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REX

Mar 4 2010, 04:48 PM

1970 - POLK SALAD ANNIE

Polk Salad Annie recorded by Elvis
on Wednesday, 18 February 1970 – Midnight show “International Vegas”

Written by: Tony Joe White
Originally recorded by Tony Joe White in 1968

Hear Elvis's versions on:
On Stage; Walk A Mile In My Shoes—The Essential 70's Masters Disc 5, also Madison Square Garden, Memphis Live Album

(a 1977 April 24th version was also recorded in SAGINAW, Michigan)

REX

Mar 4 2010, 05:45 PM

Elvis introduced POLK SALAD ANNIE

to his Vegas Audience in FEBRUARY 1970 at the International Hotel

This season included a number of new songs, some that had been previous hits..

(THE WONDER OF YOU, RELEASE ME, SWEET CAROLINE, DON'T CRY DADDY,
KENTUCKY RAIN, PROUD MARY, LET IT BE ME)

But this Seasons New "SHOWSTOPPER" was POLK SALAD ANNIE..
(In the same way as Suspicous Minds had been in 1969 !)

Tony Joe White's 'Swamp/Rock' anthem.. with an Elvis altered Start, and a well worked out with the Sweets Vocal Ending.

It had a very Punchy "Jerry Scheff" thundering, thumping bass line, pumped up by Elvis' ultracool Spoken Opening Section..

and Punctuated by Ronnie's Tutts Single Shot and Machine Gun Beats.

Added to all this ELVIS had worked up some Stunning Karate Dance Motions for the whole number...

The Audience and fans were just Mesmerized... for the Extended 5 minutes of Action....

....as we all would be later ~ when MGM Captured the Performance ! ! !

REX

Mar 4 2010, 05:52 PM

"Poke Salad Annie" or "Polk Salad Annie"

is a 1969 song written and performed by Tony Joe White.

It was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Its lyrics describe the lifestyle of a generic Southern girl. Traditionally,

the term to describe the type of food highlighted in the song is "poke salad."

Its 1969 single release peaked at Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. For Tony Joe White.

REX

Mar 4 2010, 05:58 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE "LYRICS"
(Words & Music : Tony Joe White)
As Recorded by: Elvis Presley ~ and ~ Tony Joe White

Some of you all never been down South too much...
I'm gonna tell you a little story, so you'll understand where I'm talking about
Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods and the fields,
and it looks something like a turnip green.
Everybody calls it Polk salad. Now that's Polk salad.
Used to know a girl that lived down there and
she'd go out in the evenings to pick a mess of it...
Carry it home and cook it for supper, 'cause that's about all they had to eat,
But they did all right.

Down in Louisiana
Where the alligators grow so mean
Lived a girl that I swear to the world
Made the alligators look tame

Polk salad Annie
'Gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gang
What a mean, vicious woman

Everyday before suppertime
She'd go down by the truck patch
And pick her a mess of Polk salad
And carry it home in a tote sack

Polk salad Annie
'Gators got you granny
Everybody said it was a shame
'Cause the mama was working on the chain-gang
Whoo, how wretched, dispiteful, straight-razor totin' woman,
Lord have mercy.

Sock a little Polk salad to me
Yeah, you know what, yeah, yeah

Her daddy was a lazy and a no-count
Claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Was stealing watermelons out of my truck patch

For once Polk salad Annie
'Gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gang

Sock a little Polk salad to me
You know I need a meal miss
You sock a little
Hey, hey, hey, yeah, yeah
(Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon)
Sock a little Polk salad to me
You know I need a meal miss
Sock a little Polk salad to him
You know I need a meal
Chinc, chinc, chinc, chin, ling, ling ling

REX

Mar 4 2010, 06:04 PM

Germany was the first in Europe to issue Polk Salad as a Single 45..
(England and Ireland followed shortly after..)

BACKGROUND

The single, released by Monument Records had been out nine months before it finally charted,
and had been written off by Monument as a failure.

Said White: "They had done given up on it, but we kept getting all these people in Texas coming to the clubs and buying the record.

So we would send up to Nashville saying, 'Send us a thousand more this week.'

They would send us these 'Do Not Sell' examples, so we would have to sit down
and mark out the 'Do Not Sell' and then send them to the record stores.

All these stores in South Texas kept calling our house saying, 'We need more.' So we just kept hanging on.

And finally a guy in L.A. picked it up and got it across. Otherwise, 'Polk' could have been lost forever."

REX

Mar 4 2010, 06:10 PM

The S O N G

The song vividly recreates the Southern roots of White's childhood and his music reflects this earthy rural background.

