Introduction
In January 1970, Simon & Garfunkel released “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” immediately capturing hearts with its soulful gospel-inspired arrangement and Art Garfunkel’s soaring vocals . Penned by Paul Simon, the ballad became a cultural milestone—soaring to No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record and Song of the Year . Its lush orchestration and cathartic message of unwavering support resonated deeply in a nation grappling with social and political upheaval.
Elvis Presley, ever the interpreter of American songbook standards, recorded his version on June 5, 1970 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. This studio take was supplemented later with applause to simulate a live performance, and it appeared on his acclaimed album That’s the Way It Is, released in December 1970 . Backed by Nashville’s finest—James Burton (lead guitar), Jerry Scheff (bass), Ronnie Tutt (drums), Glen D. Hardin (piano)—and supported by The Sweet Inspirations, Millie Kirkham, The Imperials, and Joe Guercio’s orchestra, Presley transformed the song with his iconic vocal stamp .
The track took on special significance in Elvis’s live repertoire. He debuted it during his summer 1970 Las Vegas engagement, performances captured in the documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. The song later featured in his 1972 Greensboro concert, immortalized in Elvis on Tour . Legend has it that Paul Simon himself attended a show and quipped, “How am I supposed to compete with this?”—a testament to the depth of Presley’s rendition .
Elvis carried the song in his performances until his final public concert in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977 . His take remains celebrated for its emotional intensity—building from intimate verses into climactic crescendos, it stands as one of the finest interpretations by the “King” of rock ’n’ roll. In essence, Presley didn’t just cover “Bridge Over Troubled Water”—he embraced its message, making it his own.