Moody Blue was released June 19, 1977. Less than two months later Elvis Presley was dead of a massive heart attack probably caused by a combination of prescription drugs and excessive weight gain. Moody Blue would become a huge hit album reaching number three on the pop charts and remaining number one on the country charts for ten weeks. It would go on to sell three million copies in the United States.
Felton Jarvis pieced Moody Blue together from left over studio tracks plus three live performances from a Michigan concert. The album was initially released on traditional black vinyl but it was quickly changed to blue vinyl. Today it is the original black vinyl release that is very collectible.
The title track, “Moody Blue,” was recorded in early 1977. While it reached number one on the country singles charts it was a more pop presentation. The song was written by Mark James who also wrote such Elvis songs as “Suspicious Minds” and “Raised On Rock.” I can only imagine how much residual money Mark James has accumulated from Elvis’ album sales.
“Way Down” is the strongest track on the album. It was released as a single after Elvis’s death and became a top twenty hit in the United States in addition to a number one country hit. It was also a number one hit in the United Kingdom. This up-tempo pop/rocker featured a fine smooth vocal by Elvis and maintains energy throughout.
“Unchained Melody” has probably been recorded a thousand times. Elvis gives it a pure pop performance although it would oddly be a country hit. Elvis gives an inspired performance and is able to show his extensive vocal range on this very difficult song. Elvis performs an enjoyable version of the old Johnny Ace tune, “Pledging My Love.” He speeds it up a little and moves it from rhythm and blues to pure pop.
Article comments
1 - nina
Actually, the Moody Blue album was originally released on blue vinyl as a numbered edition.
They had just switched to regular black vinyl when Elvis died, so they quickly switched back to the blue.
Black was resumed after the second round of blue was over.
The rarest and most valueable are naturally the short period of black vinyl between the 2 blue runs
2 - Mike Smith
Hey i have a perfect condition 1977 Elvise moody blue (blue) record.The sleve that it is in is still in wonderful condition, even the paper cover too. I would like to know how much it is worth? It has sentamential value,my garndmother had it put a way for at least 30 years, until se recently pased. Please let me know something. Mike Smith