Record #0706: The Wonder of You / Mama Liked the Roses – ELVIS PRESLEY

RCA Victor 47-9835 (original) USA, 20. April 1970
Words & Music by:  Side A – Baker Knight; Side B – John Christopher
Musicians: Elvis Presley (lead vocals); Side A – James Burton (lead guitar), John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar), Charlie Hodge (acoustic rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Glen D. Hardin (keyboards), Jerry Scheff (bass), Bob Lanning (drums), Eddie Graham (percussion), the Imperials (backing vocals), the Sweet Inspirations (backing vocals) and an orchestra conducted by Bobby Morris; Side B – Reggie Young (guitar), Tommy Cogbill (bass), Mike Leech (bass), Bobby Wood (piano), Bobby Emmons (organ), Gene Chrisman (drums) and an orchestra.
Recording sessions: Side A - Live at International Hotel, Las Vegas, NV on 19. February 1970 (vocal overdubs added at RCA Studio A, Nashville, TN in March and April); Side B – American Sound Studio, Memphis, TN, the track on 15.-16. January; overdubs on 21. & 24. January 1969; strings, brass and more vocals were overdubbed in March.
Highest chart positions:  Side A - US #9, US AC #1, Canada #7, UK#1, Australia #3, Ireland #1, Finland #32: Side B – US #9

Here Elvis is backed by the TCB Band on side A and the Memphis Boys on side B.

“The Wonder of You” was originally recorded by Ray Peterson. It was his breakthrough single in 1959 (US #25, UK #23). Peterson’s biggest hit was his 1960 release “Tell Laura I Love Her” (US #7, Australia #7).

List price:  Very Good+ is $4, Near Mint is $8. Picture sleeve is VG+ $7,50, NM $15.