Written by Erin James
Evita’scomposer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, is known predominantly for his music written for the stage. Hit songs synonymous with musical theatre include countless tunes from his extensive canon, including ‘Music of the Night’ from The Phantom of the Opera, ‘Memory’ from CATS, ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ from Jesus Christ Superstarand the chart topping ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ from the blockbuster Evita.
It has been said that Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice were “a couple of young, hungry songwriters who wanted to bring a rock ‘n’ roll energy to the musical stage” when they commenced their writing partnership back in 1968. They injected their musicals with a different kind of music and many of their songs made the charts in the 1970s. Songs from Jesus Christ Superstarand Evita- both Rock Opera concept albums before their heady successes as live stage musicals - have been recorded by countless artists in various musical genres over the decades. The Carpenters, Olivia Newton-John, Sinead O’Connor, Boyzone, Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban are just a handful of performers who have recorded Lloyd Webber’s music.
However, it may come as a surprise to learn of one particular song, penned by Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, which was never written with a musical in mind.
‘It’s Easy For You’ is a stand alone piece and was recorded by the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley. Featuring as the final track on his final album, Moody Blue, Presley thought the song was an emotional one.
“It’s Easy for You” is one of the very, very few songs that I’ve written that has been recorded outside of a show. In fact, I’m fairly certain it’s the only one” Lloyd Webber told Rolling Stone.
Check out the first take of Elvis Presley’s recording of ‘It’s Easy For You’, 1976.