About the song
Elvis Presley – Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Impromptu Jam (’68 Comeback Special) is an electrifying and raw performance by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during his iconic 1968 Comeback Special, originally broadcast on NBC. This special marked Elvis Presley’s triumphant return to live performances after several years of focusing on his movie career. While "Baby, What You Want Me To Do" was not a song Elvis originally recorded in the studio or released as a single, this impromptu jam became one of the standout moments of the televised event, showcasing his ability to connect with the audience and his musicians on a deeply personal and spontaneous level.
The song itself was originally written and recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1959 and became a blues classic. Elvis’ interpretation in this jam session is a gritty and soulful performance that reveals his love for rhythm and blues and highlights his vocal power and stage presence. This version was not part of the charts since it was not released as a commercial single, but the 1968 Comeback Special as a whole holds a significant place in the history of music and television due to its immense success.
Though this performance did not earn any Grammy Award individually, the Comeback Special played a key role in resurrecting Elvis’ career, eventually solidifying his status as a music legend. The relaxed setting of the jam session, with Elvis surrounded by his band in an intimate circle, showcased a raw and unfiltered side of the artist, which was rarely seen at the time. It is often credited as one of the most iconic moments in Elvis’ career. The 68 Comeback Special remains one of the most celebrated live performances in the history of rock and roll, and this specific impromptu jam performance is a testament to Elvis Presley’s charisma, versatility, and enduring influence in the world of music.
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