Introduction
“Mr. Songman” is a poignant track recorded by Elvis Presley on December 12, 1973, at Stax Studios in Memphis. The song was penned by Donnie Sumner, a member of the gospel group Voice, who also contributed backing vocals during the session. The recording featured prominent musicians such as guitarists James Burton and Johnny Christopher, bassist Norbert Putnam, drummer Ronnie Tutt, and pianists David Briggs and Per-Erik Hallin.
The song was later included in Elvis’s “Promised Land” album, released in January 1975. In April of the same year, “Mr. Songman” was released as the B-side to the single “T-R-O-U-B-L-E.”
“Mr. Songman” stands out as a heartfelt ballad that reflects Elvis’s deep connection to country music during this period of his career. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, themes that resonated with Elvis and his audience in the mid-1970s. The song’s arrangement, characterized by its gentle melody and harmonious backing vocals, complements its reflective tone.
While “Mr. Songman” may not have achieved significant commercial success as a single, it remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility and his ability to convey profound emotion through his music. The track continues to be appreciated by fans for its sincerity and the glimpse it offers into Elvis’s artistic expression during the later years of his career.