Just HOW did Elvis LOSE OUT to Terry Stafford on THIS song?

[@danielmahon2432]

I personally love Elvis’ version. Problem with RCA is they really did not do a ton to promote Elvis or his music. Now in the studio Elvis controlled his arrangements, however there were times when some after the session overdubbing and remixing were applied to his recordings that he would sometimes get quite upset with because he had no idea it was being done.

[@silverclive]

It's a great song. Terry's version is very enjoyable.

[@123Rockchild]

I wonder if the producers of Terry Stafford’s rendition were encouraged to make it sound similar to Elvis’ record? Except for some of the differences that Fil noted, I think Terry’s version sounds a lot like Elvis. I humbly cast my vote for Elvis! I prefer the uniqueness of the Elvis stylizing.

[@Mariethename99]

He was a huge Elvis fan

[@keetonplace]

My recollection is that he was trying to sound like Elvis.

[@elvisfan61]

Oooh, hearing Elvis singing this makes me melt...beautiful. Love Kiss Me Quick, too. Thanks for doing your take on this song, Fil.

[@AdullFiddler-ez7tm]

Terry's version is the one I remember. The background singers are the hook that stuck out for me. "Oooh..."

[@artyfarty87]

yes, same here & the trumpets.

[@hiyadroogs]

This has always been my personal favourite song from Elvis. I had never even considered that it was a B side release! For me, Elvis's descending scale on certain phrases emphasises his underlying insecurity & anxiety that the lyrics are trying to portray. It is musical expression of the highest order. Sometimes, when people have anxiety, they suffer a social condition called 'relaxed voice' where the voice loses its vibrancy, especially in the lower tones, & becomes breathy & falls away at the end of phrases. That's exactly how Elvis is conveying the character he is inhabiting. It may be a simple little song superficially, but like all truly great artists, Elvis is lifting it by treating it as seriously as an operatic piece. He is underpinning musically what the lyrics are saying. He is talking to the girl directly, & expressing in soft intimate tones how the strength of his passion for her is making him insecure that she fully reciprocates his feelings. The calypso beat is also more melodic & engaging, with more surprises to break monotony. Also, Elvis rises to the higher pitches on 'Why torture me?' - revealing more passionately, his inner angst. Terry's version is clear voiced & simply a pop song. With no particular imploring or emphasis to the meaning behind the lyrics. & the rather incongruous ghostly croon by the female backing singers doesn't make any sense to me.

[@jennyjorgensen9935]

Great comments 👍🥰

[@thepuma2012]

indeed, those strange oohs from the backing singers are strange and i don t think they work for the song at all, espacially considering the lyrics they make no sense.

[@daveluck5717]

@@thepuma2012 Agreed ! ,, it was ironic,, if not comical,, with the nature of the song itself.

[@clboelcke]

@hiyadroogs I totally agree with your comments-ELVIS ALL THE WAY! Elvis has a voice like no other and I think whether Elvis is using his vibrato or not, his phrasing along with his amazing tonal quality is better to me.

[@hiyadroogs]

@@clboelcke Elvis was a singer of the highest order. He could lift seemingly trivial music up to memorable levels. He had a fantastically versatile voice, which often masked how wonderfully musical he was, with a real ear for the melodic line, dynamics & feeling.

[@GrumpyFlyr1995]

Elvis liked for his vocals to be at about the same level as the accompaniment. It was a stylistic choice for him. His voice was just so buttery and smooth during the movie years.

[@highaltitude787]

It wasn’t buttery and smooth after movie years?

[@vickyclausen4631]

ELVIS' voice was just REMARKABKLE,PERIOD, the feeling n passion and passion where on another level ,i like the simplicity of this track ,with elvis' sublime vocals.

[@richardtaylor6604]

The Terry Stafford version seems to have a better arrangement and maybe that's why it charted so well in 1964. Terry co-wrote a song Amarillo By Morning which he released around 1973. It charted around number 30 but 10 tears later George Strait released the song and it made to number 4 on the Country charts. Terry also wrote a song called Big in Dallas. Buck Owens changed Dallas to Vegas slowed down the tempo and had a top 5 hit with it in 1969. You never know. Thanks for sharing.

[@12thDecember]

I knew someone had released Amarillo By Morning and it wasn't a success until Strait's version, but I didn't know it was Terry Stafford. One of my absolute favorite songs. ♥

[@ianboyle1026]

Interesting that Fil comments on Elvis's terrific range and technical features, and casually demonstrates with his own voice in perfect imitation. A deeply significant talent.

[@Lomie32]

I thought that too, casually drops those notes in!

[@lastrada52]

Ral Donner had the superior Elvis-like voice & he charted more often than Terry Stafford.

[@ianboyle1026]

@@lastrada52 And yet, both Ral Donner and Terry Stafford are all but forgotten now, while Elvis forever heads the eternal pantheon of rock. (I'm Australian, and I don't recall Ral Donner ever getting any airplay here -- T Staffford's Suspicion was a hit here -- but I've read that Donner was big in the US, so I shall check him out on the wondrous wayback machine that is KZbin.)

[@keetonplace]

@@lastrada52 To me, there is no Elvis-like voice. No one has ever been able to do what I have seen and heard Elvis do with their voice. Imitators don't count. They are what they are. Trying to sound like someone that they never will.

