Elvis Presley – King Creole

King Creole: A Raucous Rock and Roll Anthem by Elvis Presley

In the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where jazz and blues melodies intertwine, a young Creole guitarist named King Creole emerged, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances. His music, a fusion of rock and roll’s raw energy and the soulful depth of the blues, resonated with the city’s spirit, earning him the admiration of locals and the title “King Creole.”

King Creole, the song, immortalized this charismatic musician, capturing the essence of his captivating stage presence and the infectious rhythm of his music. Penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the song became an instant hit, rocketing to number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1958. Its enduring popularity led to a re-release in 2007, where it once again captivated audiences, securing a spot at number 15 on the charts.

The song’s opening lines paint a vivid picture of King Creole’s captivating stage presence: “You know he’s gone, gone, gone / Jumping like a catfish on a pole.” His movements, as unrestrained and electrifying as a catfish leaping out of water, set the stage for a musical journey that blends the untamed energy of rock and roll with the soulful depth of the blues.

King Creole’s musical prowess is further emphasized in the lyrics, describing him as someone who “holds his guitar like a Tommy gun,” a metaphor that captures the intensity and precision of his playing. His fingers dance across the fretboard, bending strings and conjuring melodies that ignite a fire in the hearts of his listeners.

The song’s versatility is evident in the description of King Creole’s repertoire, encompassing a wide range of genres, from the lighthearted and playful to the serious and profound. He could effortlessly transition from toe-tapping tunes to soul-stirring ballads, captivating audiences with his emotional depth and musical mastery.

King Creole stands as a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll, a genre that has its roots in the blues and continues to inspire generations of musicians. Elvis Presley’s rendition of this iconic song perfectly captures the essence of King Creole, the captivating guitarist who ruled the streets of New Orleans with his music.

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Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

King Creole

There’s a man in New Orleans
Who plays rock and roll
He’s a guitar man
With a great big soul
He lays down a beat
Like a ton of coal
He goes by the name of King Creole

You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole

When the king starts to do it
It’s as good as done
He holds his guitar
Like a Tommy gun
He starts to growl
From way down his throat
He bends a string
And “that’s all she wrote”

You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole

Well, he sings a song about a crawdad hole
He sings a song about a jelly roll
He sings a song about pork and greens
He sings some blues about New Orleans

You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole

Well, he plays something evil
Then he plays something sweet
No matter what he plays
You got to get up on your feet

When he gets the rockin’ fever
Baby, heaven sakes
He don’t stop playin’
‘Till his guitar breaks

You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Jumpin’ like a catfish on a pole
You know he’s gone, gone, gone
Hip shaking King Creole