As a child he listened not only to local bluesmen and countrysingers but also to the Cajun-music of Louisiana, that rare hybrid of traditional musical styles introduced by French setlers at the turn of the century.

TONY JOE WHITES ~ roots lie in the swamplands of Oak Grove, Louisiana, where he was born in 1943. Situated just west of the Mississippi River, it's a land of cottonfields, where polk salad grows wild and alligators lurk in moss-covered swamps.

"I spent the first 18 years of my life down there," said White "My folks raised cotton and corn.

There were lotsa times when there weren't too much to eat, and I ain't ashamed to admit that we've often whipped up a mess of polk salad. Tastes alright too.. a bit like spinach

REX

Mar 4 2010, 06:14 PM

Unusual JAPANESE 45 single Cover !

Performances

Elvis Presley immediately picked up the song, which became a staple of his live performances of the 70s.

He recorded it on several occasions:
"Elvis: That's The Way It Is" (documentary film, 1970), "On Stage" (1970)

"Elvis: As Recorded At Madison Square Garden" (1972).

From the Garden version on, it featured a rare fuzz bass solo by Jerry Scheff.

Tony Joe White reportedly liked Presley's interpretation of the song.

REX

Mar 4 2010, 06:30 PM

1972 "ELVIS" ON TOUR

On Stage

is an Elvis Presley live album recorded in February 1970 at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.

It features the world-wide #1 single "The Wonder of You", which topped both the United States AC tracks chart and the British music chart.

It was an immediate followup to From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis, which also featured live recordings. Unlike the previous release, however, this album focused on songs that were not, at the time, associated with Elvis.

This album was released in June 1970 and peaked on the chart in July 1970.

Other selections include Tony Joe White's "Polk Salad Annie", ~ while "Polk Salad Annie" also became a regular part of his repertoire. The album is notable for not showing Elvis' name anywhere on the cover.

The album has remained in print since its release date and has sold more than
ten million copies globally.

On January 8th, 2010 it was announced that a Legacy Edition would be released, to follow the Legacy Edition release of "From Elvis In Memphis", in the spring of 2010.

QUOTE

ON STAGE: LEGACY EDITION by ELVIS PRESLEY
(RCA/Legacy 88697 63213 2)

Disc One – Selections: 1. See See Rider • 2. Release Me • 3. Sweet Caroline • 4. Runaway • 5. The Wonder Of You • 6. Polk Salad Annie • 7. Yesterday • 8. Proud Mary • 9. Walk A Mile In My Shoes • 10. Let It Be Me • Bonus songs: 11. Don’t Cry Daddy • 12. Kentucky Rain • 13. Long Tall Sally • 14. The Wonder Of You (Hot 100 #9). (Tracks 1-10 originally issued June 1970, as On Stage, RCA 4362.)

Notes:
• All tracks 1-13 recorded at dinner shows and midnight shows at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, February 16-19, 1970, except tracks 4 and 7, recorded August 25, 1969.
• Track 14 recorded at afternoon rehearsal, February 18, 1970.

Disc Two – Selections: 1. Blue Suede Shoes • 2. Johnny B. Goode • 3. All Shook Up • 4. Are You Lonesome Tonight? • 5. Hound Dog • 6. I Can’t Stop Loving You • 7. My Babe • 8. Medley: Mystery Train/Tiger Man • 9. Words • 10. In The Ghetto • 11. Suspicious Minds • 12. Can’t Help Falling In Love • Bonus tracks: 13. I Got A Woman • 14. Medley: Jailhouse Rock/Don’t Be Cruel • 15. Heartbreak Hotel • 16. Baby, What You Want Me To Do • 17. Reconsider Baby • 18. Funny How Time Slips Away. (Tracks 1-12 originally issued November 1969, as Elvis In Person at the International Hotel, i.e. disc 1 of original double-LP From Memphis To Vegas – From Vegas to Memphis, RCA 6020; re-issued November 1970 as single-LP Elvis In Person, RCA 4428)

Notes:
• All tracks 1-18 recorded at dinner shows and midnight shows at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, August 23-26, 1969.
• Tracks 13-16 originally issued 2003, on Elvis In Person (Follow That Dream Music, 88697 40721 2)
• Track 17-18 originally issued 1971, on Collectors Gold (RCA 3114).

REX

Mar 4 2010, 06:50 PM

TTWII - Rehearsal POLK SALAD ANNIE.... Ending...

Mar 4 2010, 07:34 PM

Sorry to chime in in the middle(?) again.....

