Songs that Elvis' music publishing firms owned but yet he never recorded properly

[bluejays3577]

"Sixteen Tons" (written by Merle Travis) - Sheet music credits American Music and Elvis Presley Music. Song was recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0065677&gclid=Cj0KCQjw98ujBhCgARIsAD7QeAivsEg6NqSDEoyxEY970eN0nM5yH4gP8P9Wxvz-uLXbGIfG3iY2dV4aAv-1EALw_wcB

"Nine Pound Hammer" (written by Merle Travis) - Sheet music credits Elvis Presley Music and Unichappell Music Inc.

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/nine-pound-hammer-digital-sheet-music/19563675

"Butterfly" (written by Bernie Lowe and Kal Mann) Song was recorded by both Charlie Gracie and Andy Williams. The Williams' single release credits Elvis Presley Music and Mayland Music. The Gracie 1957 Cameo single of "Butterfly" only credited Mayland Music. A 1973 ABKCO single pairing Gracie's "Butterfly" with "Fabulous" credited "Butterfly" to Ross Jungnickel Music and "Fabulous" To Rice Mill Music, Travis Music, and Elvis Presley Music. "Fabulous" was originally credited on the 1957 Cameo single to Mayland, Shalimar and Elvis Presley Music. The flipside, "Just Lookin'" (also written by Mann and Lowe) was credited to Lowe, Sequence, and Gladys Music (Elvis' other music publishing company named after his mother).

https://www.discogs.com/master/190164-Andy-Williams-Butterfly-It-Doesnt-Take-Very-Long
https://www.discogs.com/release/1259423-Charlie-Gracie-Butterfly-Ninety-Nine-Ways
https://www.discogs.com/release/3137308-Charlie-Gracie-Fabulous-Butterfly
https://www.discogs.com/master/277843-Charlie-Gracie-Fabulous

"Turn Around, Look At Me" (written by Jerry Capehart and an uncredited Glen Campbell) - Song was recorded by Campbell, The Lettermen, Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees, and The Vogues. The Campbell and The Lettermen singles credited American Music, the same publishing company that was credited on "Sixteen Tons" and Elvis' recording of "Long Black Limousine." The Vogues 1968 single credited Viva Music but a later reissue of The Vogues' single credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. A 1968 promotional copy of O.C. Smith's version of "Long Black Limousine" credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. Jody Miller's version of "Long Black Limousine" credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. Campbell's 1962 recording of "Long Black Limousine" only credited American Music.

https://www.discogs.com/release/2258306-Glen-Campbell-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me-Brenda
https://www.discogs.com/release/1527372-The-Lettermen-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me-How-Is-Julie
https://www.discogs.com/release/1332293-The-Vogues-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me
https://www.ebay.com/itm/385437762755
https://www.discogs.com/release/5044417-O-C-Smith-Little-Green-Apples-Long-Black-Limousine
https://www.discogs.com/release/10647736-Jody-Miller-Long-Black-Limousine
https://www.discogs.com/master/1703534-Glen-Campbell-Long-Black-Limousine-Here-I-Am

"Summertime Blues" (written by Jerry Capehart and Eddie Cochran) - Song was originally recorded by Eddie Cochran and his single release credited American Music. The 1968 single release of "Summertime Blues" by Blue Cheer also credited American Music. The 1970 single release of "Summertime Blues" by The Who credited Rumbalero Music, Elvis Presley Music, and Viva Music. Alan Jackson's 1994 single release of "Summertime Blues" credits the publishing to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

https://www.discogs.com/release/1340556-Eddie-Cochran-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/3885782-Blue-Cheer-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/7972474-The-Who-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/12210283-Alan-Jackson-Who-I-Am

"The 'In' Crowd" (written by Billy Page) - Song was recorded by Dobie Gray. His 1964 single originally credited American Music. A 1981 reissue credited Hill & Range and Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.discogs.com/release/1247276-Dobie-Gray-The-In-Crowd-Be-A-Man
https://www.discogs.com/release/3876013-Dobie-Gray-The-Reflections-The-In-Crowd-Just-Like-Romeo-And-Juliet

"Tears On My Pillow" (written by Sylvester Bradford and Al Lewis and recorded by Little Anthony & The Imperials. Sheet music credits Gladys Music.

