Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in September 1967 as a single, “Big Boss Man” marked one of Elvis Presley’s strongest studio performances of the late 1960s. Written by Luther Dixon and Al Smith and originally recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1960, the song is a blues number that speaks to the frustrations of working life under an oppressive boss. Presley’s version, recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, infused the bluesy lament with a rock and country edge, showcasing his deep, commanding voice and the power of his Nashville band. Though it only reached number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single was a turning point in Presley’s career, signaling his gradual move away from formulaic movie soundtracks and toward more authentic and musically ambitious material.
Origins of the Song
“Big Boss Man” was first recorded in 1960 by blues singer Jimmy Reed, whose laid-back delivery and rhythmic style made it a classic of the Chicago blues tradition. The song was written by Luther Dixon, a prolific R&B songwriter, and Al Smith, who often worked with Reed. Its lyrics—describing a worker who feels mistreated and underappreciated—struck a chord with audiences, especially in the working-class communities that were the foundation of Reed’s fan base.
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By the mid-1960s, Presley was looking for fresh material outside of his film soundtrack obligations. The idea of covering “Big Boss Man” appealed to him both for its blues authenticity and for its resonance with his own image as a man often caught between authority figures and his desire for independence. Presley recorded the track on September 10, 1967, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, with Felton Jarvis producing. The session included Jerry Reed on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, David Briggs on piano, and D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums.
Why Elvis Released “Big Boss Man”
At the time, Presley’s recording career had been dominated by movie soundtracks, which often contained lightweight material that did not reflect his true artistic ambitions. “Big Boss Man” was chosen as a single to signal a shift. Its bluesy grit and strong performance contrasted with the formulaic songs from his films, reminding fans and critics that Presley was still capable of delivering powerful, authentic music.
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Although the single peaked at only number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was a modest success compared to other non-soundtrack releases of the period. More importantly, it pointed toward the artistic resurgence Presley would achieve with the 1968 Comeback Special. In many ways, “Big Boss Man” was a preview of the grittier, roots-based sound that would define that comeback.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The lyrics of “Big Boss Man” are straightforward but powerful, expressing frustration with an overbearing employer:
“Big boss man, can’t you hear me when I call?
You ain’t so big, you’re just tall, that’s all.”
The song conveys both complaint and defiance. While the narrator acknowledges his lack of power, he also refuses to be completely cowed, poking fun at the boss’s pretensions of authority.
Presley’s interpretation leans heavily into the defiance. His vocal delivery is bold and commanding, emphasizing the rebellious spirit in the lyrics. He transforms the song from a weary lament into a declaration of independence, aligning it with the rebellious energy that had always been part of his persona.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, Presley’s “Big Boss Man” blends blues and rock with a country edge, thanks to the Nashville session players who accompanied him.
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Jerry Reed’s guitar is central, with sharp, funky riffs that add bite to the arrangement.
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Norbert Putnam’s bass anchors the rhythm, giving the track a steady groove.
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David Briggs’s piano adds brightness and rhythmic drive.
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Drums by D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman provide a strong backbeat, keeping the song moving forward.
Presley’s vocals are the highlight. His deep, rich tone carries both grit and swagger, and his phrasing emphasizes the humor in the lyrics while also underscoring their defiance. The recording captures a sense of live energy, with Presley clearly enjoying himself in the studio.
The production is rawer than many of Presley’s soundtrack recordings of the time, allowing the song’s blues roots to shine through.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
While “Big Boss Man” was not a major chart hit, it was important culturally as part of Presley’s return to serious studio recording. Fans and critics noted the difference between this bluesy, authentic performance and the lightweight material of his soundtracks.
The song also resonated with working-class listeners, who could relate to its themes of frustration with authority. In this way, it connected Presley back to the roots of blues and country, both of which often expressed the struggles of ordinary people.
Internationally, “Big Boss Man” was well received, with particularly strong performance in the United Kingdom, where Presley’s singles continued to enjoy consistent popularity.
Legacy of “Big Boss Man”
Today, “Big Boss Man” is remembered as a significant step in Presley’s late-1960s career. While not a massive hit, it symbolized his move back toward authentic material and his ability to interpret the blues with authority and conviction.
The song became a staple of Presley’s live performances in the late 1960s and 1970s. In his Las Vegas and concert tours, “Big Boss Man” was often featured as a showcase for his commanding vocals and stage presence. Live renditions frequently carried even more grit and swagger than the studio version, making it a fan favorite.
The track also underscores Presley’s enduring connection to the blues. From his earliest Sun recordings through his later career, Presley consistently returned to blues material, and “Big Boss Man” is one of the finest examples of his mid-career interpretations.
More broadly, the song reflects Presley’s resilience. Even during a period when his recording career seemed bogged down by uninspired projects, he could still find material that reignited his passion and creativity.
Nearly sixty years later, “Big Boss Man” stands as a reminder of Presley’s unmatched ability to take an R&B classic and transform it into something uniquely his own. It is both a symbol of his late-1960s transition and a timeless performance that continues to resonate with audiences who recognize in it the defiance and charisma of the King of Rock and Roll.