Elvis Songs: A Fool Such as I

Written by: Bill Trader

Recorded: June 10, 1958, RCA Nashville Studios
Released master is take 9

Single: w/ "I Need Your Love Tonight", 47-7506, March, 1959 (Million Seller)
Also re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0625, 1961

Highest U.S. Charts Position:
#2 on Billboard Hot 100
#16 on Rhythm & Blues chart.

1st LP release: 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong - Elvis' Gold Records, Volume 2 - December 1959

Bill Trader wrote "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I" in 1952, and Hank Snow recorded and released his version in November of that year. Jo Stafford also had a hit version in early 1953.

Elvis was probably familiar with Hank's version from the days when he was Hank's opening act. Elvis recorded his version on June 10, 1958, while on leave from the Army. This was the first recording session to include Ray Walker of the Jordanaires, who replaced Hugh Jarrett as their bass singer. Ray is featured prominently in "A Fool Such As I", delivering the title line before each verse and in the lead-out at the end. Elvis delivers the lead vocal in his trademark hiccuping style, turning a country melody into a rollicking pop classic.

"A Fool Such As I" was also later recorded by Bob Dylan, and released on the "Dylan" album in 1973. The album also included Dylan's cover of "Can't Help Falling In Love". Dylan didn't intend these recordings to be released, and the songs were quite rare until recently.