Introduction
Ain’t That Loving You Baby: A Hidden Gem Gets Its Due
Elvis Presley’s “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” might not be one of his most famous recordings, but its history reveals a hidden gem with a journey that stretches back before The King even touched it.
The song’s roots trace back to 1956 with songwriter Ivory Joe Hunter and Clyde Otis crafting the original version. Eddie Riff was the first to record it, but it wasn’t until Elvis stepped in two years later that the song truly took shape. Elvis laid down his version in 1958, yet it remained unreleased for years.
The reasons for the delay remain unclear. Some speculate Elvis’s record label, RCA, prioritized other tracks. Others suggest the song’s style, leaning more towards R&B than Elvis’s usual rock and roll, might have been a factor. Whatever the reason, “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” remained in the vaults for years.
Elvis’s version finally saw the light of day in 1964, not as a standalone single, but as the B-side to his release “Such a Night.” While it didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of some of his other hits, the song’s soulful energy and Elvis’s impassioned vocals have garnered a dedicated following among fans.
Despite its delayed release, “Ain’t That Loving You Baby” showcases a different side of Elvis. The song allows his powerful voice to shine in a more soulful setting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Today, the track is considered a hidden gem for fans seeking a glimpse beyond Elvis’s rock and roll persona.