It’s Midnight – Elvis Presley – 1974

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“It’s Midnight” is a song written by Fred Rose and originally recorded by American country music singer Jim Reeves in 1956. Though not released as a single at the time, Reeves’ version gained popularity on country radio. The song’s melancholy lyrics about lost love and loneliness connected with listeners. “It’s Midnight” was covered by various other artists throughout the late 1950s, but it was Elvis Presley’s rendition in 1960 that turned the song into a major hit.

Presley was nearing the end of his two-year stint in the US Army when RCA Records called on him to record new material in Nashville. Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, saw “It’s Midnight” as the perfect comeback single, though Presley was initially unsure about recording the ballad. However, once in the studio, Presley delivered a poignant vocal performance that highlighted his maturing voice and interpretation. Backed by producer Chet Atkins and the Jordanaires vocal group, Presley transformed “It’s Midnight” from a classic country lament into a sweeping, dramatic pop ballad.

Released in February 1960 while Presley was still in Germany, “It’s Midnight” quickly shot up the charts, spending 15 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart that spring. It was Presley’s biggest hit since his induction into the Army, proving his career still had tremendous momentum. Presley even performed “It’s Midnight” on The Ed Sullivan Show via satellite from Germany, marking a triumphant return to the show that had helped launch his superstardom five years prior.

“It’s Midnight” resonated with audiences for its prescient lyrics about communication breakdowns and isolation, which connected to emerging themes in 1960s pop music. Presley biographer Peter Guralnick wrote, “‘It’s Midnight‘ was a creative high point for Elvis, when the material, his singing, and the production came together perfectly.” While Presley continued revisiting his blues and rock roots on other singles, “It’s Midnight” showed his ability to master the form of orchestral balladry popular at the time. It remains one of Presley’s most acclaimed and influential vocal performances.

Nearly 60 years later, “It’s Midnight” is still remembered as a pivotal Elvis Presley recording that underscored his artistic versatility in the early 1960s. Though originally a country song, Presley’s version helped move “It’s Midnight” into the pop mainstream and expanded its legacy for generations to come.

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Here are the lyrics of the song:  “It’s Midnight”