Introduction
“Flaming Star” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960 for the Western film of the same name, in which he played the lead role of Pacer Burton. The film, directed by Don Siegel, explores themes of racial identity and cultural conflict in the American frontier. Presley’s character, Pacer, is a half-white, half-Kiowa man caught between two worlds, reflecting the film’s serious tone.
The song was written by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards and was recorded on October 7, 1960, at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, California. Initially, the film was titled “Black Star,” and Presley recorded a song with that name. However, after the title was changed to “Flaming Star,” he re-recorded the theme song with the new title, retaining the original melody and lyrics.
The lyrics of “Flaming Star” convey the internal struggle of Presley’s character, who is torn between his Native American heritage and the societal prejudices he faces. Lines such as “Ev’ry man, has a flaming star / A flaming star, over his shoulder” symbolize the challenges of embracing one’s identity amidst external pressures.
In February 1961, “Flaming Star” was released as the lead track on the extended play (EP) record titled “Elvis by Request: Flaming Star and 3 Other Great Songs.” The EP achieved commercial success, with the song “Flaming Star” reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Flaming Star” has been included in various compilations over the years, notably the 1968 album “Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star and Others,” which was later reissued as “Elvis Sings Flaming Star” in 1969. This album marked one of Presley’s early entries into the budget LP market and achieved commercial success, peaking at number 96 on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified Platinum by the RIAA.
“Flaming Star” remains a notable entry in Presley’s discography, reflecting his versatility as an artist capable of crossing over between musical genres and film roles. Its association with the film highlights a period in Presley’s career where he sought to expand his artistic expression beyond his established image as a musical entertainer.
In summary, “Flaming Star” is a significant song in Elvis Presley’s career, representing his efforts to tackle more serious film roles and musical themes. The song’s introspective lyrics and its connection to the film’s narrative showcase Presley’s artistic range and his willingness to explore complex characters and stories.