Would You Prefer Elvis Presley's "Loving Arms"?
In 1973, Elvis Presley recorded a great song in Memphis called "Loving Arms," right around the same time the Dixie Chicks were little babies. About 25 years later, once the Dixie Chicks were all grown up and making country music, they laid down a whole lot of steel guitar and put that song on their 1998 album, Wide Open Spaces. Although it's included on a new Presley boxed set called Elvis 75: Good Rockin' Tonight, I never knew his version, but I have always loved the Chicks' rendition. "Loving Arms" was written by Tom Jans and recorded by a handful of artists over the years such as Kris Kristofferson, Olivia Newton-John and Rita Coolidge. But to me, the quiet acoustic Chicks one is the most moving. If you've been too long in the wind and too long in the rain, let us know whose loving arms you'd like to end up in.
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Lyli says:
I Prefer Elvis Presley’s “Loving Arms
Peacock Queen says:
I haven’t heard the Chicks’ version, but I will check it out. As for Elvis, the man could sing anything. As Randy Jackson says on American Idol, when you got it, you got it (vocally), and Elvis had it!
retro reads says:
[...] – “Loving Arms”, made famous by the Dixie Chicks. [...]
blueslover says:
Has to be Elvis. Anything he sang became his.
elaine says:
Elvis all the way, don’t care how great the Chicks are , NO ONE can top Elvis.
merlefan49 says:
The Dixie Chick did not make Loving Arms famous. It was written by Tom Jans and many people have covered the song.
Maurice Colgan says:
It has to be Elvis Presley’s version.
Elvis’s voice has a beautiful resonating quality all his very own, that is why the BBC and the rest of the worldwill be celebrating what would have been his 75th Birthday on the 8th January 2010.
Peggy says:
Elvis Presley - No one can sing as well as Elvis.
BethAnne says:
Elvis’s version is the best. No one in the world had a more beautiful voice and sang with such passion. Elvis was also the master of vocal interpretation & could sing any kind of music. The Dixie Chicks did an interesting arrangement of “Loving Arms”, but Natalie Maines, although a good singer, is a brassy singer.
merlefan49 says:
surprised no one has mentioned Dobie Gray who recorded it first I believe.
Liz says:
Elvis is definitely the best.
Christine says:
Elvis every time
John L says:
Don’t know rita coolidge’s version though suspect it would suit her vocal style,i’ve got both elvis’ and Olivia’s versions and have to say Olivia’s is far superior.A lot of elvis’ cover versions are very overrated.Of course elvis fans will like anything he does just as fans of any other singer,so really the whole debate of which version is best is rather pointless.
The song is more suited to a female singer anyway.
pete says:
Olivia,s version is buy far the best with Elvis coming second
Liz says:
Don’t agree with John L and Pete at all. I like the Dixie Chicks and think their version is second best. However, the very best is Elvis. He truly has the passion.
Bill451 says:
The Dixie Chicks provided the best version. This is one time when Elvis is second best.