[@jv-ep2tc]

@@keetonplace you could be a bit more generous in your understanding of others who pay tribute to E in their own way. They know they can't approach the vocals of the King but they are immersed in his characteristics and try their best. You should be thankful for the "imitators" for keeping it alive.

[@MrNostalGuy]

I'd like to quote Iggy Pop talking about Elvis in 2012. He said : "Elvis is the Rolls Royce of the vocalists. Nobody on this earth sings better than him. In that Sinatra show with Elvis, he buries Sinatra, even Frank Sinatra. Elvis was a stylist." You can clearly hear Elvis the stylist in his version of Suspicion when compared to Stafford's one. No comparison at all. Elvis' vibrato is so subtle and expressive. The same applies to the musical accompaniment delivered by the wonderful Nashville A Team.

[@asylangrace11]

I can sing Elvis I'm female but idk how to tell what vocal range I am (some of his songs I sing higher since I'm not vibrato)

[@donaldperez7981]

Back in the day, the most popular singers at the time, were all friends.Years ago, I saw on KZbin Elvis mentioning that his favorite singer was Dean Martin; I think that's where he may have picked up the vibrato. Dean was also Frank's friend and Frank's favorite was Tony Bennett (another Italian). But as we all know they were all good and different in their own way..

[@RegisWilkins]

@MrNostalGuy That's a load of crap you're pushing, Elvis is good but there are far better singers than E. "Elvis buries Sinatra". You're tone deaf, and know nothing about the topic.

[@antoniosantorini9355]

Listen closer to them singing Love me tender , Sinatra's doing an excellent job harmonizing with Elvis , Sinatra his voice was like velvet

[@sandybarr684]

@@antoniosantorini9355Elvis’ voice was so much more rich and velvety smooth than Franks. Frank had a good voice, Elvis had the total package.

[@DiamondGirl-1234]

I enjoy when you analyze the musicality of two songs and compare the production and voice differences. We learn so much each time with your good ear and ways of explaining it all. Thanks Fil.🤘🎶

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

♦+👧= 🐈bonk worthy

[@DiamondGirl-1234]

@@NinjaKittyBonks Thx for the Bonk!!BONK!!! ❤️🐈🐱

[@keetonplace]

l Love comparing 2 songs of different singers!

[@RoryVanucchi]

Great song. Terry nailed it. One hit wonder. Has some Roy Orbison feeling. Maybe Elvis should have released as A side since both very close

[@stege9979]

Love when Phil is doing musical analysis involving Elvis. Besides the voice of the GOAT, you can rest assure that there is no autotune discussions. How I miss the old days when artists had to be as good in the studio as they were live on stage.

[@mimi-422]

I totally agree,no auto tune for Elvis, just pure gold❤👑👑👑👑👑❤️

[@mimi-3212]

According to the internet, Terry's version came out two years later, so his producers had the chance to learn from that first version. Adding the background singers helped to grab your attention. As Fil said, the tempo was quicker on Terry's version as well, and that may have made it more appealing. His tone is very similar to EP's, so some people may have thought at first listen, that it was Elvis on the scratchy AM car radio 🙂. Elvis got his' Suspicious' hit later! Good one, Fil!

[@miltonlevant3203]

The only time elvis never sang some else song for a change🤤

[@dekerivers5798]

@@miltonlevant3203Not the only time.

[@scubarojo]

Thanks for reviewing this great song. Terry's mix, the horns, the backing vocals, all better. The producer just did a better job mixing the song.

[@lindadescafano3749]

I have heard both versions and always enjoyed Evis' version but appreciate the way you point out the similarities and differences between both. 😊🎸🎵

[@CarolynLuvsElvisForever0910]

I love Elvis version. His smooth voice is magical ❤

[@MagiMysteryTour]

Most people who hear Stafford's recording think at first that it is Elvis, many people never even learn that it wasn't. Stafford's voice is remarkably similar sounding to a normal ear without computer graphs to analyze with. What is noticeably different about these two recordings is the arrangement, especially the female voices singing "Oooh-oooh" which is absent in Elvis's version, as well as the electric organ synthesized horns sound in Stafford's version. Those female "Oooh-ooh" sounds could very well have been the subtle difference that made Stafford's version catch on while Elvis's version remained obscure. Another song with a similar "gimmick" was Bobby Goldsboro's "Little Things", with the cute little female backup singers adding the frosting on the cake.

[@MagiMysteryTour]

We can even see every time the back up singers sing "Oooh-ooh" your smile lights up while you're listening. Maybe you weren't even aware of that. We can see it as plainly as you can see the pitches and vibratos on your computer graphs.

[@jettsteari3062]

When Elvis sings it I get chills .. Terry did a nice job but Elvis put SO MUCH emotion into it ..but then again he was that way with EVERYTHING he sang in this he holds back just a touch on certain words and notes..My God Elvis was such a MASTER VOCALIST!

[@KingCocaGold]

Elvis had an INCREDIBLE attention to Detail! NO CONTEST !!

[@billg3356]

I've only ever known the Terry Stafford version of this song. I never even knew Elvis sang it; I just thought that Stafford was doing an "Elvis".

[@rong805]

Now that you know, what do you think?

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

Funnily enough I only knew the Elvis version originally as it was a hit here in the UK in 1977. I didn't hear the Terry Stafford version until 1997, when I was compiling songs for a 1950s/1960s party!

