Suspicion by Elvis Presley or Terry Stafford?
There’s a long-standing dispute among oldies but goodies collectors and fans as to whether the song “Suspicion” was better done by Elvis Presley or by Terry Stafford.
The song “Suspicion” was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, a prolific songwriting team that composed many songs recorded by Elvis Presley and numerous other artists. It was first recorded and released by Presley on the album “Pot Luck With Elvis” in 1962. According to what data I’ve been able to gather, the single never charted in the U. S.
“Suspicion” by Elvis Presley was re-released as the B-Side of “Kiss Me Quick,” another song from “Pot Luck…” in 1964. The Billboard and CashBox charts indicate “Kiss Me Quick” charted as high as #34, while “Suspicion” never broke into the Top100.
Terry Stafford’s version of “Suspicion,” released initially in 1964, peaked at #3 on the U. S. charts that year. Interestingly, that was during a week when The Beatles held every other top position on the charts.
OK, so much for dry stats and data. I’m simply going to say that the Terry Stafford version was the first I heard, and it became a favorite. I didn’t have a clue that Elvis had done the song originally two years earlier, and his version wasn’t getting airplay at that time, or any other time, apparently.
It wasn’t until the advent of CD technology, and the growth of the re-issue industry, that I discovered older albums and songs that I’d missed the first time around. Remember, in the 50′s, 60′s, 70′s and even 80′s there were no computers, downloads, MP3′s, YouTubes, Napsters or Amazons. Finding and getting music was strictly a manual thing. You had to go shopping outside the house! That, or mail- or phone-order from catalogues, and all without hearing it first.
I honestly can’t say that either version is better than the other. They both have their good points. While it’s the same song, and both versions are incredibly similar in style and delivery, I actually prefer the sound quality of the Elvis version. It was obviously recorded, mixed and mastered by professionals. The stereo is excellent.
On the other hand, the Terry Stafford version is more in tune with the music of its period, having a similarity to the British Invasion “sound.” It was reported that “Suspicion” was recorded as a demo for a record label, not intended for release. The label did some re-mastering and released it anyway. I think they could have done a better job, actually. Still, the song has irresistible charms.
For what it’s worth, Terry Stafford was not an Elvis Presley imitator. That was his voice. I’ve read that he really didn’t like being pidgeon-holed, but in those days recording artists did what they were told.
So what do you think? Do you have a preference? Just for fun, listen to a sample of each of the versions of the song by clicking the links below. Then, if you dare, tell me which version you prefer, and why.
Click to hear Suspicion by Elvis Presley
Click to hear Suspicion by Terry Stafford