🎸 ELVIS PRESLEY – THIS IS LIVING (1962): A JOYFUL MUSICAL MOMENT FROM KID GALAHAD!
WHEN THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL TURNED AN ORDINARY MOVIE SCENE INTO A TIMELESS MUSICAL MEMORY!
Some performances don’t need a spectacular stage or powerful melodies to leave a lasting impression. Elvis Presley singing “This Is Living” in the 1962 musical film Kid Galahad is a perfect example. With his warm voice, natural charisma, and unmistakable smile, Elvis delivers a joyful musical moment filled with positive energy. The song’s relaxed atmosphere creates an interesting contrast with the boxing matches and dramatic situations throughout the movie.
This scene demonstrates that Elvis was more than just a Rock and Roll superstar. He was also an entertainer who knew how to combine music and acting naturally.
1. ELVIS PRESLEY – A MUSICAL ICON OF HIS GENERATION
Elvis Presley remains one of the most influential artists in the history of popular music.
Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he began his musical career in the 1950s and quickly became a sensation with his distinctive Rock and Roll style.
His recognizable voice, energetic performances, and extraordinary stage presence helped him win the hearts of millions of fans.
By the early 1960s, alongside his successful singing career, Elvis was also developing a strong presence in the film industry.
Many of his movies combined romance, comedy, and memorable musical performances.
Kid Galahad became one of the notable productions from this period.
2. THIS IS LIVING – A SONG FULL OF POSITIVE ENERGY
“This Is Living” was written by Ben Weisman and Fred Wise for the film Kid Galahad.
Elvis recorded the song on October 27, 1961, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It was later released on the film’s soundtrack album in 1962.
Unlike the powerful Rock and Roll songs often associated with Elvis, this track has a cheerful, lighthearted, and slightly playful character.
Its message revolves around enjoying life, having fun, appreciating love, and not allowing unnecessary worries to take over.
The catchy melody, combined with Elvis’s relaxed vocal delivery, creates a distinctive atmosphere.
The backing vocals provided by The Jordanaires add another layer of richness and energy to the recording.
Together, these elements make “This Is Living” one of the memorable musical moments from the movie.
3. KID GALAHAD (1962) – WHERE MUSIC MEETS BOXING
Kid Galahad was released in 1962 and directed by Phil Karlson.
In the film, Elvis Presley plays Walter Gulick, a former soldier returning home after military service.
Walter finds work at a boxing training camp operated by Willy Grogan.
Recognizing the young man’s athletic potential, Willy decides to train Walter to become a professional boxer.
From that moment, Walter’s life takes an entirely different direction.
Alongside the boxing matches, the movie explores romantic relationships, friendship, and conflicts within the world of professional sports.
Music plays an important role in creating the atmosphere of the film.
Featuring six songs performed by Elvis, Kid Galahad combines Hollywood storytelling with the musical entertainment that audiences loved in the early 1960s.
4. THE THIS IS LIVING SCENE – A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM THE MOVIE
One of the most interesting things about “This Is Living” is how the song fits into the story.
In the film, the song appears after boxing training, when the fighters gather together and sing along to the cheerful melody.
The Jordanaires contribute their recognizable harmonies, while Walter’s fellow training partners join in the musical atmosphere.
Walter Gulick, played by Elvis, then becomes part of the performance.
This arrangement creates a cheerful, natural, and welcoming moment.
Instead of focusing on intense boxing matches, the scene offers a refreshing break that allows viewers to appreciate the friendship and positive spirit shared by the characters.
It is also one of the reasons Elvis’s musical films have such a distinctive appeal.
5. THE JORDANAIRES – THE VOICES BEHIND ELVIS’S MUSIC
No discussion of “This Is Living” would be complete without mentioning The Jordanaires.
This famous vocal group collaborated with Elvis Presley on many important recordings throughout his career.
Their blended harmonies added depth to his songs while highlighting the distinctive qualities of his lead vocals.
In “This Is Living,” their backing vocals help create a cheerful and energetic atmosphere.
The combination of Elvis’s voice and The Jordanaires’ harmonies became one of the defining features of the Kid Galahad soundtrack.
6. 1962 – A SPECIAL PERIOD IN ELVIS PRESLEY’S CAREER
The early 1960s were an important period as Elvis continued building his reputation as both a successful singer and an international movie star.
He appeared in numerous films, released new recordings, and maintained his popularity with audiences around the world.
In 1962, alongside Kid Galahad, Elvis also starred in Girls! Girls! Girls!, featuring several popular songs.
Movies from this period often followed a lighthearted entertainment formula, combining music, romance, and relatable stories.
Although not every soundtrack song became a major hit, these productions helped preserve Elvis’s image during an important chapter of his career.
“This Is Living” is an excellent example of the cheerful and relaxed side of his musical personality.
7. WHY ELVIS’S PERFORMANCES REMAIN SO POPULAR
What made Elvis Presley a legend was not simply his collection of famous songs.
He also possessed an extraordinary ability to create emotion through every performance.
Whether singing a romantic ballad or an energetic Rock and Roll number, Elvis always knew how to make audiences feel his personality.
Footage from the 1950s and 1960s continues to be shared by fans around the world.
These performances do more than remind us of a talented artist. They also bring back the atmosphere of a remarkable musical era.
For longtime Elvis fans, watching scenes like “This Is Living” is an opportunity to revisit some wonderful memories.
For younger audiences, it is a chance to discover an artist whose influence helped shape modern popular music.
CONCLUSION: ELVIS PRESLEY – MUSIC AND JOY THAT NEVER GROW OLD
“This Is Living” from Kid Galahad (1962) is a lighthearted yet energetic musical moment in Elvis Presley’s remarkable career.
From its cheerful melody and distinctive vocals to the beautiful harmonies of The Jordanaires, everything contributes to a scene that captures the spirit of early 1960s Hollywood entertainment.
More than six decades have passed, yet Elvis’s appeal continues to reach new generations of audiences.
🎸 Elvis Presley didn’t just leave behind unforgettable songs. He left behind moments that still make people smile whenever they watch them again!
❤️ Do you prefer cheerful songs like “This Is Living” or Elvis’s energetic Rock and Roll classics?
👇 WATCH THE FULL PERFORMANCE BELOW!
#ElvisPresley #ThisIsLiving #KidGalahad #Elvis1962 #TheKingOfRockAndRoll #TheJordanaires #ClassicMusic #RockAndRoll #MusicLegends #ElvisForever
