Introduction
The King Goes Back to His Roots: Unveiling Elvis Presley’s “Raised on Rock”
“Raised on Rock,” a 1973 song by the legendary Elvis Presley, offers a window into the soul of the King himself. While Elvis is synonymous with the birth of rock and roll, “Raised on Rock” takes us back to his early influences and reaffirms his lifelong connection to the genre that made him a star.
Composed by Mark James, the same songwriter behind Elvis’s 1969 chart-topper “Suspicious Minds,” “Raised on Rock” boasts a personal touch. The lyrics speak of a young boy captivated by the rhythm and energy of rock and roll, referencing classics like “Johnny B. Goode.” This resonates with Elvis’s own upbringing, where gospel music and the burgeoning rock and roll scene heavily influenced his sound.
Released as a single alongside “For Ol’ Times Sake,” “Raised on Rock” wasn’t a major chart success, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, its significance lies beyond commercial performance. Recorded at the famed Stax Studios in Memphis, “Raised on Rock” marked a return to Elvis’s roots. Backed by Stax’s renowned rhythm section, the song brims with raw energy, a stark contrast to the polished pop productions that dominated his later career.
“Raised on Rock” serves as a reminder of Elvis Presley’s enduring love for rock and roll. It’s a declaration – a testament to the genre that fueled his meteoric rise and the music that continued to inspire him throughout his life. So crank up the volume and prepare to be transported back to the electrifying early days of rock and roll with “Raised on Rock,” a song that celebrates the King’s musical heritage.