Elvis Presley - (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - From First Take to the Master

Sandwiched between the soundtrack sessions for Blue Hawaii and Follow That Dream, Elvis undertook a mini regular recording session at RCA's Studio B in Nashville on 25 June 1961 ans when Elvis emerged from the studio early on the Monday morning of 26 June, five songs had been recorded two of which would become future Elvis classics - "Little Sister" and "(Marie's The Name His Latest Flame".

The final song recorded at that session was "Little Sister" which would receive a new lease of life a decade later as Elvis added it to his setlist and it would remain something of a staple in his live repertoire right up until the end. Immediately preceding "Little Sister", however, Elvis recorded a song which would not only become an Elvis classic but a classic sixties pop song - "Little Sister" and "(Marie's The Name His Latest Flame"

Devastatingly simple in it's melody, lyrics and arrangement and with it's catchy intro, "His Latest Flame" was tailor made for commercial success and radio air time. Despite the potential for two hits, RCA decided to release both "Little Sister" and "(Marie's The Name His Latest Flame" as a double-A side and reached #1 in several countries including the US.

"(Marie's The Name His Latest Flame"was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman and first recorded by Del Shannon on the album Runaway With Del Shannon, which was released in June 1961 but apart from similarities in the instantly recognisable intro Elvis' version bears almost no resemblance to Shannon's .

The early takes in the recording process of "His Latest Flame" are of particular interest because Elvis originally begins recording in a higher key, much like Del Shannon's version, before changing down in later takes which sound better and suit the song better. Although twelve takes were attempted by Elvis it was the eighth take which was chosen as the RCA master and subsequent single release.

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!