Introduction
Unfortunately, “If You Don’t Come Back” by Elvis Presley doesn’t quite have the rich history associated with some of his other hits. Here’s what we can glean:
- Recording: Elvis recorded “If You Don’t Come Back” in 1973 during the “Stax Sessions” in Memphis. It was the first track laid down on July 21st [YouTube: Elvis Presley – If You Don’t Come Back – From First Take To The Master].
- Songwriters: The legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who penned many of Elvis’ early hits, wrote “If You Don’t Come Back” [YouTube: Elvis Presley – If You Don’t Come Back – From First Take To The Master].
- Release: The song appeared on the album “Raised On Rock,” released in October 1973. The album itself was on the shorter side, which some critics felt hurt its commercial success [YouTube: Elvis Presley – If You Don’t Come Back – From First Take To The Master].
While “If You Don’t Come Back” might not have the backstory of a cultural phenomenon, here’s a possible 300-word introduction to set the scene:
In 1973, Elvis Presley returned to his roots. Back in Memphis at the Stax Studios, the King of Rock and Roll reunited with a familiar sound. “If You Don’t Come Back,” the first song laid down during this legendary session, teamed Elvis once again with songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the architects of many of his early hits. This soulful ballad showcases a mature Elvis, his voice rich with a lifetime of experience. Though commercially overshadowed by the success of his previous “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, “If You Don’t Come Back” is a hidden gem, a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley and his collaborators.