I'm A Roustabout
 


"I'm a Roustabout" was written in 1964 by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell for use in the Elvis movie "Roustabout". Often, more than one song writing team would be asked to write a song for an Elvis movie. In this case, "I'm A Roustabout" was rejected by producer Hal Wallis and never made it to the film. Another song, "Roustabout", written by another team was used instead. The recording session for this movie took place in March 1964 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. Musicans were: Scotty Moore, Tiny Timbrell, and Billy Strange (all on guitar); Bob Moore (bass); Buddy Harman, Hal Blaine and D. J. Fontana (all on drums); Floyd Cramer (piano); and Boots Randolph (sax). Backing vocals were by The Jordanaires. The master tape of "I'm a Roustabout" has not been located. An original acetate (test pressing) for this song was found by Winfield Scott in the basement of his New Jersey home and it came to the attention of RCA executives. It was released in 2003 as a bonus track on the album ELVIS 2ND TO NONE. In an RCA press release Mr. Scott was quoted saying, "It's very gratifying for me to finally have this song be released. I hope that it brings Elvis fans as much joy as if did for me and Otis when we originally wrote it. Enjoy!"