This song was written for Elvis by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. This was Elvis's
first recording session after returning from active duty in the U.S. Army and
his first session on a three-track system. . It took place on March 20, 1960 at
RCA Studios in Nashville. Working the session were: Elvis and Scotty Moore on
guitar; Bob Moore on bass; Hank Garland on electric bass; DJ. Fontana and Buddy
Harman on drums; Floyd Cramer on piano; and The Jordanaires providing vocal
backup. "A Mess of Blues" was released in July 1960 as the B-side to "It's Now
or Never". "A Mess of Blues" had an 11-week run on the pop chart in the U.S.A.,
peaking at #32, while the A-side made it to #1. In the U.K. "A Mess of Blues"
had an 18-week run, peaking at #2. Other artists to have recorded it include
Peter & Gordon, Delbert McClinton and Status Quo.