Elvis and Queen: Debunking the Myth of a 1965 Collaboration

There are many fascinating stories and myths surrounding the musical legends of the 1960s and beyond. One of the most intriguing and often discussed topics is the idea of Elvis Presley singing a Queen song in 1965. This article will explore the truth behind this myth and shed light on the different interpretations of the song 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'.

Understanding the Timeline

It is essential to understand the historical timeline of these two iconic artists. Elvis Presley's career was at its peak during the 1960s, but he was not alive when Queen emerged on the music scene. Around 1965, Queen, the legendary British rock band, had not yet been formed. Their first album, 'Queen', was released in 1973, and Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist, did not write or perform 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' until 1979 and later in 1980.

The Truth Behind the Music

The myth of Elvis singing a Queen song is mostly a misinterpretation of the music. It is mainly associated with the song 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. There is no evidence or documentation that Elvis ever sang this song. Instead, it is Freddie Mercury who took inspiration from Elvis Presley's classic style and sound in the 1980s.

Ears of a Rock Fan

Freddie Mercury was indeed a huge fan of Elvis Presley, and the 'Elvis vibe' in 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' was completely intentional. In fact, the song was written by Freddie Mercury in 1979 and released on their album 'The Game' in 1980. It has often been described as a tribute to Elvis, with Mercury putting an inflection on the song that is reminiscent of Presley's style.

Other Cover Versions

While there are no records of Elvis performing 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', there have been other covers of the song. One of the most notable covers is by Dwight Yoakam, who recorded a version of the song in 1993. Another mention is within a discussion of Elvis' song 'Little Sister', which was performed by Elvis Presley. However, these are not direct collaborations, and they do not overlap with the Queen's version.

Clarifying the Myth

The belief that Elvis sang 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' in 1965 has likely arisen due to the song's sound and the perceived similarity between Elvis' and Freddie Mercury's vocals. The song's 'Elvis vibe' is intentional and homage to the King of Rock 'n' Roll. In reality, there is no evidence to support the idea that Elvis Presley was involved in the creation or performance of this particular song.

Concluding Thoughts

While the story of Elvis and Queen is often debated, it is crucial to understand the historical context and the timeline of these artists. It is essential to recognize that 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' was written and performed by Freddie Mercury in the late 1970s, years after Elvis Presley had passed away. Despite this, the song's timelessness has made it a cherished tribute to the music legend, Elvis Presley.

If you, or any of your friends, have a specific performance or song in mind, feel free to let me know, and I would be happy to help clarify the truth behind the music.