A Big Hunk o' Love by Elvis Presley & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Song Info
"A Big Hunk O' Love" is part of the RCA Nashville "Dream Sessions" recorded in June 1958 while Elvis was on leave from the Army. Contrary to Elvis's usual mode of operation, the song was recorded in four takes, possibly demonstrating the urgency given the brevity of Elvis's leave. The song features Floyd Cramer on piano, Hank Garland on electric guitar, Bob Moore on bass, with rhythm guitars supplied by Elvis and Chet Atkins. D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman play drums, and the Jordanaires sing backup. The song, timed at just 2:12, was up for two Grammy nominations but did not win either category. Nevertheless, fans and more than a few music critics rate this recording session as a moment capturing Elvis's raw energy, sex appeal, and vocal edge. Obviously, his peers in the industry agreed, having nominated his performance for Grammies in two separate categories. The single hit Number One and remained in that position for two weeks in the U.S., peaking at Number Four and remaining there after sustaining a nine-week stay in the UK. The song was first available on the famed album "50,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong."
