Introduction
“A Big Hunk o’ Love” is a dynamic rock and roll track recorded by Elvis Presley on June 10, 1958, at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Written by Aaron Schroeder and Sidney Wyche, the song showcases Presley’s energetic vocals and the talents of notable session musicians, including guitarist Hank Garland and pianist Floyd Cramer. This recording session was unique, as it occurred during Presley’s military service and did not feature his longtime collaborators Scotty Moore and Bill Black.
Released as a single on June 23, 1959, with “My Wish Came True” as the B-side, “A Big Hunk o’ Love” achieved significant commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks, marking it as one of Presley’s notable hits during that period.
In the early 1970s, Presley revived “A Big Hunk o’ Love” during his live performances, notably during his February 1972 engagements at the Las Vegas Hilton. The song became a regular part of his setlist until mid-1973 and was featured in the 1972 documentary “Elvis On Tour” and the 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert broadcast.
Over the years, “A Big Hunk o’ Love” has been included in several compilations, such as the 1959 album “50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong” and the 2002 retrospective “ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits.”
The song’s enduring appeal is evident through various cover versions and remixes. Notably, The Residents included a rendition of “A Big Hunk o’ Love” on their 1989 album “The King & Eye,” which featured experimental interpretations of Elvis’s songs.
“A Big Hunk o’ Love” remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s influence on rock and roll, highlighting his ability to deliver high-energy performances that resonate with audiences across generations.