[@Yesica1993]

I'm not sure I'd ever heard Elvis's version either!

[@M_ondo]

Actually Teresa Brewer had a version. It's different, not bad tho she's a great singer mid 50s to early 60s.

[@billg3356]

@@rong805 I have to give it to Stafford. Don't get me wrong; Elvis is a better singer, but Stafford's version had a better production. Elvis' seems almost like a demo, where he was feeling out the song.

[@Vertigo121]

After your analysis of both versions of suspicion. I think Elvis’ version is much better just due to the fact that Elvis’ has such an amazing singing voice, especially between 1960-62, Elvis’ voice sounded so velvety ❤

[@MostlyBuicks]

In the early 60s Elvis' voice was at its best, honey sweet on ballads and down and dirty with the blues.

[@rem1762]

I agree. Elvis vocals early 60's were his best. That being said Elvis's absolute total cool factor was the 68 come back special. His greatest performance.

[@MrRacket991]

I disagree. Elvis was best in the late '60s to early '70s when he had more mature soulful quality.

[@waynevillette4193]

@@MrRacket991For me he had more Versatility 50s early 60s

[@trishf3576]

Elvis sounds slightly operatic...he came out of the army with an even more beautiful voice than when he went in ❤ He also makes it seem so effortless. PS he hated it when RCA brought his voice out to the front, above the musicians, post-production. He liked to be surrounded by his musicians and the voices all to merge together 😊

[@keetonplace]

@@MrRacket991 I saw him from '69 on. 68 was spectacular, but so was Vegas '69. Never witnessed anything like that in my life. Also very good throughout the 60's. Let's face it, he was just good from beginning to the last 2 years, and even then seeing him, he was great, just not as active, and definitely needed care.

[@calvinwayneweir2007]

You hit it on the head Elvis's was a side B release and Terry's was the side A

[@MisterMasterShafter1]

Elvis recorded his version and had it on an album two years before Stafford's, who put his out as a single in '64. You can debate the arrangements, but Elvis' vocals are way better.

[@Robert-p7t2k]

Elvis was the king and Stafford was a one hit wonder but I like his version/arrangement better. I'm almost 70, a guy, and still love my childhood idol.

[@lynlynch2168]

I am huge Elvis fan, but I think Terry does this song better. Elvis did not have his emotions in his version which is what makes a song an Elvis song

[@nickrider5220]

Hadn't heard the Terry Stafford version before, sounded lighter hearted and had slightly comical backing singers. More feeling in the Elvis version, it's not a light hearted topic, so Elvis all the way !

[@martincvitkovich724]

I never heard Elvis version, just Staffords. Staffords was popular on this song in the early 60's when I was a teenager.

[@phillipcarter8045]

Elvis didn’t want the song . That’s why it on the B side .

[@Loydstardeli2017]

​@@phillipcarter8045really it was on the B side 45

[@davidlauter1622]

WRONG !!!!!!!!

[@donnatregaro7375]

I always thought Terry’s version was Elvis too! Lol. But I enjoy listening to them both. It I have to say, Elvis will always be my number one!!!!

[@LOL-Can]

Great comparative analysis. In my mind your title is Professor Fil. There you have it. Thank you for this.

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

[shhhhhh...🐈bonk, pass it on]

[@julieCA58]

I really enjoyed this one. Love the discussion of singing styles. I was about 5 years old when Elvis' version came out. My dad's cousin was a HUGE Elvis fan, and we heard his Suspicion all the time, it seems like. Terry's is better in that it sounds cleaner, clearer. My friends would say he sings more "top of the note", if that makes sense. I highly suspect that Terry's version did so well partly because Elvis sang it first, so the song itself already had a following. Great show.

[@ThePaulmaxey]

Elvis all the way, this song was recorded at the famous studio B Nashville, how effortless Elvis's voice glided over those notes, he had plenty more in the engine if he needed it, although Terry did ok on this song he cant compete with the tone and expression and the versatility of the King.

[@Noel-ji8nm]

I like Elvis deep voice .

[@texasgirl6000]

Well said. Elvis was an original, and Terry was a wannabe.

[@CornbreadOracle]

You’re right. For Elvis that was just Tuesday. So normal for him that people barely even noticed how fabulous it was. It was one of many, many similar performances. For Terry this was the biggest thing that he ever did.

[@michaelelsy2209]

I like both versions but I prefer Elvis's version more, to me it has more feeling put into it.

[@lechat8533]

I agree 100%.🙏

[@Change989]

Absolutely agree!

[@matteoedwardes2876]

Agreed. Elvis has a richness others just can’t replicate.

[@BigBand1942]

agree!

[@JerryFreddieTorres]

I agree, Elvis had more feeling.

[@EPA18]

You did not address the use of the background vocalists in Terry Stafford's version - the interplay between them, in which the vocalists say "Suspicion!" and Terry Stafford answers the vocalists. That, plus the speeded up tempo, made it a more successful version of the song.

[@slbarbieri1725]

Right. Haunting and slightly gossipy sounding

[@visaman]

This inspired Elvis to add female background dingers and singers.

