Introduction:
“Trying To Get To You”: A Rockabilly Road Trip to Love
Elvis Presley’s “Trying To Get To You” may be a rock and roll anthem, but its roots lie in a different genre altogether. The song’s origins trace back to 1954, when a Washington D.C. vocal group called The Eagles released their version titled “Tryin’ to Get to You” (with an apostrophe). This smooth doo-wop ballad laid the foundation for the song’s structure, featuring a heartfelt plea from a man determined to reunite with his love.
However, the track wasn’t destined for doo-wop glory. In 1955, a young Elvis Presley, still recording for Sun Studio before his meteoric rise to fame, laid down his own version of “Trying To Get To You.” This rendition, though unreleased at the time, injected the song with a shot of rockabilly. Elvis’ signature swagger and powerful vocals transformed the ballad into a driving, energetic plea.
While Presley’s version remained unissued, “Trying To Get To You” continued its journey. The Teen Kings, a group featuring a young Roy Orbison, released their take in 1956, bringing the song closer to the rock and roll sound Elvis would soon popularize. Johnny Carroll and Ricky Nelson followed suit with their own renditions, solidifying the song’s place in the burgeoning rock and roll scene.
Finally, in 1958, after Presley had become a global phenomenon, RCA Records included his version of “Trying To Get To You” on his compilation album “Elvis Presley.” This inclusion sent shockwaves through the music world. Here was a previously unheard, electrifying version of a song that had been simmering just beneath the surface of rock and roll.
“Trying To Get To You” became a staple of Presley’s live performances. Notably, his 1968 Comeback Special featured a raw, stripped-down rendition that harkened back to his Sun Studio days. This performance showcased the song’s enduring power, a testament to its ability to transform from a doo-wop ballad into a timeless rock and roll anthem.
So, when you hear the opening chords of “Trying To Get To You,” you’re not just listening to an Elvis song. You’re experiencing a piece of rock and roll history, a song that traveled from doo-wop serenades to the electrifying world Elvis Presley helped create. Prepare yourself for a musical journey filled with relentless determination, a driving rockabilly beat, and the unmistakable voice of the King himself, all in pursuit of one thing: getting to you.