Introduction

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, left an indelible mark on the world of music, and one of his iconic tracks, “Money Honey,” remains a timeless classic. This article delves into the history and significance of Elvis Presley’s “Money Honey” while also exploring interesting facts about the artist himself.

 

Did You Know?

Elvis Presley’s “Money Honey” was not only a musical sensation but also a pioneering force in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Here are some fascinating tidbits about the song and the legendary artist:

  1. A Chart-Topping Hit: “Money Honey” was released in 1956 as a part of Elvis Presley’s debut album, which included some of his earliest and most influential works. The song quickly climbed the charts, establishing Elvis as a breakout star in the music industry.
  2. An Elvis Original: While “Money Honey” might sound like a song that has been around forever, it was actually penned by Jesse Stone, who tailored it to suit Elvis’s unique style. Elvis’s electrifying performance of the song made it his own.
  3. Rock ‘n’ Roll Revolution: Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Money Honey” marked a defining moment in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. His dynamic stage presence and vibrant delivery set the stage for the genre’s widespread popularity, making him an icon of the rock movement.
  4. Unforgettable Live Performances: Elvis’s live performances of “Money Honey” were legendary. His gyrating hips, charismatic stage presence, and raw talent captivated audiences around the world, cementing his status as a cultural phenomenon.
  5. Impact on Future Generations: Elvis Presley’s influence on modern music is immeasurable. “Money Honey” played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of rock ‘n’ roll and inspiring countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

Video

Lyrics: Money Honey  

You know, the landlord rang my front door bell.
I let it ring for a long, long spell.
I went to the window,
I peeped through the blind,
And asked him to tell me what’s on his mind.
He said,

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey, if you want to get along with me.

Well, I screamed and I hollered,
I was so hard-pressed.
I called the woman that I loved the best.
I finally got my baby about half past three,
She said I’d like to know what you want with me.
I said,

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.

Well, I said tell me baby, what’s wrong with you?
From this day on our romance is through
I said, tell me baby, face to face
How could another man take my place?
She said,

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get a long with me.

Well, I’ve learned my lesson and now I know
The sun may shine and the winds may blow.
The women may come and the women may go,
But before I say I love you so,
I want

Money, honey.
Money, honey.
Money, honey,
If you want to get along with me.

You Missed

For Vince Gill, the memory of singing with Dolly Parton came down to their final note together at the 1995 CMA Awards. Thirty-one years later, on the day she died, he shared that performance again. “We are all crushed here at our house,” he wrote. He called the closing note of their duet one of the most beautiful sounds he had ever heard. Their recording of “I Will Always Love You” began with Dolly’s album *Something Special*. That summer, she revisited three of her classics, including the farewell she had written for Porter Wagoner in 1973. It had already topped the country chart twice in her own voice, and Whitney Houston’s 1992 recording had brought it to listeners worldwide. For this version, Dolly invited Vince to join her. They performed it on the Grand Ole Opry on August 26, 1995, during a TNN broadcast. Radio programmers began playing the duet before Columbia officially issued it as a single. That unsolicited airplay carried it onto Billboard’s country chart at No. 53. On October 4, they sang it again at the CMA Awards. Vince, then 38, was hosting the broadcast at the Grand Ole Opry House. He stepped away from those duties to sing beside the woman who had written the song when he was sixteen. As the performance ended, their voices met on one sustained note. Decades later, that was the moment he singled out. Released as a single that November, the duet reached No. 15, received a Grammy nomination and won the 1996 CMA award for Vocal Event of the Year. But Vince’s remembrance centered on what he had heard standing beside her. Dolly died in Nashville on August 25, 2026, at 80, after a brief battle with cancer. Two days later, Vince appeared at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City. He told the audience how deeply his family was hurting, then began “I Will Always Love You.” This time, he sang it alone. Fan footage captured him struggling with his emotions throughout the performance. When he stepped back to compose himself, people in the audience carried the words. Musicians behind him wiped their eyes. He reached the closing note without Dolly’s voice beside his. After finishing, he moved away from the microphone, placed a hand over his chest and lowered his head.