This is one song that suited absolutely perfectly for Elvis. EP took it on his setlist in just the right time too (1970). As much as I like the later fast(er) versions, the 1970 rendentions are done to perfection, and in my opinion EP never managed to get the same cool feel to the song after August 1970. The spoken opening sets the right mood and slowly it builds up... by the end it's just rockin'! EP also created an impressive 'choreography' for it that added much to the already great song. "Thumbs up"!

I also very much dig TJW's original... love the mellow "swamp rock" feel... I think it's just as good as Elvis' versions.

Another groovy topic, Rex!

NightRider

Mar 4 2010, 07:43 PM

Don't mind the original version....but would much rather have Elvis'. The 1970 versions are the best....but i also like the '76 rockier but shorter versions too. Holding Down the Fort has an excellent version that i really like. Another great song in the spotlight Rex. So well done...and if you (or anyone else) has a large version of that '72 shot...really would be appreciated. It is EXCELLENT !!!

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:00 AM

QUOTE (J @ Mar 4 2010, 07:34 PM)

Sorry to chime in in the middle(?) again.....
I also very much dig TJW's original... love the mellow "swamp rock" feel... I think it's just as good as Elvis' versions.

Another groovy topic, Rex!

Thankyou Jouni... I had finished the first part... so your Video of Tony Joe White is fine in this post.. I bought his album to listen to the song... as soon as the first reports started to arrive about Elvis' new Showstopper... I also Liked the Original... But was ready to be blown away by Elvis' Version... (which I heard on Audience tapes, before the On Stage Album was released) ... loved all the different versions... like... LOOKS LIKE AN IRISH POTATO ! ! !

An underground movement collected SWAMP ROCK music in those days.. Joe South would be included in that list.... (Thanks also Chris)....

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:00 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:01 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:03 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:04 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 7 2010, 12:05 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:43 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:44 AM

12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:46 AM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:48 AM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:50 AM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 8 2010, 11:51 AM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

phyllisnelvis

Mar 9 2010, 04:34 AM

Wow he looked good and this song he rocked it out.
Thanks Rex

elvislady

Mar 9 2010, 07:30 AM

These pics have no words...lol well maybe one .STUNNING!

Thanks rex.
elvislady

REX

Mar 9 2010, 04:57 PM

QUOTE (elvislady @ Mar 9 2010, 07:30 AM)

These pics have no words...lol well maybe one .STUNNING! Thanks rex. elvislady

Thats for sure "1000+ Poster Jeanette".... and thanks also Phyliss !

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 04:58 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 04:58 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 05:00 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 05:01 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 05:02 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 05:03 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

REX

Mar 9 2010, 05:06 PM

POLK SALAD ANNIE ~ 12th AUGUST 1970 INTERNATIONAL "CHAIN" SUIT

Back shot, in LADDER JUMPSUIT

End of song....

colonel snow

Mar 9 2010, 06:03 PM

Polk salad Annie

As far as I know Tony Joe White wrote the song "Old man Willis" in 1967 and recorded it in the same year for Monument records; the song stayed unreleased and meanwhile Tony Joe White re-wrote the lyrics into Polk salad Annie and recorded this song in 1968/69 (no exact details known) (Monument 1104).

colonel snow

Varnsen

Mar 22 2010, 12:40 PM

This is one of my favourites too. It really brought out the quintessential Elvis.
The early version, as seen in Elvis: That's The Way It Is, showed a more exaggerated stop-start section where Elvis did his memorable fist pumps.

Later, in the mid-seventies, he varied it by going into a karate-type stretching routine that drove the audience wild. There's a great clip on Youtube that shows this and a number of other songs (wearing the Bicentennial suit at the Atlanta afternoon show - June 5, 1976). The sound is foggy and muddy, but you can really see him taking this song to the nth degree.

stefan

Mar 22 2010, 01:19 PM

Great posting REX.

I absolutely love Elvis performing this song all trough the 70's. The August '70 and March '76 versions are my favorites and the '74 versions are my least favorites (Duke was and is a great bass player, but somehow imo he never managed to get this song right).

SweetCaroline

Mar 24 2010, 07:37 PM

The screen grabs are FABULOUS, Rex! When you do this it makes so many awesome new pictures of ELVIS...I love it!!!
This is my personal favorite ELVIS period. Polk Salad Annie is such a fun song.... and I have especially enjoyed the song with my little grandgirl. We dance around the room to it and she laughs like heck at the "Gator got your Granny" part when I lip sync ELVIS' singing it.

I agree with Chris that the original by Tony Joe White....is nice enough....but ELVIS nails it.

poormansgold

Apr 7 2011, 05:43 PM

this My Favorate Songs , I never tried with it, I can play all versions I got one day, I love rehearsals Versions and versions From TTWII Shows
tom

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