Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in June 1959, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” was one of Elvis Presley’s most energetic singles of the late 1950s and an important track recorded during his military service. Written by Aaron Schroeder and Sid Wyche, the song combined raw rock and roll drive with Presley’s magnetic vocal power. Its lyrics are playful, celebrating passion and desire with lines that highlight both humor and intensity. Unlike some of Presley’s tender ballads from the same era, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” is bold, brash, and exuberant, showcasing the side of Elvis that first captivated audiences in the mid-1950s. The track shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of his defining rock anthems before the 1960s began.
Origins of the Song
The song was penned by professional songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Sid Wyche, both of whom contributed significantly to the pop and rock repertoire of the era. Schroeder, in particular, wrote or co-wrote several Presley hits, including “I Got Stung” and later “It’s Now or Never.” For “A Big Hunk O’ Love,” the duo crafted a song that captured the fun, carefree spirit of rock and roll while leaving plenty of room for Presley’s charismatic interpretation.
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Unlike many of Presley’s recordings, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” was not made with his usual bandmates Scotty Moore and Bill Black. At the time, Presley was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany, and recording sessions had to be organized during his short leave periods. On June 10, 1958, RCA booked Nashville’s Studio B and brought in some of the era’s top session musicians, including Hank Garland on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, Bob Moore on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums. Backing vocals were provided by the Jordanaires. This lineup gave the track a polished yet powerful sound, blending country, R&B, and pure rock and roll.
Why Elvis Released “A Big Hunk O’ Love”
By 1959, Elvis Presley had been away from the recording studio for much of his military service, and RCA needed new material to maintain his visibility on the charts. His label was concerned that his absence might cause a decline in popularity, so recording fresh tracks during his brief leave was essential.
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“A Big Hunk O’ Love” was chosen because of its immediate appeal. Its upbeat tempo, playful lyrics, and infectious rhythm ensured it would stand out on radio. It contrasted nicely with the softer ballads like “Don’t” that Presley had released earlier, reminding audiences of the raw energy that had made him famous.
The single was paired with “My Wish Came True” on the B-side and released in June 1959. It quickly reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for two weeks, and also topped the charts in several other countries. The success of the song reassured fans that Presley’s career remained strong despite his military commitments.
The Message Conveyed in “A Big Hunk O’ Love”
The lyrics of the song are playful and lighthearted, focusing on desire, passion, and the joys of love. The narrator declares his need for a “big hunk o’ love,” suggesting that nothing less than overwhelming affection and physical connection will do. Unlike Presley’s ballads, which often conveyed vulnerability or longing, this track is unapologetically confident, celebrating love as something bold and exuberant.
The song’s message reflects the carefree optimism of 1950s youth culture. It portrays romance as fun and exciting rather than complicated or painful. This lightheartedness was part of its appeal, offering a dose of energy and humor at a time when Presley’s fans missed his presence during his army service.
Presley’s delivery intensifies the message. He sings with power, swagger, and playful inflection, turning what could have been a simple novelty song into an electrifying performance. His vocal growls and emphatic phrasing make the desire in the lyrics sound both sincere and irresistibly fun.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” is driven by its rhythm and simplicity. The arrangement is straightforward rock and roll, built on a steady drumbeat, walking bass line, and guitar riffs. Hank Garland’s lead guitar adds sharp accents, while Floyd Cramer’s piano contributes rhythmic flourishes that give the track a playful bounce.
The Jordanaires’ background vocals provide a smooth counterpoint to Presley’s raw lead, enhancing the overall polish of the recording. The balance between Presley’s intensity and the group’s harmonies gives the song both edge and accessibility.
Presley’s vocal performance is the defining element. He belts out the lyrics with power and confidence, using growls, shouts, and rhythmic variations to keep the track dynamic. His phrasing gives the song an improvisational feel, as though he’s caught up in the sheer fun of the performance.
The song’s brisk tempo and energetic instrumentation make it a quintessential rock and roll dance track, perfectly suited for jukeboxes and teenage gatherings of the late 1950s.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
“A Big Hunk O’ Love” was a major commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1959. It sold over a million copies in the United States and became Presley’s first new number-one hit recorded during his military service. Its success proved that Presley’s popularity had not diminished despite his absence from the stage and studio.
Culturally, the song reinforced Presley’s image as the King of Rock and Roll at a time when some questioned whether he could sustain his career. It showed that he could still deliver high-energy performances while adapting to new recording environments and session musicians.
The track also helped maintain momentum until Presley’s full return to civilian life in 1960, paving the way for his highly successful comeback period with hits like “It’s Now or Never” and his acclaimed 1968 television special.
Legacy of “A Big Hunk O’ Love”
Today, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” is celebrated as one of Elvis Presley’s classic rock and roll singles. While it may not carry the emotional weight of ballads like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or the cultural shock of “Jailhouse Rock,” it represents the pure fun and energy of Presley’s music at the close of the 1950s.
The song is frequently included in collections of Presley’s greatest hits and is fondly remembered for its historical significance as one of his last major hits before completing his military service. It also highlights Presley’s ability to adapt and thrive even under challenging circumstances.
More than sixty years later, “A Big Hunk O’ Love” continues to resonate as a joyful reminder of Presley’s early rock and roll energy. With its infectious rhythm, playful lyrics, and dynamic vocal performance, it stands as a testament to his enduring ability to entertain and captivate audiences worldwide.