“Trouble” 1958 vs 1968

Elvis Presley’s hit song “Trouble” was released in 1958 as a part of the soundtrack for his film “King Creole”. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and became a commercial success, peaking at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In 1968, Elvis performed “Trouble” as part of his televised “comeback special,” which was a pivotal moment in his career. The special featured Elvis in a black leather suit, returning to his rock ‘n’ roll roots after several years of making movies with more pop-oriented soundtracks. The 1968 version of “Trouble” was performed with a raw, stripped-down energy that showcased Elvis’s talent as a live performer and his ability to connect with his audience.

In contrast to the studio version recorded in 1958, the 1968 performance of “Trouble” featured a faster tempo, a harder-edged guitar sound, and a more intense vocal delivery from Elvis. The lyrics remained the same, but the overall feel of the song was more aggressive and dynamic, reflecting the changes in rock ‘n’ roll music that had taken place since the late 1950s.

Both versions of “Trouble” are beloved by Elvis fans, but the 1968 version has become especially iconic and is often cited as one of the highlights of his career. The song remains a classic example of Elvis’s ability to blend rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and R&B into a distinctive sound that still resonates with audiences today.