Introduction

Elvis Presley’s “Little Egypt” is a musical gem that transcends time, capturing the essence of the King’s unparalleled charisma and musical prowess. Released in 1964, this iconic track is a testament to Elvis’s ability to infuse rock ‘n’ roll with an irresistible blend of energy and charm.

Did You Know?

1. The Song’s Origin:

“Little Egypt” is not an original Elvis composition but rather a cover of a 1961 hit by The Coasters. Elvis Presley, known for his ability to put a unique spin on existing tunes, injected his distinctive style into this catchy track, making it a standout in his repertoire.

2. Chart Success:

Upon its release, “Little Egypt” climbed the charts, cementing Elvis’s status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Its infectious rhythm and Elvis’s charismatic delivery captivated audiences worldwide, earning the song a special place in music history.

3. Movie Connection:

The song is prominently featured in the film “Roustabout,” released in 1964. Elvis’s on-screen charisma and the electrifying energy of “Little Egypt” make for a memorable cinematic experience.

4. Dance Fever:

The song’s title refers to a famous burlesque dancer named “Little Egypt” from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Elvis’s electrifying performance of the song often left audiences swaying and dancing, adding to its allure.

5. Evergreen Appeal:

Decades after its release, “Little Egypt” continues to captivate music enthusiasts and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. Its timeless appeal makes it a must-listen for both longtime fans and those discovering the magic of the King for the first time.

Video

Lyrics: Little Egypt

I went and bought myself a ticket
And I sat down in the very first row
They pulled the curtain
But then when they turned the spotlight way down low
Little Egypt came out a-struttin’
Wearin’ nothin’ but a button and a bowSinging, ying-ying, ying-ying
Ying-ying, ying-ying

She had a ruby on her tummy
And a diamond big as Texas on her toe
She let her hair down
And she did the hoochie-coochie real slow
When she did her special number on the zebra skin
I thought she’d stop the show

Singing, ying-ying, ying-ying
Ying-ying, ying-ying

She did her triple somersault and when she hit the ground
She winked at the audience and then she turned around
She had a picture of a cowboy tattooed on her spine
Said, Phoenix, Arizona 1949

Yeah, but let me tell you people
Little Egypt doesn’t dance there anymore
She’s too busy mopping
And a-takin’ care of shopping at the store
‘Cause we’ve got seven kids
And all day long they crawl around the floor

Singing ying-ying, ying-ying
Ying-ying, ying-ying

 

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?