Airdate – Nov 20, 2022
Many have said that “story” records were and still are the backbone of country music. This may be true but “story” records also found a home in Rock & Roll.
Even Elvis Presley joined the ranks of storytelling through song. One of his most famous songs in this genre made its appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1961 …
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Some of the “story” records that we were introduced to in the early days of Rock & Roll were quite tragic. “Tell Laura I Love Her” by Ray Peterson, “Teen Angel” by Mark Dinning, and “Leader Of The Pack” by the Shangri-Las readily come to mind.
These three songs all have one common thread … love. The power of love can produce unfavorable results. Such was the case with Marty Robbins’ “passing” at the end of his crossover hit “El Paso.” And who can forget Jay & The Americans fantasizing in their classic “Come A Little Bit Closer.”
Elvis Presley’s 1961 power of love “story” record went to #4 on Billboard pop charts in the Fall of that year. It is a story of betrayal on two fronts involving a deceitful sweetheart and a very old friend who comes by to tell him that “Marie’s The Name (Of) His Latest Flame,” this week’s Tom Locke moment in time.
PS – For you trivia buffs, this song was first recorded by Del Shannon on the album ‘Runaway With Del Shannon’ in June 1961
YouTube video of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59pOE3OmUi8
“Moments In Time” story is yet another example of a “golden oldie” or forgotten favorite that earned its place in the evolution of Rock & Roll.