[@PiersEIN]

Kiss Me Quick / Something Blue was the 1963 UK single 'Suspicion' wasn't released as a UK single until December 1976 when it made #7 in the NME Singles charts Kiss Me Quick / Suspicion 45RPM was released in Europe 1963 and did quite well Belgium # 2 / Norway and Germany # 3 / Holland # 12 / Austria # 13 / Spain # 14 To try and claw back some of Terry Stafford's February 1964 sales, Elvis' version was released in North America mid-April 1964. It made USA Billboard # 34 and Canada # 3 RCA pumped out SO MANY Elvis singles during that period that it was hard for any of them to make a real chart / radio impression before the next one came out. This was, and still is, the difference between The Beatles and ELVIS marketing. The Beatles basically 1 album per year and 3 singles per year (all going 'Gold') to Elvis' Col Parker marketing of flooding the market with three albums / Movies per year and as many singles as you can bang out. Between October 63 and October 64 RCA released the following six ELVIS US singles Bossa Nova, Baby (from Fun In Acapulco movie) Kissin' Cousins - (from Kissin' Cousins movie) Kiss Me Quick / Suspicion What'd I Say / Viva Las Vegas (from Viva Las Vegas movie) Such A Night / Ask Me / Blue Christmas was then released in November 1964 as the Xmas Single. No wonder Elvis' 'Suspicion' couldn't make the chart impression it deserved. DAMN Col' Parker.

[@keetonplace]

Such a Night and Ask Me are such great songs, completely different from the other, showing the extreme versatility Elvis displayed all through the years. Also loved his Blue Christmas. The other three or four, except for Viva Las Vegas and Bossa Nova Baby (everyone should see the Elvis Queen, others, mashup) pretty much wasted. So, not really that many bad ones. And then there's the FTD's. Outtakes. Those have been very popular with fans through the ears. I have found some outtakes I prefer over the mas...ter. Edit to agree that there were too many put out in the same time period, but if you go the Graceland and look at the magnificence of his accomplishments everywhere, it's breathtaking.

[@artguti1551]

And it's possible that Elvis "warmed" up the songs for listers ears a couple of years earlier. People heard Terry Stafford sing the same song and thought it was Elvis 'up-tempo". I always thought that Terr Stafford's version Was Elvis when I heard it on the radio.

[@danielwellman9865]

I was 13 when Terry Stafford's version hit the charts. We all danced to it at parties and dances thinking initially it was Elvis until a DJ introduced it on the radio "Terry Stafford singing Suspicion". I don't remember Elvis's version from before. I like Stafford's version/production better.

[@commonsense6967]

Same here! I was also 13 when Stafford's version was released. I never realized Elvis had a version of the same song--Terry's is better, IMO.

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

Although Stafford didn’t write this song, interestingly he himself later wrote a song which wasn’t a big hit for him (“Amarillo by Morning”), but years later was a Yuuuuge hit for somebody else- George Strait!

[@RoryVanucchi]

Didn't realize Terry wrote Amarillo. Good for him.

[@thomastimlin1724]

This speaks volumes about the production and treatment of Terry Stafford's version of this song: "Nationally "Suspicion" rose from number 7 to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated 4 April 1964, when the chart's top five hits were all by the Beatles. "Suspicion" broke the Beatles' monopoly on the top five spots on the chart by rising to #3, its peak position, the next week." Where was Elvis at this time? Being forced to do another sappy movie because of his greedy manager "Fake Colonel" Tom Parker, taking 50% of everything Elvis did.

[@marion_R]

I don't think highly about Parker ( Andreas van Kuijk), but he "only" took 50% of everything where Elvis didn't have to perform. The rest was 25%, which was usual.

[@paulwatson1507]

Agree. How can we forget Elvis version of “Do The Clam”?

[@sage1008]

One thing that’s very appealing about Terry‘s version is that in the chorus the word ‘suspicion’ is held longer. This is possible because it’s being sung by the backup singers. But it makes the chorus so much more appealing. In Elvis’s version it says if the word is just spoken very quickly. The whole arrangement is much better on Terry’s version.

[@veramilton833]

Fil, very interesting analysis video! Elvis is The King ! He didn't use as much vibratto, but a little slipped in there. I love it when you do a comparison of two artists singing the same song! You are so informative in your videos! You point out so much and in a way that we can understand and learn! Thank you for this one! I enjoyed both voices and your teaching! Yes, I do think Terry's voice is better suited for this song! Your vocal demonstration is very enjoyable!🎸💜

[@chthoniapodcast]

Forgot about this song! Didn't realise Elvis did a version of it! I think the B-side factor is high here, but I also like Terry's version better.

[@janiekelley9563]

I enjoy Terry Stafford singing but my preferred version would always be Elvis. Elvis voice is so much more refined. Thank you Fil, I like your voice very much too!!!

[@albertmarsh1796]

I grew up with Elvis but I like Terry version better ilike Elvis he was great

[@paulmackenzie1850]

I will never get tired of hearing Elvis singing...even if he is covering another artist's work..Terry Stanford's version was awesome as well. I grew up hearing both versions and love them both equally. .I remember visiting Graceland it was quite a positive experience for me. Something I will never forget...As usual Fil does an awesome analysis. I thank Fil for creating this happy and educational place.

[@cristyf5431]

The Elvis version is haunting and draws you emotionally. His voice has so much more depth and feeling. The other version is so much more polished and produced. It's much catchier and has that bubblegum pop, stick in your head, quality. I see why it was a hit, but I like the Elvis version much better.

