Raised On Rock

Album: Raised On Rock (1973)
Charted: 36 41
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by the Memphis songwriter Mark James, who wrote Elvis' 1969 hit "Suspicious Minds." Songwriters had a lot to gain if Elvis recorded their songs, so they wrote songs that he would be comfortable singing. Here, Elvis sings about his musical upbringing, and how he was there at the dawn of Rock and Roll. It was a fitting song for Elvis, who was a key figure in shaping Rock music from its roots in Country and R&B.
  • One of the lines in the song is, "A honky tonk a Hound Dog, a Johnny B. Goode." Neither "Hound Dog" nor "Johnny B. Goode" were originally recorded by Elvis, but he covered both of these songs by the time he recorded this one. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Chris - Cleveland, OH
  • Helen Reddy recorded a vastly subdued version on for her 1974 album Free and Easy. That same year, Johnny Winter recorded the song. His version didn't make it onto an album, but in recent years has shown up on his compilations.

Comments: 4

  • David Roer from Prescott, ArizonaRaised on Rock and Roll is a masterpiece of Elvis’ soulful, rhythm and blues. First time I heard this song it screamed the genius of ELVIS.
    It should have gone #1. Still love the 5 minute version.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn October 9th 1973, Elvis and Priscilla's divorce* was finalized at the County Superior Courthouse in Santa Monica, California...
    At the time "Raised on Rock" b/w "For Ol' Times Sake" was at #46 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; twelve days later on October 21st, 1973 it would peak at #41 {for 1 week} and spent a total of 9 weeks on the Top 100...
    * Priscilla received a cash payment of $725,000 plus $4,200 per month spousal support for a year and then $6,000 a month for ten years and Elvis got Linda Thompson!
  • George from Belleville, NjI agree with Sean from WI. I personally think this should have been a number one record for Elvis.This is a classic rock and roll song that has Elvis written all over it.This is proof that Elvis hadn't lost his touch,he still had greatness left in him even later in his career.
  • Sean from Altoona, WiVery shocked that it did not even reached the Top 40 for Elvis Presley: The King of Rock N' Roll!!!

    9/30/09
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

When Rock Belonged To Michelob

When Rock Belonged To MichelobSong Writing

Michelob commercials generated hits for Eric Clapton, Genesis and Steve Winwood in the '80s, even as some of these rockers were fighting alcoholism.

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.