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0062892

"El Paso" (written by Marty Robbins and originally recorded by Robbins) Sheet music credits Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0051939

"Big Iron" (written and recorded by Marty Robbins) Sheet Music credits Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0051841

[brian]

Right. It's common for singers to own publishing companies and as part of those companies they own the publishing rights to other artist's songs. Elvis wasn't the only singer to do that. Elvis wasn't supposed to record these songs it's just that owning publishing companies and owning the rights to other artists songs was a good financial investment. As music publishing can be very lucrative. Circa 1966 Elvis's people bought Marty Robbins songs. From then on Elvis owned the publishing to Marty Robbins songs. I believe Elvis also owned the publishing rights to the song Tears on my pillow by Little Anthony.

[Thats_all_right]

Interesting topic. Is this a full list or are there more? I presume more. If there was a complete list, that would be worth a read.

[Walter Hale 4]

"The 'In' Crowd" (written by Billy Page) - Song was recorded by Dobie Gray. His 1964 single originally credited American Music. A 1981 reissue credited Hill & Range and Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.discogs.com/release/1247276-Dobie-Gray-The-In-Crowd-Be-A-Man
https://www.discogs.com/release/3876013-Dobie-Gray-The-Reflections-The-In-Crowd-Just-Like-Romeo-And-Juliet...


The-In-Crowd would have been a perfect record for Elvis. If AI continues to get better, someone should make up a tweaked Elvis vocal as part of a future album.

[drjohncarpenter]

I would actually say these are songs Elvis never recorded at all. But the singer did involve himself with a few of them, as noted below. Interestingly, nearly all the tracks you have here were hit singles.

Also, any of the examples which joined an Elvis-related publishing firm after his death shouldn't be considered. At least four fall into that category.

Below are the song publishers at the time of release, and other pertinent information.


"Sixteen Tons" - Tennessee Ernie Ford, 1955
- his "signature" song, HUGE hit, #1 pop, #1 country
- publisher is American Music (BMI)
- Elvis played it live in December 1955


"Nine Pound Hammer" - traditional song, 1927
- Merle Travis first released his rendition in 1947 on an EP
- Tennessee Ernie Ford issued his cover on a 1956 EP, and it was credited to Merle Travis
- a 1957 Travis EP then credits the song as "Traditional - Arr. Merle Travis"
- none of these show a publisher for the traditional song
- hundreds of covers followed through the years


"Butterfly" - Charlie Gracie, 1957
- his biggest hit single, #1 pop and #10 r&b
- publisher is Mayland Music (BMI)
- Andy Williams released a version one week behind Gracie, his went #1 as well
- Elvis played it live in April 1957


"Turn Around, Look At Me" - Vogues, 1968
- fourth biggest hit single, #7 pop
- publisher is Viva Music, Inc. (BMI)
- A handful of one-liners sung by Elvis on stage in the 1970s


"Summertime Blues" - Eddie Cochran, 1958
- second biggest hit single, #8 pop and #11 r&b
- publisher is American Music (BMI)


"The 'In' Crowd" - Dobie Gray, 1964
- second biggest hit single, #13 pop and #11 r&b
- publisher is American Music (BMI)


"Tears On My Pillow" - Little Anthony and the Imperials, 1958
- biggest hit single, #4 pop and #2 r&b
- publisher is Vanderbilt & Bonnie (ASCAP), 1959 sheet music shows same company


"El Paso" - Marty Robbins, 1959
- his biggest hit single, #1 pop and #1 country
- publisher is Marty's Music (BMI), 1960 sheet music shows same company
- Elvis sang a few lines at a March 1972 RCA Hollywood rehearsal

"Sixteen Tons" (written by Merle Travis) - Sheet music credits American Music and Elvis Presley Music. Song was recorded by Tennessee Ernie Ford

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0065677&gclid=Cj0KCQjw98ujBhCgARIsAD7QeAivsEg6NqSDEoyxEY970eN0nM5yH4gP8P9Wxvz-uLXbGIfG3iY2dV4aAv-1EALw_wcB

"Nine Pound Hammer" (written by Merle Travis) - Sheet music credits Elvis Presley Music and Unichappell Music Inc.

