From The Boss to The King: Bruce Springsteen Covers an Elvis Tune

Elvis Presley, the rock and roll icon, never penned his own tunes, opting instead to pick his favorites from a vast array of popular hits. Among these selections was a song by Bruce Springsteen. Over the years, Presley’s unique method of selecting songs seemed to take a toll. His fame was built on covering songs, especially adapting African American blues and rock for a broader, predominantly white audience. Hits like ‘That’s All Right’ and ‘Hound Dog’, along with renditions of tracks by Little Richard and Ray Charles, catapulted him to stardom but often left the original creators in the shadows.

The morality of his actions is a matter of debate. Presley’s dealings with songwriters and musicians compounded the issue. He often sought credits for songs he covered but did not write, leading to Dolly Parton’s famous refusal to allow him to record ‘I Will Always Love You’ to preserve her own songwriting credits. Despite the potential prestige of having Presley cover their work, some artists hesitated. Yet, given Presley’s unparalleled fame, many were eager for him to perform their songs, seeing him as a defining figure in rock and roll.

Bruce Springsteen admired Presley and envisioned him covering his songs. Springsteen even attempted to visit Presley at Graceland. Their paths almost crossed professionally when Springsteen composed ‘Fire’ with Presley in mind, during the “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” sessions, envisioning a rockabilly sound with straightforward, Americana-themed lyrics suited for Presley.

Springsteen handed the song to Presley’s team, but Presley passed away in August 1977 before he could hear it. Springsteen reflected on the impact of Presley’s death, noting how it marked a shift in the music scene with the emergence of punk and new wave bands like the Sex Pistols, Clash, and Elvis Costello. This period signified both an end and a beginning, influencing Springsteen to craft anthems that spoke to the heartland of America.

Springsteen felt Presley’s influence during the recording of “Darkness On The Edge Of Town,” with his approach to music and performance reminiscent of Presley’s early days, embodying a zeal that reshaped the music landscape.