[@MrRockabilly70]

Thank you for the analysis Fil. This song is a Pomus-Shuman composition written specifically for Elvis and was released on the Pot Luck album in May 1962. Stafford's version was released as a single in February 1964. RCA finally decided to release Elvis’ version as a single in April 1964 but by that stage Terry’s version had achieved some major success on the charts and Elvis' version didn’t end up doing all that well and I think a large part of that is due to RCA's marketing strategies at the time witch I believe deprived Elvis of chart success not only with this song, but quite a few other songs as well. As to the comparison itself, Elvis could sing the phone book and still sound great! You can have all the wonderful arrangements and back up singers, bells and whistles as you like but at the end of the day it's the voice that matters and Elvis had the golden voice that nobody could match. Stafford tries hard and does a decent version but I'm sticking with Elvis on this one, the original and the best!

[@Mr.Grimsdale]

I've never heard Terry Staffords version before now, i noticed that he never actually sings the word 'Suspicion' in the verse, its a slightly more upbeat version but i still enjoyed it.

[@visaman]

It was huge on Country radio stations well into the late 70s.

[@lindapendleton9176]

Terry s version is more fleshed out with the unique background vocals and echo tremolo and the instrumentation makes it more danceable latin style or Cha Cha.

[@conniebeatty9303]

Agree...much snappier...better indeed

[@MARKCARRI]

Can't beat the feeling in Elvis' voice

[@wrestlingterrier8366]

Elvis' version is a lot more heartfelt!!!

[@claudiaj4258]

ELVIS always put ❤ and his voice is anything😊

[@bernardenejones8620]

I Always like this song by Elvis Sometimes the B side was better than the A side

[@michaellongstaff4624]

I bought the Terry Stafford version when it came out and didn't know Elvis had a version. As a b side it probably got very little radio play and so it went under the radar. At the time I could never figure out if the background was a vocal or a steel guitar, but it made the arrangement stand out. Don't think I ever heard of him again but the Beatles came soon after and spelt pretty much the end of solo male vocalists.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Stafford was a one hit wonder, tjis song and that was it. A Fluke.

[@allandickson8576]

Elvis was a monster - could sing anything effortlessly

[@phillipcarter8045]

Yes he was a monster

[@stevemurray7020]

Remember Terry was imitating Elvis voice when he sang like so many singers did at that time. No comparison of the vocal instrument of the two.

[@ronnienose8608]

Always loved Elvis' version.

[@BrendaMorgan-ne7fu]

When I was a girl, I thought this was Elvis, and couldn't figure what was wrong with him. Always loved the song, thanks Fil

[@MaryEllen505]

I was coming in to say the same thing.

[@judywright6889]

Me toooo ! 😮

[@Mariethename99]

Elvis sang it first. Terry Stafford was a huge Elvis fan, it seems like he was copying Elvis style of singing.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

😂 I thought maybe it was just me! I actually thought it for a number of years until I heard the Elvis version and was taken aback. Thats when I learned of Terry Stafford and had an A-ha! moment.

[@TexasGirl-54]

There is NO comparison 😮 NO ONE sings like Elvis. He was the best 🥰🥰🥰

[@martincvitkovich724]

Roy Orbison can run circles around Elvis

[@phillipcarter8045]

@@martincvitkovich724. EXACTLY . 😊

[@sandybarr684]

@@martincvitkovich724well Elvis would agree with that, he loved Roy Orbison. I love them both, but Elvis is the GOAT. He could sing any thing at all and make it great.

[@hokahey7236]

@@martincvitkovich724 Orbison was the king of ballads and the operatic endings but his voice couldn't rock with an edge like Elvis' could on songs like 'Jailhouse House', 'One Night', 'Mean Woman Blues', etc.

[@Filmbuf-g2k]

All I can say about Elvis,s voice on this track.....its chocolate for the ears .Theres always me, is my favourite Elvis song for the same reason...His voice was phenomenal in the early 60s but it gets overlooked slightly because of the movies ...but there was some absolute classic vocals ....They remind me too much of you, pocketful of rainbows, Its now or never,come to mind to name but a few...

[@Lilah1754]

Love Elvis version best. His Elvis vibrato is so good. Like Terry’s version ok, but not backround singers & faster pace. ❤️ Elvis. Nice analysis!

[@knockshinnoch1950]

The Elvis version was later released as an A Side in the UK and reached the Top 20. It's not the only B side that was later released and became a massive hit- A Little Less Conversation & Rubbernecking became massive hits in the early 2000s 3 of the biggest B side "flips" that became massive hits- I Will Survive- Gloria Gaynor, Brown Girl In The Ring- Boney M, To Sir With Love- Lulu & My Cherie Amour- Stevie Wonder.

[@seanford2358]

Cliff Richard’s first hit, Move It was also officially the B-Side until legendary producer Jack Good turned it over and played the B- Side which he then promoted on his groundbreaking Oh Boy! tv show.

