About the Song
“Jailhouse Rock” was a pivotal part of Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special. Here’s some information about the performance:
1. Context:
- The ’68 Comeback Special, officially titled “Elvis,” aired on December 3, 1968. It marked Elvis Presley’s return to live performance after several years of focusing solely on movies.
2. Performance:
- “Jailhouse Rock” was one of the standout performances of the special.
- Elvis performed the song with his characteristic charisma and energy, captivating the audience with his electrifying stage presence.
3. Impact:
- The performance of “Jailhouse Rock” during the ’68 Comeback Special revitalized Elvis’s career and reaffirmed his status as a cultural icon.
- It showcased Elvis’s enduring appeal and solidified his reputation as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
4. Song Background:
- “Jailhouse Rock” was originally released in 1957 as the title track of Elvis Presley’s movie of the same name.
- The song, with its catchy rhythm and rebellious lyrics, became one of Elvis’s signature songs and a classic in the rock ‘n’ roll genre.
5. Legacy:
- The performance of “Jailhouse Rock” during the ’68 Comeback Special remains one of the most iconic moments in Elvis Presley’s career.
- It continues to be celebrated as a defining moment in music and television history.
6. Cultural Significance:
- “Jailhouse Rock” not only embodies the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll but also reflects the cultural and social dynamics of its time.
- Its inclusion in the ’68 Comeback Special reaffirmed its status as a timeless classic that transcends generations.
Overall, Elvis Presley’s performance of “Jailhouse Rock” during the ’68 Comeback Special remains an indelible part of music history, symbolizing the resurgence of one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Video
Lyrics
The warden threw a party in the county jail
The prison band was there and they began to wail
The band was jumpin’ and the joint began to swing
You should’ve heard those knocked out jailbirds sing
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone
Little Joe was blowin’ on the slide trombone
The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang
The whole rhythm section was a purple gang
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Number 47 said to number three
“You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, Rock, Rock
Sad Sack was sittin’ on a block of stone
Way over in the corner weepin’ all alone
The warden said, “Hey, buddy, don’t you be no square
If you can’t find a partner, use a wooden chair”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Shifty Henry said to Bugs, “For Heaven’s sake
No one’s lookin’, now’s the chance to make a break”
Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, “Nix nix
I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks”
Let’s rock
Everybody, let’s rock
Everybody in the whole cell block
Was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock, dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock
Dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock-