About the song
Elvis Presley – Polk Salad Annie Live (High Quality) showcases the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at his dynamic best, capturing a performance of this energetic Southern anthem. Originally written and performed by Tony Joe White in 1968, "Polk Salad Annie" became a hit, and Elvis Presley covered the song during the later part of his career, most notably during his 1970s live concerts in Las Vegas. The song effortlessly blends swamp rock, blues, and funk with Elvis’s signature flair, charisma, and electrifying stage presence, making it a fan favorite and a show-stopping performance in his live repertoire.
While Elvis Presley himself did not release a studio recording of "Polk Salad Annie," the live performances of this song became iconic. One notable live rendition of the song was featured on his concert recording "Elvis: That’s the Way It Is", released in 1970, which captured the energy and intensity of his live concerts. Though this live version of the song did not make its way onto the Billboard charts, Tony Joe White’s original version reached No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. However, Elvis Presley’s stage interpretation of the song gained widespread acclaim for its raw energy and his exceptional ability to give a unique twist to existing hits.
"Polk Salad Annie" tells a humorous yet gritty story of life in the rural South, referencing polk salad, a wild green plant often consumed by impoverished communities. Elvis’s electrifying live performances infused the song with thrilling vocal delivery and instrumental arrangement, complete with a rocking guitar riff, powerful brass section, and robust percussive backing.
Though "Polk Salad Annie" did not earn Elvis Presley a Grammy award, it remains a quintessential example of his mastery as a live performer and his ability to inject soul into every song he performed. The live performance is a testament to Presley’s skill and influence during the 1970s, marking an unforgettable chapter of his career.
Video
Lyrics
updating