“That’s why I hate to get started in these jam sessions. I’m always the last one to leave.”
One of the most famous jam sessions of all time is now known as the “Million Dollar Quartet” consisting of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Knowing Elvis, I cannot imagine he wanted that jam session to end! This all being said, my favorite known recording session would, hands down, be the Jungle Room sessions.
If you are not familiar with this, I would highly suggest taking the time to listen – it is one of my favorite albums!
Imagine, if you will, Elvis walking down the stairs inside Graceland in blue silk pajamas, entering his Jungle Room through his kitchen as cables billowed out from the doors to vans holding cutting-edge musical equipment – this was the incredible setting to these sessions. The sessions were recorded directly from the comfort of his own home with his musicians and background singers present. Elvis was dealing with an incredible touring session and fighting demands from studios to record new music, until finally it was decided to hold a recording session right in his home. Think of this as how Elvis would be working from home right – as many of us are currently doing. Do you change out of your pajamas?
Way Down in the Jungle Room was released in 2016 which contains 16 original masters recorded during the two Jungle Room sessions while the second disc includes alternative takes to many songs, including Moody Blue. During this, you will hear Elvis’s banter between, during, and after songs. One of my favorite quotes from this being, “Wait for me, the ship’s sinking!”
Moody Blue (Take 1)
There have been many opinions of the recording session, usually surrounding a negative tone, but being an Elvis fan I LOVE IT! My entire childhood consisted of me idolizing Elvis – because he really could do no wrong. Now, I love seeing the human side of Elvis, but sometimes I still forget Elvis was a real person. He was larger than life and it just seems impossible that he was real – but he was. Hearing his voice say extremely human things and be real makes me love Elvis that much more!
Do you agree? What are your thoughts on the Jungle Room sessions?
Take a listen on Spotify!
Until we meet again,
2 Comments
Hi Little Sister
I love your Blog & Moody Blue is one of my favorites songs.
As for the Jungle Room sessions I love them.
As president of the Elvis Remembered Fan Club and a fan since I was 7,
I’ve always loved and admired him.
Yes everyone does forget he was human and because of his reputation,
could never be free to enjoy a normal life.
There will never be anyone like him.
Thank you for doing this Blog.
Please stay safe in this time.
Stephanie
Hello Stephanie,
Thank you so much for reading! I love hearing about all the Elvis clubs out there – thank you for your dedication to Elvis!
Stay healthy and safe,
Little Sister