Tuesday November 16, 2021 “(Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame” Elvis Presley

Another clear testimony to Bo Diddley, this song was originally recorded by Del Shannon for his first album Runaway, before Elvis found it.

“Marie’s the Name…” was co-written by Doc Pomus who had a pretty successful songwriting career with songs like "Save the Last Dance for Me", "This Magic Moment", "Sweets for My Sweet", "Viva Las Vegas", "Little Sister", "Surrender", "Can't Get Used to Losing You", "Suspicion", and "Turn Me Loose" a really mediocre version of which that made early sixties ‘singer’ Fabian a star.

Elvis, who had a top ten hit with today’s Bo Diddley inspired song has sold over 210 million records and ironically did not write even one song for any of them.  He relied on the submission of many of the day's top songwriters all of whom were anxious to have Elvis record their songs.

For all of his popularity and record sales, Elvis never toured outside of North America.  Rumor was that his manager, Col. Tom Parker was an illegal immigrant and feared that he wouldn’t be allowed back into the country if he left.  The Col., an honorary title bestowed on him by the governor of Louisiana, would take 50% of Elvis’ lifetime earnings on his music and movies.

Stay safe and well...and this is the second fine example of Bo Diddley's influence.

a very old friend came by today

cause he was telling everyone in town

of the love that he has found

 and marie's the name

of his latest flame

 he talked and talked

and i heard him say

that she had the longest, blackest hair

the prettiest green eyes anywhere

 and marie's the name

of his latest flame

 though i smiled the tears inside were a burnin

i wished him luck and then he said goodbye

he was gone but still his words kept returnin

what else was there for me to do but cry

 will you believe that yesterday

this girl was in my arms and swore to me

she'd be mine eternally

 and marie's the name

of his latest flame

 though i smiled the tears inside were a burnin

i wished him luck and then he said goodbye

he was gone but still his words kept returnin

what else was there for me to do but cry

 will you believe that yesterday

this girl was in my arms and swore to me

she'd be mine eternally

 and marie's the name

of his latest flame

(yea marie's the name of his latest flame. oh marie's the name of his latest flame.)