"I'm a Roustabout" was written in 1964 by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell for
use in the Elvis movie "Roustabout". Often, more than one song writing team
would be asked to write a song for an Elvis movie. In this case, "I'm A
Roustabout" was rejected by producer Hal Wallis and never made it to the film.
Another song, "Roustabout", written by another team was used instead. The
recording session for this movie took place in March 1964 at Radio Recorders in
Hollywood. Musicans were: Scotty Moore, Tiny Timbrell, and Billy Strange (all on
guitar); Bob Moore (bass); Buddy Harman, Hal Blaine and D. J. Fontana (all on
drums); Floyd Cramer (piano); and Boots Randolph (sax). Backing vocals were by
The Jordanaires. The master tape of "I'm a Roustabout" has not been located. An
original acetate (test pressing) for this song was found by Winfield Scott in
the basement of his New Jersey home and it came to the attention of RCA
executives. It was released in 2003 as a bonus track on the album ELVIS 2ND TO
NONE. In an RCA press release Mr. Scott was quoted saying, "It's very gratifying
for me to finally have this song be released. I hope that it brings Elvis fans
as much joy as if did for me and Otis when we originally wrote it. Enjoy!"