I think you could call this artist a one-hit-wonder. Terry Stafford (1941-1996) was known for his Elvis Presley sound-alike voice. In 2024 ai can replace any voice.
“Not that there’s anything wrong with that” BaDaBoom
The King recorded this tune in 1962.
Stafford’s version features an instrument called the Ondioline, a French build electronic keyboard. “?” Say What ?
Phil Spector also claims to have produced Suspicion, but did not get credit. Good ole Phil was great, but a bit on the edge.
There are several things in this tune, when I listen, and compare the Stafford version, verses the Kings version.
I think Staffords version excels with the production and backup vocals. Elvis should have brought in the great Jordanaires or The Sweet Inspirations.
The way Stafford rhythmically phrases the lyric Suspicion, with call and response lyric works smoother. The King and Stafford both sing “Why torture me” very similar.
The triplet vocal phrasing is much different than the Kings. This had to do with the rhythm sections performance.
The King recorded his version in Nashville, with great studio musicians including : Harold Bradley, legendary guitarist Scotty Moore, Floyd Cramer on piano. The drummer was either Buddy Harmon or The Kings road dog band drummer D.J. Fontana.
I remember hearing this record on the radio. 1964 was a great year for popular music.
I’ve been posting these 1964 tracks daily. Will I end up posting all 1964 Billboard Hot 100 hits, ? I don’t know, every tune is a classic and it’s great to revisit my listening past from 60 years ago.
Dick Clark (1929-2012) was great for the presentation of solo vocalist and bands, he did the gig for decades. The media of those decades joked that he didn’t age. He was very sincere and asked good questions.
I saw Dick Clark on black and white television for the first time, upon moving to Florida from Ohio in 1959. It was American Bandstand from Philadelphia. That show moved to Los Angeles in 1963. 3002 episodes were produced, mainly on the ABC network.
The Kings Version
I liked Elvis version better till the chorus....