Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: A Cover Steeped in History
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a fascinating footnote in the song’s rich history. While most associate the song with Simon & Garfunkel, the King of Rock and Roll left his own mark with a cover that impressed even the songwriter himself.
Originally written by Paul Simon in 1969, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” reflected the social and political turmoil of the era. The Vietnam War raged on, and America grappled with the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Simon, influenced by gospel music, crafted a song offering solace and hope in difficult times. The original by Simon & Garfunkel became a massive hit in 1970, topping the charts and winning multiple Grammy awards.
Elvis Presley recorded his version for his 1970 album “That’s The Way It Is.” According to accounts, Presley’s cover was so powerful that Simon himself reportedly admitted he wouldn’t want to compete with it. However, the cover was never released as a single, leaving it a somewhat hidden gem for Elvis fans and music historians.
This introduction provides a brief historical context for the song, highlights the original success by Simon & Garfunkel, and piques the listener’s interest with the unique story of Elvis’s powerful, unreleased cover.