Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Elvis Presley’s Gives New Sound to “Guitar Man”

Elvis Presley + Guitar Man
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

There are many reasons why Elvis Presley is called a legend; one of them is his rendition of Jerry Reed’s “Guitar Man.” Despite being known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis showcased he was capable of any genre and covered new versions of the song. 

Jerry Reed’s “Guitar Man” resembles Elvis Presley‘s cover. Rock and roll music is played for both. However, Presley’s is preferred as it has cleaner and more remarkable characteristics. 

But did you know that one notable difference between Jerry’s and Elvis’s versions is that Elvis added a little country music spice to his? Yes, they both sound rock and roll, but you can hear a tidbit of country music’s influence on Elvis’s version.

Jerry Reed first recorded “Guitar Man” in 1967 for his album “The Unbelievable Guitar and Voice of Jerry Reed.” The Billboard Hot Country Songs list pegged his rendition of the song at number fifty-three. Elvis Presley recorded his version of “Guitar Man” after the first release. In 1967 and 1981, he recorded and re-released the song two more times. 

It landed at number 43 on the pop list, had some crossover success, and climbed to the top of the country chart. His posthumous version in 1981, with his original voice accompanied by a new electronic arrangement, actually saw higher success.

Another thing that amazes fans is that Elvis mentioned being frustrated that he couldn’t record a better version of the song than Jerry. The King even sent Jerry a note and claimed he was brought in to assist Elvis in finding his rhythm while creating a rendition of the song.

“To tell you the truth, I was on cloud nine. And once Elvis got the spirit, things really began to happen,” Jerry said when he eventually managed to get Elvis fired up during the recording.

Elvis Presley’s “Guitar Man” version was considered superior to the original. He was able to give the song a new sound, which entailed many listeners. Additionally, their collaboration revealed a far tighter bond between “The King of Rock and Roll” and “The Good Ol’ Boy.”

Interested? You can Listen to Elvis Presley’s “Guitar Man” right now by clicking the video below.

Latest Stories

Beyoncé smiles despite controversy over her AMA country nominations that overlooked Cody Johnson and Miranda Lambert.

The 2025 AMAs Nominated Beyoncé for Country and Snubbed Cody Johnson and Miranda Lambert

The American Music Awards just did what too many award shows continue to do: propped up a pop superstar in the country categories while ignoring the very artists keeping the ...

The Highwaymen—Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson—pose together, smiling and relaxed, showcasing their legendary camaraderie in country music.

Why The Highwaymen Refused Alcohol on Tour and What They Drank Instead

The Highwaymen were four of country music’s roughest legends, each with enough scars to write ten albums. Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson made up the outlaw ...

Maren Morris and Taylor Swift pose together in glamorous outfits, symbolizing their connection as female artists navigating major shifts in and out of country music.

Maren Morris Turned to Taylor Swift and The Chicks for Advice on Leaving Country Music

If you’re gonna walk away from country music, you better know what you’re walking into. Maren Morris didn’t just pack up and go. Before she made the jump to pop ...

Phil Robertson and Miss Kay Robertson from Duck Dynasty hold hands and sit side-by-side in a care facility, reunited after months apart due to health concerns.

Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Phil and Miss Kay Robertson Are Back Together After Months Apart

Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson has officially reunited with his wife, Miss Kay, after months of being separated due to ongoing health issues—and the family says it’s been a major boost ...

Shania Twain, Keith Urban, and LeAnn Rimes are among the bold country artists who embraced vulnerability and body confidence in the spotlight.

7 Country Stars Who Stripped Down Without Regret

In a genre that still hides behind hymns and denim, these seven artists stripped down—and what they revealed wasn’t just skin. It was ownership, defiance, grief, and freedom—and country music ...

Carrie Underwood defends her decision during a heartfelt moment on American Idol, advocating for the show's first Easter faith special.

Carrie Underwood Fought for American Idol’s Easter Episode When Others Said It Was “Inappropriate”

For the first time in its 23-season history, American Idol aired a fully faith-based Easter special. It was bold and heartfelt—and according to a report from The Sun, it almost ...

Pope Francis smiles and waves in his traditional white robes during one of his final public appearances before his passing at age 88.

Pope Francis, the First Pope from the Americas, Dies at 88 After Easter Weekend

Just one day after delivering his final Easter address and meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas and a defining spiritual voice ...

Jelly Roll cracks up alongside Luke Bryan and Jennifer Hudson while sharing a hilariously embarrassing onstage story on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Jelly Roll Overshared on National TV Telling Jennifer Hudson He Once Pooped His Pants While Performing on Stage

There’s oversharing, and then there’s Jelly Roll on The Jennifer Hudson Show, telling a national audience he once trusted a fart onstage and paid the price. It happened on April ...

Luke Bryan delivers an emotional Easter performance of “Jesus' Bout My Kids” on American Idol, capturing the raw heart of a father’s prayer.

Luke Bryan Sang “Jesus’ Bout My Kids” on Easter and Brought Real Emotion to American Idol

Luke Bryan has spent the last seven seasons of American Idol being the jokester, the crowd-pleaser, the guy who hands out compliments with a grin and a wink. But on ...

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake perform “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter special, bringing emotion and testimony to the stage.

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on Idol Felt Like a Personal Testimony

Easter Sunday on American Idol brought faith to the forefront, but when Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake took the stage to sing “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” it stopped being a TV ...