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

This was many years prior to me first getting into music, but there can be no question, that everything I came to love in music, all came from those early years where Elvis first appeard🤘🎸 PS> I will watch video up until the point at which Elvis shakes his hips. I don't want to be corrupted with you crazy rock and rollers😿

[@pinkthistle5713]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Wes_Jones]

I honestly never heard the Elvis version. I vividly remember the Terry Stafford version however. Terry Stafford's version is absolutely amazing. By the way, I just love the look on your face when you are really enjoying what you are hearing.

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Ohhhh Fil, it's always such a pleasure to see you react in real time to someone's singing - especially Elvis's! Over the years, sometimes radio station DJ's played the "wrong" side of the single issued by the record company. "Kiss Me Quick" (which was obviously the song that was being pushed) only got up to number 34 on the U.S. Singles chart. Imagine if DJ's had flipped it over and started playing "Suspicion" instead! Eh...life is all about timing, right? When Terry Stafford decided to remake the song, he was obviously trying very hard to sound like Elvis. And for some reason - that magic of timing? - his version took off. It's rise to #3 on Billboard was perhaps due to people mistaking it for an Elvis record. Or was it just a better-produced record than the Elvis version? (And yes, Stafford's version does seem faster.) Anyway, great video!

[@KlippityKlop1]

I prefer Elvis’s version better. He sings with more emotion, and makes you feel his heartbreak. And I just like his voice much better. The other version sounds “fun”.

[@asylangrace11]

Elvis always sang that way😊

[@karenestep1878]

I was surprised how well Terry sounded. And listening again the studio did allow Elvis’s voice drop below the music many times where with Terry is wasn’t.

[@janetstrothman8087]

EP forever TCB⚡

[@claudiaj4258]

❤Elvis

[@sandybarr684]

Definitely the first guy is much easier to listen to. The first guy has much more emotion in his voice.

[@bernardenejones8620]

Thank You Fil for analyzing Elvis' and Terry's versions of that song.

[@12thDecember]

Thanks for showcasing this classic song. I remember hearing it way back when, but not the Elvis version. I _thought_ it was Elvis because their voices are so similar. Definitely prefer the Stafford version, not just because of his delivery, but also the background vocals and the music. Great song through and through.

[@nanceygarnevicus8717]

OMG! Thank you Fil! Terry’s version is on the top ten list in my head! I think more was invested in the arrangement and production of Terry’s version and the Indioline/“brass” sound makes it such a huge hit. So smooth! Great analysis as always. Maybe could you do Yma Sumac’s “Gopher Mambo”? I first heard on the soundtrack of Shakespeare Retold, The Taming of the Shrew. Pure genius to include in the soundtrack and great movie, too. I think more recently it was in an Apple? commercial maybe too. The original whistle/head voice queen though I think Yma was actually a descendant of a Peruvian princess. Fascinating story and voice. And maybe could you do Kyu Sakamoto’s “Sukiyaki”? Why was it such a huge hit worldwide way back in the day when so few knew where Japan was located never mind understanding Japanese! And a moderate hit English version even! Was it the simplicity/innocence of the melody? Just like Psy’s huge hit Gangnam Style, No. 1 hit, love it but don’t understand a word! In a world of J-Pop and K-Pop, be a Kyu Sakamoto! Thank you for everything! Nancey p.s. have lived in Japan for over forty years now...

[@RosaKay55]

A really interesting analysis. I agree the song had more jumping around than most songs Elvis sang, so his vibrato didn’t shine as much as it normally did. Still, I enjoyed both versions. Thanks, Fil, for your thoughtful analysis!

[@KEITHJOHNPAUL]

I liked both versions of this song, there voices are so similar, it would be a job to tell them apart if we didn’t already know, both were great.

[@joe-kd2je]

Often imitated and never duplicated! Elvis was the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. RIP Elvis we miss you!

[@paulbuffery4120]

Elvis recorded this as an album track on Pot Luck so it was never released as a single in the UK.Kiss Me Quick was the single released by RCA in the UK.

[@joedebarbieri]

I still have the Terry Stafford record I bought in 1964...This is the first time I ever heard Elvis sing it....Maybe the arrangement and background was better in Stafford's version making it a hit...1964 was and still is my favorite music year...

[@sherrisee3752]

Elvis's voice wins out for me, hands down❣

[@robinkent7378]

I grew up with both renditions on the Oldies Station. I always preferred Elvis' version. That doesn't mean that I couldn't appreciate and sing along with Stafford's version.

[@tessawells7734]

Once again, Fil takes a song that I have always loved and then educates me as to why I love it.

[@MelanieMaguire]

It's interesting how similar Terry's voice is to Elvis. Same low larynx sound. But Elvis's verse is more fluid with his portamento slides whereas Terry's is more defined and separate notes. Elvis sounds like a slur - a continuous caress. Then his trademark throbbing vibrato at the end - it's sexier! Also Terry was hampered by the owls (or are they dogs?) woooing oddly in between lines. And a very weirdly timed chorus compares badly with Elvis's...

[@stephenlesliebrown5959]

The horn and background singers are the winners in Terry's version.

[@thomastimlin1724]

Absolutley.

[@bert_towle]

That's not a horn, it's an Ondioline - an analog predecessor to a synthesizer, and the novelty of the device was much of what made Terry's version unique.

[@stephenlesliebrown5959]

@@bert_towle It fooled me! Thanks for the correction.

