Elvis Presley - Why Me Lord? - The Live Comparison Series - Volume Eighty One

Throughout the years there have been countless artists who could not bear to share the often metaphorical and sometimes literal spotlight with any other musician, particularly on stage. Indeed, there will undoubtedly have been many who will have created backing bands not quite as good as they might have been for fear of being outshone.
As far as Elvis Presley was concerned however, nothing could be further from the truth and his 1970’s TCB band, particularly between 1970 and 1973 and again in 1975 is the finest example. After the booking was concluded for Elvis to return to live performing in 1969, one of his first tasks was the appointment of James Burton as his lead guitarist. This role also came with the responsibility of recruiting the remainder of the band and bringing them to Elvis for final approval. As far as backing singers were concerned, The Sweet Inspiration and The Imperials were hand picked by Elvis himself.
It wasn’t long before Elvis’ obvious appreciation for the talent of the musicians around him was made known countless times on stage. One of the many examples was during the guitar solo in “Let It Be Me” where Elvis would shout for a spotlight to be shone onto James Burton.
Gradually this was expanded and after J.D. Sumner and The Stamps joined the band, following the departure of The Imperials, they soon found themselves with a solo of their own. This was originally with a couple of renditions of “Sweet Sweet Spirit” as seen during the “Elvis On Tour” movie but from January 1974 they performed “Why Me Lord”.
After a full Las Vegas season of performing the song as a solo, it was during his shows in Houston on 3 March 1974, a few concerts into the first tour of the year, that Elvis began to sing lead during the choruses. It is unclear whether this was the case during the matinee show as it has never been released in any form but certainly during the evening show and this version leads this compilation.
As the tours progressed, Elvis used the verses, particularly the second, as an attempt to crack up J.D. Sumner, often successfully with a variety of funny voices combined with often funny remarks, Version Ten being one of the finest examples. However, despite this almost every chorus was sung with total commitment and his often affection for the material was obvious and this is encapsulated in this compilation.
As there were over one hundred and fifty renditions of the song, it is impossible to included them all and instead this compilation consists of renditions between 1974 and 1977.

Version One – 3 March 1974, Evening Show – The Houston Astrodome
Version Two – 25 May 1974, Dinner Show – Lake Tahoe
Version Three – 1 July 1974 – Omaha
Version Four – 1 September 1974, Dinner Show – Las Vegas
Version Five – 6 October 1974, Evening Show – Dayton
Version Six – 25 March 1975, Midnight Show – Las Vegas
Version Seven – 27 April 1975, Evening Show – Lakeland, Florida
Version Eight – 10 June 1975, Tour Closing Show – Memphis
Version Nine – 24 July 1975 – Asheville
Version Ten – 18 August 1975, Opening Show – Las Vegas
Version Eleven – 3 May 1976, Dinner Show – Lake Tahoe
Version Twelve – 8 September 1976, Tour Closing Show – Pine Bluff
Version Thirteen – 10 December 1976, Dinner Show – Las Vegas
Version Fourteen – 21 February 1977, Tour Closing Show – Charlotte
Version Fifteen – 29 March 1977 – Alexandria
Version Sixteen – 3 May 1977 - Saginaw
Version Seventeen – 26 May 1977 – Binghamton – The Final Rendition

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