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/nine-pound-hammer-digital-sheet-music/19563675

"Butterfly" (written by Bernie Lowe and Kal Mann) Song was recorded by both Charlie Gracie and Andy Williams. The Williams' single release credits Elvis Presley Music and Mayland Music. The Gracie 1957 Cameo single of "Butterfly" only credited Mayland Music. A 1973 ABKCO single pairing Gracie's "Butterfly" with "Fabulous" credited "Butterfly" to Ross Jungnickel Music and "Fabulous" To Rice Mill Music, Travis Music, and Elvis Presley Music. "Fabulous" was originally credited on the 1957 Cameo single to Mayland, Shalimar and Elvis Presley Music. The flipside, "Just Lookin'" (also written by Mann and Lowe) was credited to Lowe, Sequence, and Gladys Music (Elvis' other music publishing company named after his mother).

https://www.discogs.com/master/190164-Andy-Williams-Butterfly-It-Doesnt-Take-Very-Long
https://www.discogs.com/release/1259423-Charlie-Gracie-Butterfly-Ninety-Nine-Ways
https://www.discogs.com/release/3137308-Charlie-Gracie-Fabulous-Butterfly
https://www.discogs.com/master/277843-Charlie-Gracie-Fabulous

"Turn Around, Look At Me" (written by Jerry Capehart and an uncredited Glen Campbell) - Song was recorded by Campbell, The Lettermen, Barry Gibb and the Bee Gees, and The Vogues. The Campbell and The Lettermen singles credited American Music, the same publishing company that was credited on "Sixteen Tons" and Elvis' recording of "Long Black Limousine." The Vogues 1968 single credited Viva Music but a later reissue of The Vogues' single credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. A 1968 promotional copy of O.C. Smith's version of "Long Black Limousine" credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. Jody Miller's version of "Long Black Limousine" credited Rumbalero Music and Elvis Presley Music. Campbell's 1962 recording of "Long Black Limousine" only credited American Music.

https://www.discogs.com/release/2258306-Glen-Campbell-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me-Brenda
https://www.discogs.com/release/1527372-The-Lettermen-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me-How-Is-Julie
https://www.discogs.com/release/1332293-The-Vogues-Turn-Around-Look-At-Me
https://www.ebay.com/itm/385437762755
https://www.discogs.com/release/5044417-O-C-Smith-Little-Green-Apples-Long-Black-Limousine
https://www.discogs.com/release/10647736-Jody-Miller-Long-Black-Limousine
https://www.discogs.com/master/1703534-Glen-Campbell-Long-Black-Limousine-Here-I-Am

"Summertime Blues" (written by Jerry Capehart and Eddie Cochran) - Song was originally recorded by Eddie Cochran and his single release credited American Music. The 1968 single release of "Summertime Blues" by Blue Cheer also credited American Music. The 1970 single release of "Summertime Blues" by The Who credited Rumbalero Music, Elvis Presley Music, and Viva Music. Alan Jackson's 1994 single release of "Summertime Blues" credits the publishing to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

https://www.discogs.com/release/1340556-Eddie-Cochran-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/3885782-Blue-Cheer-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/7972474-The-Who-Summertime-Blues
https://www.discogs.com/release/12210283-Alan-Jackson-Who-I-Am

"The 'In' Crowd" (written by Billy Page) - Song was recorded by Dobie Gray. His 1964 single originally credited American Music. A 1981 reissue credited Hill & Range and Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.discogs.com/release/1247276-Dobie-Gray-The-In-Crowd-Be-A-Man
https://www.discogs.com/release/3876013-Dobie-Gray-The-Reflections-The-In-Crowd-Just-Like-Romeo-And-Juliet

"Tears On My Pillow" (written by Sylvester Bradford and Al Lewis and recorded by Little Anthony & The Imperials. Sheet music credits Gladys Music.

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0062892

"El Paso" (written by Marty Robbins and originally recorded by Robbins) Sheet music credits Elvis Presley Music.

https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0051939

'

[minkahed]

Another very interesting thread.

I’m just curious, what was Elvis aware of the songs being owned by his own publishing firm?

[drjohncarpenter]

Another very interesting thread.

I’m just curious, what was Elvis aware of the songs being owned by his own publishing firm?

Probably only when he brought a great tune into a session, and they told him, "Oh, we don't have the publishing, sorry."

[colonel snow]

Right. It's common for singers to own publishing companies and as part of those companies they own the publishing rights to other artist's songs. Elvis wasn't the only singer to do that. Elvis wasn't supposed to record these songs it's just that owning publishing companies and owning the rights to other artists songs was a good financial investment. As music publishing can be very lucrative. Circa 1966 Elvis's people bought Marty Robbins songs. From then on Elvis owned the publishing to Marty Robbins songs. I believe Elvis also owned the publishing rights to the song Tears on my pillow by Little Anthony.

