I have to think that Col. Tom Parker robbed us of what would have been great Presley music. After 1958, Presley had virtually no rock and roll hits. Virtually none.
Yes, "Return to Sender" in 1962. Yes, he had "Burning Love" in 1974.
And he had a great 1968 and very, very early 1969 in the ballad/popular music arena with "In the Ghetto," "Suspicious Minds," and "Kentucky Rain" (all recorded at the same 1969 session at the American Sound Studio in Memphis).
Other than that?
Well, after 1958 he sang notable ballads and gospel songs . . . and show tunes. Show tune after show tune.
"Spinout"
"Long-legged Girl"
"Big Boss Man"
"Let Yourself Go"
"Do the Clam"
"Clean Up Your Own Backyard"
"Queenie Wahine's Papaya"
A great voice, wasted in large part after 1958 by Colonel Tom unless you were a fan of show tunes.
I said "in large part." There were memorable and great ballads and gospel tunes. And that brief spark during the 1968 American Sound Studio session.
A great voice. But "Queenie Wahine's Papaya?" "Rock-a-Hula Baby"? Colonel Tom, what where you thinking?
Wouldn't love to have been a fly on the wall . . .