[@MysterySoul101]

YES exactly!!! And also how the background singers sing the word Suspicion and then Terry comes in with the end of the 2 chorus lines, instead the way Elvis sang both the word Suspicion and the rest of the 2 lines. If Elvis sang the song using the exact same arrangement and instrumentation as Terry had, he would have absolutely killed it. Elvis sang it with a haunting emotional feeling that made you feel the tormenting torture of his suspicion. I think the success of Terry's version also had to do with how much his voice sounds like Elvis and that some people actually thought it was Elvis, especially when he sings the line, Why torture me?

[@lasentinal]

​@@MysterySoul101 My point as well.

[@CarolinaCharles777]

Awesome analysis as usual. Upon hearing them together, I can't help but wonder if the horns and, especially, the background vocals had something to do with Terry Stafford's success. I especially was charmed by the vocals.

[@yahwea]

In the first 4 notes Elvis sung, I said "its the production" and that is how I interpret your analysis 😀 Terry's version the production placed the voice more brightly

[@chrisinfiesto835]

Actually heard Terry’s version 1st & THOUGHT it was Elvis. Since hearing both; in my opinion, the tempo, organ, & background vocals make Terry’s version stand out more.

[@danadams4714]

I’m an Elvis fan, but I do agree Terrys version was the better mix and arrangement.

[@nancy9891]

They sound so similar but Elvis’s timing is different when the “Suspicion” part is sung. Also as a young person, I don’t ever remember it being played on the radio. Terry Stafford’s song must have been played by the disc jockeys. Sometimes I like Elvis and sometimes I like Terry. No one is like Elvis.

[@keetonplace]

Both were played on the radio all the time, in slightly different time frames. Terry was trying to sound like Elvis.

[@anywhoyt]

This for me is also the biggest difference in the two versions. Elvis injects the "Suspicion" chorus with an increase in tempo that is clunky to my ear while Terry's version slows down the tempo of the chorus which seems less forced and also has the bonus of the interplay between Terry and the backup singers. Terry's version deserves to be the hit.

[@shyman99]

@@anywhoyt - You got it! Found your post after I mentioned the same thing in my post.

[@scientologytriggers]

​@anywhoyt Well said. I love Elvis, but Terry's version is more pleasing for me to listen to..

[@kurtl8350]

The up tempo on Terry's recording grabs onto the song pulls the listener in. Obvious the mix of brass, drums, and background would be akin to the style of the Beatles. That gives us a undeniable glimpse of how much influence the Beatles and George Martin had on pop music and radio play in between the years of Elvis and Terry's releases. You can check the boxes on the leap that Rock and Roll /pop music made.

[@pilartena4648]

Gràcies Fil, m'agradat mol poder escoltar la teva anàlisi de les dues versions. Per ha mi és molt millor Elvis, li dóna més profunditat. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@JosieBrislawn]

I feel elvis has more heart. Love elvis

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Better voice

[@stephenclarke2481]

Couldn’t disagree more. Not a knock on the superior Elvis, but he just doesn’t sound sold on this song. I dont think he really cared for the story it tells. Terry sounds much more like a guy actually hurting over someone he loves. I get all the people who love Elvis jumping on his side, he was great. But the arrangement and feeling in Terry’s version makes it better IMHO.

[@JHargis68]

Elvis at his best was absolutely unmatchable.

[@bradhuskers]

His chameleon voice is otherworldly, timeless and remarkable. Iconic

[@martincvitkovich724]

He just had a better connection to opiates than Terry

[@phillipcarter8045]

Not with this one .

[@JHargis68]

We all have our own opinion. And y'all have every right to be wrong. Anyone who thinks Stafford outsang Elvis on this song has got to be tone deaf. But then, that's just my opinion.

[@phillipcarter8045]

I just liked the backing of the singers and the instrumental of the song a bit more .

[@elvis78ale]

Two different versions but sorry, I still prefer Elvis in this song....much more passion ❤ Just tastes, I suppose

[@visaman]

To my ears Elvis was mumbling.

[@elvis78ale]

Fortunately we have different ears 😂😂

[@Mariethename99]

Me too

[@Jim-zt1hl]

Elvis has much better tone qualities and vibrato then Terry. Elvis did it first and Terry is just a cheap imitation. I will admit that the production is better on Terry's version. The female background vocals and the farfisa organ fills in the gaps and sounds classic. Your right..Elvis's vocals were not out front on his version...I would like to hear Elvis's voice with Terry's background music of that song. That version would be Killer! They did not push Elvis's version being a B side of Kiss me Quick and being on the album Pot Luck. Also back in those days they didnt push songs that were on albums as a single...Elvis was and is still The KING!!!

[@bdawson6473]

Terry wrote and recorded the song.

[@freddysnip6257]

@@bdawson6473 Terry didn't write the song at all! It was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, a golden songwriter duo.

[@Jim-zt1hl]

@bdawson6473 Terry did not write the song and recorded it after he heard Elvis's verson....get your facts straight before you make a comment.

[@josephsimpson8961]

Like Terry's version, more energy. Terry's voice stands out better than Elvis' which may be the bass/baritone and Elvis' indistinct vocalization, vibrato and fade in/out in phrasing.

[@donnellserpas8228]

I like this song. Elvis version is better because he has a richer and fuller sound to his voice.

[@Loydstardeli2017]

Terry stafford was more pop style music

[@sonjaswart9866]

Not on this one. And I'm a forever Elvis fan. Terry's version is better.

