By 1968, Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, had already cemented his place in music history. His electrifying performances and genre-bending hits had revolutionized popular music a decade earlier. However, his career had taken a more commercially focused turn, with a string of soundtracks and Hollywood films dominating his output. That all changed with the “Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special”, a televised event that marked a triumphant return to his musical roots. One of the most iconic moments from the special is “Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Impromptu Jam”, a raw and energetic performance that showcased Presley’s undeniable charisma and his band’s tight musicianship. This unrehearsed jam session went beyond mere entertainment; it became a symbol of Presley’s artistic reawakening and his enduring connection with the raw power of rock and roll.
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do” was originally written and recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1956. The song, a bluesy shuffle with suggestive lyrics, was a minor hit for Reed but resonated with Presley, who saw its potential for a stripped-down, high-energy performance. The “Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special” was designed to showcase Presley’s return to live performance after a hiatus. The show featured a medley of his classic hits alongside carefully curated new material. However, the most electrifying moments were the impromptu jams, moments where Presley and his band, featuring Scotty Moore on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, and Bill Black on bass, could simply play and feel the music.
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Impromptu Jam” stands apart from the rest of the special. Gone are the elaborate backing tracks and polished vocals that characterized much of Presley’s later recordings. In their place, a raw and pulsating energy takes center stage. The song starts with a stripped-down arrangement, featuring Scotty Moore’s bluesy guitar riff and D.J. Fontana’s pounding drums. Presley enters with a playful growl, injecting the song with his signature swagger. The performance builds organically, with each member of the band feeding off each other’s energy. Presley’s vocals become increasingly impassioned, his signature hip-swiveling moves returning as he commands the stage with effortless charisma.
“Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Impromptu Jam” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but its impact on Presley’s legacy is undeniable. The performance offered a glimpse into the raw talent and infectious energy that made him a rock and roll icon. More importantly, it signaled a creative rebirth for Presley, reminding audiences and himself of the power of live performance and the unbridled joy of music. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its authenticity and its ability to capture the essence of rock and roll: a potent blend of musicality, raw emotion, and electrifying stage presence. “Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Impromptu Jam” remains a testament to Presley’s enduring legacy as the King of Rock and Roll, a title earned not just through hits, but through his unwavering passion and ability to ignite a stage with pure, unadulterated musical energy.