Sylvia (Elvis Presley Song)

"Sylvia" is a song by Elvis Presley from his 1972 album '' Elvis Now'', being the penultimate song recorded on the last day of the prolific Nashville recording sessions in June 1970 (which yielded a total of more than 30 songs, spread over several albums).

For some reason RCA Victor (possibly considering it as a single candidate)Jorgensen, ''Elvis Presley A Life in Music: The Complete Recording Sessions''. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998; p. 307. did not include the song either on ''That’s The Way It Is'' album in 1970 or on '' Love Letters from Elvis'' album in 1971, though it was recorded during the same sessions and was thematically appropriate for both these albums. It eventually appeared on '' Elvis Now'' in 1972. However, the 2008 ''FTD'' re-release of '' Love Letters from Elvis'' contained the master version of the track (known as Take 8) as well as all its outtakes.

Another version of the song, recorded on July 15, 1970, at MGM Studios during the rehearsals for the MGM documentary ''That's the Way It Is'', and available on several bootlegs, suggests Presley's willingness to revive the song for the upcoming Las Vegas concerts. He can be heard vocalizing to the TCB Band, expecting it to accompany his vocals. However, the lackluster response from the musicians (or their unfamiliarity with the material) caused him to abandon the idea.

In 1972, the song reached the top of the charts in Brazil.

Writing and recording

It was written by Geoff Stephens and Les Reed. Presley recorded it on June 8, 1970, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.

Track listings

7" single (Brazil, 1972)
:A. "Sylvia" (3:16)
:B. "Put Your Hand in the Hand" (3:15)

References

External links

Elvis Presley - Sylvia
(7" single, Brazil, 1972) at Discogs

{{Elvis Presley singles

1970 songs
1972 singles
Elvis Presley songs
RCA Victor singles
Songs written by Geoff Stephens
Songs written by Les Reed (songwriter)
Rock ballads
1970s ballads