Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in March 1964 as both a film title track and a single, “Kissin’ Cousins” is one of Elvis Presley’s more playful and lighthearted recordings of the mid-1960s. Written by Fred Wise and Randy Starr, the song was created specifically for Presley’s twentieth film, also titled Kissin’ Cousins. With its humorous lyrics, jaunty rhythm, and Presley’s spirited delivery, the track captures the comedic tone of the movie, which mixes romance, music, and Southern charm. While the song was not among Presley’s most groundbreaking hits, it reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving his continued ability to place singles on the charts during his busy Hollywood years.
Origins of the Song
By the early 1960s, Presley’s career was dominated by his Hollywood film commitments. Each film required a soundtrack, and while some of these yielded classics like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “Viva Las Vegas,” others were lighter fare intended to fit comedic or romantic plots. Kissin’ Cousins, produced by MGM and released in March 1964, was one of the latter.
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Songwriters Fred Wise and Randy Starr were tasked with crafting the title song. Both had worked on Presley material before, often contributing lighthearted numbers suitable for movies. They delivered “Kissin’ Cousins,” a cheeky tune with a country-pop feel, well suited to the film’s rural Appalachian setting.
Presley recorded the track on May 26, 1963, at RCA Studio B in Nashville. The session included his usual Nashville collaborators, such as Scotty Moore on guitar, Bob Moore on bass, Floyd Cramer on piano, and D.J. Fontana on drums. The Jordanaires provided harmonies, giving the song a polished, radio-friendly sound.
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Why Elvis Released “Kissin’ Cousins”
The decision to release “Kissin’ Cousins” as a single was tied directly to the promotion of the film. RCA and Colonel Tom Parker understood that Presley’s movies were not only box-office attractions but also marketing vehicles for his records. Releasing the title song as a single created a promotional synergy between the film and his music career.
The track was chosen because it embodied the light, comedic spirit of the film while remaining catchy enough for radio play. Its country flavor also allowed Presley to showcase his Southern roots, which aligned with the movie’s Appalachian setting.
Commercially, the strategy was effective. The single reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and performed respectably in international markets. While not a chart-topper, it kept Presley visible on the charts during a time when musical competition was intensifying with the rise of the British Invasion.
The Message Conveyed in “Kissin’ Cousins”
The lyrics of “Kissin’ Cousins” are humorous and intentionally tongue-in-cheek. The narrator sings about the appeal of his female cousins, joking about the close relationships that blur the lines between family affection and romantic attraction. Lines such as “Well, I’ve got a gal, she’s as cute as she can be / She’s a distant cousin but she’s not too distant with me” highlight the playful and mischievous nature of the song.
The message is not meant to be taken seriously but rather to reflect the lighthearted, comedic tone of the film. It plays on rural stereotypes and the idea of tight-knit family communities in the South, adding a humorous twist that audiences of the time found entertaining.
Presley’s delivery underscores the humor. He sings with a grin in his voice, leaning into the comedy while maintaining his natural charm. His playful inflections ensure that the song comes across as fun rather than controversial.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “Kissin’ Cousins” blends country and pop with a dash of rock and roll. The arrangement is upbeat and bouncy, driven by acoustic guitars, piano, and a steady drumbeat. Floyd Cramer’s piano adds a honky-tonk feel, while Scotty Moore’s guitar provides rhythmic strumming.
The Jordanaires contribute lively background harmonies, emphasizing the song’s playful spirit. Their call-and-response style with Presley adds to the humor and keeps the track engaging.
Presley’s vocal performance is spirited and relaxed. He delivers the lyrics with clarity and playfulness, treating the song more as a performance piece than as a deeply emotional ballad. His charisma makes the track work, even if the lyrics themselves are intentionally light.
The overall sound reflects Nashville’s influence on Presley’s music at the time. It is polished, radio-friendly, and designed to fit comfortably within both pop and country formats.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
“Kissin’ Cousins” achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries. While it did not reach the heights of Presley’s biggest hits, it served its purpose as a promotional tool for the film and as a reminder of his continued relevance in the music industry.
Culturally, the song is remembered more for its connection to the film than as a standalone classic. The film Kissin’ Cousins was one of Presley’s lighter comedies, and the title song matched its tone perfectly. Together, they reinforced Presley’s image as both a singer and an entertainer capable of handling humorous, family-friendly material.
At the same time, the release of “Kissin’ Cousins” reflected the challenges Presley faced in the mid-1960s. With the British Invasion led by The Beatles reshaping popular music, Presley’s soundtrack singles sometimes seemed out of step with changing trends. Nevertheless, the song demonstrated his enduring charm and his ability to bring personality to even the most playful material.
Legacy of “Kissin’ Cousins”
Today, “Kissin’ Cousins” is remembered as a novelty track in Elvis Presley’s discography. While it does not rank among his greatest artistic achievements, it holds a place as a fun and lighthearted entry that reflects the style of his Hollywood years.
The song is often included in soundtrack compilations and is appreciated by fans for its humor and for the way Presley fully commits to the performance. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of Presley’s film career in shaping his musical output during the 1960s.
More broadly, “Kissin’ Cousins” illustrates Presley’s versatility. Even in comedic material, he brought professionalism, charisma, and vocal skill, ensuring that the song was enjoyable and memorable.
More than sixty years later, “Kissin’ Cousins” continues to amuse listeners as a snapshot of Presley’s lighter side. It may not have the intensity of “Suspicious Minds” or the grandeur of “It’s Now or Never,” but it remains a quirky, entertaining reminder of the King’s ability to make even the most playful songs engaging.