Here a handful of these songs written by Marty Robbins around those years 1965-1967

Publisher: Elvis Presley & Gladys Music

1965
Lonely too long - copyright 22-10-65

1966
Ain’t I right - recorded 06-04-66 - copyright 08-08-66

It kinda reminds me of me - recorded 1966 - copyright 31-03-66

My own native land - recorded 25-04-66 - copyright 20-10-66

No tears milady - recorded 02-09-66 -copyright 10-10-66

Private Wilson White - copyright 20-01-66

1967
A Christmas prayer - copyright 20-10-67

Is there anything left I can say - recorded 1967 - copyright 13-06-67

Tonight Carmen - copyright 13-06-67

colonel snow

[Rocker]

Willie Nelson's 1995 album "Just one Love" features the song "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)" (also written by the great Merle Travis) which is credited to Elvis Presley Music. I need to check out the album to see if other songs were credited to Elvis' firm, too.

[colonel snow]

Interesting topic. Is this a full list or are there more? I presume more. If there was a complete list, that would be worth a read.

There a more songs like:
Cannonball rag
The song is written by Merle Travis; no more information known about a selection for recording sessions.
Publisher Hill & Range – Elvis Presley Music – Gladys Music
Copyright 11-09-70.



colonel snow

[colonel snow]

Interesting topic. Is this a full list or are there more? I presume more. If there was a complete list, that would be worth a read.

There are a lot of songs owned by Elvis’ publishing companies but not recorded for various reasons like:

Don’t want your letters aka Return to sender
Selected for the movie Girls girls girls but not used.
In the topic “Demos for Elvis” you’ll find a lof of rejected songs with publisher Hill & Range – Elvis Presley Music – Gladys Music


colonel snow

[colonel snow]

To make it more complictated

Lullaby for lovers
The song is written by Bert Kaempfert for the movie G.I. Blues but not recorded. He recorded an instrumental version with his orchestra in 1960. Released in 1961 on LP Wonderland by night (Polydor 46 353).
Registered at ASCAP with performer Elvis Presley.

colonel snow

[thermoking]

Thank you so much for this article, this is the most interesting article I have read in ages.

[colonel snow]

Music transfer to Gladys Music
According to an agreement signed 7 december 1956 the rights of 15 songs were transferred from Elvis Presley Music Inc to Glady Music Inc.
Listed are songs which were never recorded by Elvis:
A - I love you so much it hurts;
B - No letter today;
C - Worried mind;
D - At mail call today;
E - One has my name one has my heart;
F - It makes no difference now;
G - Someday.

Without doubt Elvis got demo-acetates from these songs but I've not seen paperwork to confirm.

A – I love you so much it hurts
The song was written by Floyd Tillman and recorded on 29 december 1947 (Columbia 20430).
The song was selected for recording on the 19 january 1957 session.

B – No letter today
The song is written by F. Brown.
No sign of Gladys Music Inc on these labels or labels from other artists after 1957.

C – Worried mind
The song is written by Ted Daffan.
No sign of Gladys Music Inc on these labels after 1957.

D – At mail call today
The song was written by Gene Autry & Fred Rose.

E – One has my name (the other has my heart)
The song was written by Dearest Dean-Eddie Dean-Hal Blair and recorded around june 1948 by The Frontiersmen with vocal Eddie Dean (Crystal 132).
The song was selected for recording on the 19 january 1957 session.

F – It makes no difference now
The song was written by Floyd Tillman.
The original version was recorded 13 september 1938 by Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanderers (Decca 5604).
Again no sign of Glady Music Inc. on labels after 1957.

G – Someday (you'll want me to want you)
The song was written by Jimmy Hodges.
The original version was recorded on 22 november 1944 by Elton Britt (RCA 20-1864).
Through the years a whole army of (C & W) artists recorded the song.



colonel snow

[Swedish]

As i understand, Elvis own four publishing companies (Elvis Presley Music, Gladys Music, Whitehaven Music, Elvis Music, Inc.).
But why spread out songs on several company, instead of just one?

[colonel snow]

As i understand, Elvis own four publishing companies (Elvis Presley Music, Gladys Music, Whitehaven Music, Elvis Music, Inc.).
But why spread out songs on several company, instead of just one?