[@phylliswurm9473]

They both sound good to me and honestly style wise close as well. Both good and its a beautiful song.

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

Agreed. Each are wonderful.

[@HermesNinja]

You’re right - this song didn’t allow Elvis to showcase his special sauce. Much better suited to Terry’s voice. Spot on analysis, as always!

[@paulajay473]

Elvis has never lost anything to anyone .Elvis was the greatest entertainer ever .Its just a song and not everyone prefers Terrys version and even if that were so Elvis is still the greatest entertainer ever and Terry is just afootnote

[@thomasandersen2938]

Hi ​@Mr._Fit_Atheist hi Phil love your vidios seen elvis 3 times hete in ny 72 73 75 can do a vidio on tom jones I who have nothing and elvis and dusty you don't have to say u love me

[@Jontor11]

Well, Terry did have a hit with it, Elvis didn't...

[@M_ondo]

Great presentation analysis as usual. I prefer Terry's version more but I absolutely love the song. Listening to it 60 yrs, never got tired of it A great singer mid 50s early 60s Teresa Brewer also recorded it, hers was different, quite good.

[@davidh1970]

I like the slower tempo better. Personally, I couldn't tell much difference in the vocals . They were a wash for me. Great song. It is incredible how some artists, like Elvis, are able to produce so much amazing music that gems like this song get lost in the shuffle.

[@visaman]

It was for a movie that nobody watched.

[@keetonplace]

@@visaman Every Elvis movie made money. He was the first to make a million per movie. Generations watched those movies, including my daughter and grandkids. Some were awful. Some I liked. But to this day they are watched.

[@freddysnip6257]

@@visaman It wasn't for the movie persé, it was recorded for a studio album/single, and later used in a movie, where they also decided to use other studio cuts

[@visaman]

@@keetonplace I have only watched Viva Las Vegas.

[@lechat8533]

Vibrato or no vibrato, this has always been one of my favourite Elvis songs. I love how he sings it and I love the instrumentation. I am convinced it was a mistake to release such a gem on the B-side. This should have been released on the A-side at another time. People aren't able to focus on two hits at a time. In my opinion, Terry loved Elvis's version, and that's why he recorded it in a very similar way. His version has more tempo but by that, the song loses parts of the emotional quality. I also don't like the weird female "ooooh." Thank you very much, Fil, for another wonderful analysis.

[@fredhinckley8630]

When the Richie Valens song Donna came out, it was the "A" side of the single. La Bamba was just thrown in on the "B" side, but now it is the song he is remembered for. You never know.

[@crazybeatlefan]

I never knew Elvis did this..Terry Stafford's version was the hit...great tune

[@Noel-ji8nm]

Elvis recorded it first. Stafford is obviously mimicking Elvis.

[@SuziQ.]

@@Noel-ji8nm , He’s not, though. The tempo is different, the chorus is different, and Terry’s vocals don’t sound stiff like Elvis’s do. There’s even different instrumentation in the cover.

[@Elvista]

Terry is definitely copying Elvis vocally....easy to tell. That's why most people believed it to be Elvis and bought into it.

[@SuziQ.]

@@Elvista , Bought into what? Charts based on record sales in 1964? Edit: A bunch of the comments are saying that they always thought this was a Terry Stafford song. Radio would have announced it as such, too.

[@jayceewaldner8505]

@@SuziQ.Elvis’ voice doesn’t sound stiff. Terry’s arrangement is better, but Elvis’ voice still tops his.

[@Guitarwizzard1833]

Elvis all the way.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, This was an interesting comparison to look at. Both versions had good points and bad points. It’s hard to compare anyone to Elvis… the man is a Legend. What I saw as some sticking points in both versions were the rhythmic arrangement and tricky melody. Although they do have similar voices not sure if this song suited either one of them, even though it was a chart hit for Terry. Great job, and interesting one to take a look at today! You Are The Best! Debbie☮️😍

[@kavarasings9813]

No one could compare to Elvis- period

[@davidlauter1622]

Well the Terry version is much, much better ! That's Why it was a Hit !!!!!!

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

Elvis has such a warm, smooth voice .... his version is twice as nice, probably.

[@tammydoolittle6054]

I love Elvis Presleys voice, but I like Terry's version of "Suspicion" better, even though they were both good. Thank you for another great analysis, I enjoyed your vocal demonstrations, too! Congrats on getting 383k subscribers! Keep on bringing them in! Rock!

[@NinjaKittyBonks]

Did you notice that...? Pretty sure I just felt a small earthquake 🙀 . 👇 . 👇 . 👇 . 👇 . 👇 . 👇 . 👇 🐈bonk 😸

[@rlrudedog]

Two things here about this video. 1. I did not or ever hear Elvis sung Suspicion I can remember. 2. I had to look up who Terry was. Terry singing 'Amarillo by Morning' I do remember that. I had thought there was no song I did not hear Elvis sung till now. My immediate family, my oldest sister for sure seeing Elvis, at the state fair, in Memphis, was a huge fan except my father I do not remember him listening to any singer, band or music.

[@zephyrbear]

Actually comparing the two performances side by side, I do prefer Elvis’… there is so much more expression in his version. Terry’s version just sounds rushed.

[@mandyheath1793]

Totally agree