Introduction
Elvis Presley’s recording of “I’ve Got a Thing About You Baby” stands as a compelling highlight of his mid‑1970s era. Originally written and released by Tony Joe White in 1972 on his album The Train I’m On, the song’s spare, blues‑rock groove caught Elvis’s attention shortly thereafter .
In July 1973, Elvis recorded his version at Stax Studios in Memphis — a location steeped in soul and where he was experimenting with a blend of country, rock, and blues. The session took place on July 22, with key Memphis musicians like James Burton (guitar), Tommy Cogbill (bass), Ronnie Tutt, and Jerry Carrigan (drums), backed by vocalists including Kathy Westmoreland and The Stamps . This session also produced “Take Good Care of Her”, another emotionally resonant track reflecting the introspective tone of his Good Times and Raised on Rock / For Ol’ Times Sake albums.
Released on March 20, 1974, as the A‑side of a single paired with “Take Good Care of Her”, the song was later included on Elvis’s studio album Good Times . It found early success on the US Country charts, hitting #4 and also reached #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, further establishing Elvis’s crossover appeal . In the UK, the single peaked at #33 .
Musically, Elvis’s version preserves White’s original bluesy swagger but infuses it with a smoother, soul‑tinged delivery, highlighting his matured vocal warmth. The lyrics—”I’ve got a thing about you, baby…”—resonated strongly with listeners during a time when Elvis was channeling personal vulnerability into his music. Decades later, in 2016, his 1973 recording was further reimagined with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on The Wonder of You album, bridging vintage warmth with lush orchestration .
In this concise yet emotionally honest performance, Elvis showcases his ability to reinterpret contemporary material authentically, honoring Tony Joe White’s blues roots while expressing his own evolving artistic voice.