It has to do with the membership of the songwriters; some songwriters are a member of ASCAP (publisher Gladys Music) and other songwriters are a member of BMI (publisher Elvis Presley Music).



colonel snow

[colonel snow]

Pot Luck
The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Registered at BMI – Elvis Presley Music.
The demo couldn’t be used for the movie Speedway because in 1962 an album with the same title was released.


colonel snow

[drjohncarpenter]

Pot Luck
The song was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Registered at BMI – Elvis Presley Music.
The demo couldn’t be used for the movie Speedway because in 1962 an album with the same title was released.


colonel snow

Or perhaps it wasn't used because Elvis didn't choose it. The title wouldn't be a reason to reject the submission.

[bluejays3577]

Wasn't "Pot Luck" a working title for "Speedway"?

The_Daily_News_Journal_Fri__Mar_24__1967_.jpg

[bluejays3577]

Interesting topic. Is this a full list or are there more? I presume more. If there was a complete list, that would be worth a read.

There are a lot of songs owned by Elvis’ publishing companies but not recorded for various reasons like:

Don’t want your letters aka Return to sender
Selected for the movie Girls girls girls but not used.
In the topic “Demos for Elvis” you’ll find a lof of rejected songs with publisher Hill & Range – Elvis Presley Music – Gladys Music

colonel snow

"(Return To Sender) Don't Want Your Letters" was a recording by Gerri Granger that was an answer record from a female perspective to Elvis' "Return To Sender."

https://www.discogs.com/master/1443947-Gerri-Granger-Return-To-Sender-Dont-Want-Your-Letters-Aint-It-Funny

[colonel snow]

Wasn't "Pot Luck" a working title for "Speedway"?

It was the title of the script until 14 april 1967 - complete OK screenplay – with changes till 27 april 1967 – written by Philip Shuken – title “Pot Luck” (102 pages).

On 15 may 1967 the title changed into Speedway - complete composite OK screenplay (170 pages) – with changes till 7 august 1967 – written by Philip Shuken.


colonel snow

[drjohncarpenter]

Wasn't "Pot Luck" a working title for "Speedway"?

Not exactly. But I did post research in January about the MGM trade ad which inspired that very news report.

A syndicated report at the time named the next two M-G-M titles on the docket for Elvis:

Two More For Elvis

HOLLYWOOD (UPI) - Elvis Presley's next for MGM will be "Pot Luck," followed by "Bumble Bee O' Bumble Bee."

Camden Courier-Post - Saturday, April 1, 1967
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/180915868/

Looking at the M-G-M list we can see when the previous eight films were produced:

Jailhouse Rock - April 1957
It Happened At The World's Fair - August 1962
Viva Las Vegas - July 1963
Kissin' Cousins - October 1963
Girl Happy - June 1964
Harum Scarum - February 1965
Spinout - February 1966
Double Trouble - June 1966


And these were the four that actually got produced after April 1967:

Speedway - June 1967
Stay Away, Joe - October 1967
Live A Little, Love A Little - March 1968
The Trouble With Girls - October 1968


And of course two documentaries:

Elvis: That's The Way It Is - July 1970
Elvis On Tour - March 1972


Looking back, MGM gave fans two of Presley's very best films, and two interesting documentaries.

Below is a better copy of that trade ad.

M-G-M 10th Anniversary trade ad - April 1967
--> Not sure which publication got this ad, though.

[colonel snow]

Book of happiness

The song is written by Hal Gordon & Athena Hosey; the title of the song is circulating around in various publications as a rejected song. I've not found information about a selection for a recording session or movie. The song is registered at ASCAP with performer: Elvis Presley.


colonel snow

[colonel snow]

Did you have to be so beautiful

The song is written by Billie Liebert & Hal Blair; I've not found information about a selection for a recording session or movie. The song is registered at ASCAP with performer: Elvis Presley.


colonel snow

[colonel snow]

Primrose lane

The song is written by Georges Callendar & Shanklin Wayne; the title of the song is circulating around in various publications as a rejected song. Another circulating story is about a home-recording by Elvis in the 60's.
I've not found information about a selection for a recording session or movie. The song is registered at ASCAP with performer: Elvis Presley.
The original version was recorded 19 may 1959 by Jerry Wallace (Challenge 59047). From this version is a clip on Youtube.


colonel snow