Elvis Presley was beloved all over the world. He still is, even almost 48 years after his shocking death. And with good reason. He was one of the premier cultural figures and influences of the last century. Elvis worked his way up from his humble roots to the pinnacles of Hollywood, Nashville, and Vegas. He ruled the entertainment world with his impeccable singing and electrifying concerts. There was no one like him. And there definitely won't ever be again.
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But people may not know everything about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. He was a tough-minded businessperson behind the scenes, as was his legendary manager, Col' Tom Parker. Jerry Reed found that out and managed to dodge Elvis's and Parker's strict publishing practices. How did Reed do that? By being plain old stubborn - and shrewd.
Jerry Reed Was Summoned To Play Guitar On Elvis's "Guitar Man" Recording Session
Per Elvis Australia, the King recorded the song "Guitar Man" in 1967. He really loved the tune. There was a sticking point, though. He needed and wanted Reed, who wrote the track, to play his guitar on the recording. Savvy as ever, Elvis knew that no one could duplicate the unique sound that Reed was capable of producing.
Reed was thus brought in. Reportedly fresh from a fishing trip, he was unkempt, unshaven, and looked like a wreck. Nobody really cared. He took over the session and transformed it into pure music magic. What he could do with a guitar was incredible. Elvis realized it. Everybody realized it.
What Was "The Rule"?
But there was a hitch in all the glory. Elvis's iron-fisted manager, Col. Parker, had a rule that was inviolable. Songwriters whose material Elvis used had to sign over half of their publishing rights to him. That was not going to go over well with Jerry Reed, however. He balked at being pushed into such an unfair arrangement and simply would not budge. People seldom said flat out no to Presley or Parker. Reed had the audacity and gumption to do just that and he actually got away with it.
Dolly Parton Was Another Songwriter Who Successfully Flouted The Rule
Parton is as smart and clever as she is talented. When Elvis wanted to record her hit, "I Will Always Love You," she was expected to fork over half of her publishing rights to him and Parker, per American Songwriter. But Parton dug in her stiletto-clad heels and refused. Per the outlet, she said in 2021, "I wanted to hear Elvis sing it, and it broke my heart I cried all night. But I had to keep that copyright in my pocket. You have to take care of your business. Everybody's going to use you if they can. These are my songs. They're like my children. And I expect them to support me when I'm old."
It was the right move. When the song was recorded by Whitney Houston for the 1992 soundtrack of The Bodyguard, it became a monster hit. That must have taken the sting out of Parton's disappointment that Elvis Presley did not record her song years before.
