Introduction
“Elvis Presley – Little Sister” stands as a signature rock-and-roll track penned by the influential songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. It was recorded on June 26, 1961, at Nashville’s RCA Studio B and produced by Steve Sholes . Issued as a double A-side single alongside “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” on August 8, 1961, it climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claimed the No. 1 spot on the UK Singles Chart.
A fiery rockabilly tune, the record’s driving sound features standout guitar work by Hank Garland on lead and Scotty Moore on rhythm, backed by the tight harmonies of The Jordanaires including Ray Walker’s distinctive bass voice . The track’s lyrics tell the story of a young man rebounding after being cheated on by the older sister and turning his attention to her younger sibling, referencing “Jim Dandy,” which nods to LaVern Baker’s earlier hit—part of a playful Brill Building tradition .
Over the years, Presley kept the energy of “Little Sister” alive in his live shows. In the early 1970s, he even incorporated it into medleys with The Beatles’ “Get Back,” showcased in the 1970 concert film Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. Its enduring appeal is highlighted by the number of covers it inspired—from Ry Cooder’s 1979 rendition, which topped the charts in New Zealand, to versions by Dwight Yoakam, Robert Plant, Pearl Jam, and others
Interestingly, in September 1961 LaVern Baker reversed the narrative with her answer song “Hey, Memphis,” which borrowed the melody of “Little Sister” but flipped the perspective.
Altogether, “Little Sister” captures Elvis at the height of his rock‑and‑roll prowess—brilliantly blending the swagger of Memphis guitar, Brill Building lyricism, and his own charismatic flair—to become one of his most catchy and enduring hits.