Introduction
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a song originally by the American duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1970. The track features lead vocals by Art Garfunkel and a gospel-influenced piano accompaniment played by Larry Knechtel. It became one of the duo’s most successful singles, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks. The song also won five Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
In the same year, Elvis Presley recorded his own version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” for his album That’s the Way It Is. Although it was not released as a single, Presley’s rendition left a lasting impression on songwriter Paul Simon. Simon described hearing Elvis’s interpretation as “unbelievable” and felt a sense of competition with the King’s powerful delivery.
Elvis Presley’s 1970 cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” stands as a testament to his ability to reinterpret contemporary songs through his unique musical lens. His rendition not only paid homage to the original work by Simon & Garfunkel but also showcased his versatility as an artist, adding to the rich tapestry of covers that the song has inspired over the decades.