty Moore’s searing guitar licks weave around Elvis’s voice, while D.J. Fontana’s drumming lays down a solid foundation. Bill Black’s bass, tragically absent from the later Vegas years, adds a crucial layer of groove. Together, they create a sound that’s both tight and loose, simmering with anticipation.
“One Night” stands as a landmark in Elvis’s career. It wasn’t just a song on a TV special; it was a declaration of intent. It reignited his passion for music, paving the way for a string of acclaimed albums that would solidify his status as a musical legend. So, when you listen to “One Night”, you’re not just hearing a song – you’re witnessing the king reclaiming his throne.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
One night with you
Is what I’m now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come trueJust call my name
And I’ll be right by your side
I want your sweet helping hand
My loves too strong to hideAlways lived, very quiet life
I ain’t never did no wrong
Now I know that life without you
Has been too lonely too longOne night with you
Is what I’m now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come trueAlways lived, very quiet life
I ain’t never did no wrong
Now I know that life without you
Has been too lonely too longOne night with you
Is what I’m now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come true