Here’s the story of how a remix of a 1968 song by Elvis Presley became an international hit over 30 years later.
In 1968, Elvis Presley recorded “A Little Less Conversation” for his 28th feature film. The single only peaked at number 69 in the US and failed to chart in the UK. Over 30 years later, Nike was producing an ad for the 2002 World Cup and needed a song. “Ocean’s Eleven” was in theaters where members of Nike’s ad agency heard the track and got the idea to use it for their commercial. The cost? $200,000 – down from the initial quote of $1.5 million. Nike then hired Dutch musician Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, to produce a remix. But what version did he use?
In 1968, Elvis had recorded 16 takes of the song. With take 2 not being released until 30 years later. It would be this version that is heard in “Ocean’s Eleven,” was remixed by Holkenborg, and at the request of the Presley estate, released under the name JXL, presumably to keep the word “junkie” from appearing on the release.
Featuring “A Little Less Conversation” by Elvis Presley remixed by Tom Holkenborg / Junkie XL / JXL.
LINKS:
Elvis Presley – “A Little Less Conversation” Versions
Single Version (1968)
https://youtu.be/hijY1Oe8_Pw
Album Version (1968)
https://youtu.be/kL6ewSTFJS8
“Ocean’s Eleven” Version
https://youtu.be/c_0MyEHWKbY
Elvis vs JXL – A Little Less Conversation (JXL Radio Edit Remix)
https://youtu.be/v8Psvxk9tjA
Recording Session – March 7, 1968
https://youtu.be/suE4UuP85mk
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Related Videos, Interviews, and Articles:
Elvis vs JXL Music Video
https://youtu.be/rZLQpUxYkas
2002 Nike World Cup Ad
https://youtu.be/wnyFBA9TleU
“Live a Little, Love a Little” Movie Scene (ft. 1968 Single Version)
https://youtu.be/xA_RtaA2dj8
Mark Thomashow Interview About The Nike Ad
https://magnetmagazine.com/2021/03/01/elvis-18-beatles-17-the-untold-story-of-how-a-nike-commercial-helped-the-king-surpass-the-fab-four-as-the-act-with-the-most-u-k-number-one-hits/
Memories The ’68 Comeback Special (1998)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memories:The%2768_Comeback_Special
Recording Session Notes – March 7 1968
https://www.keithflynn.com/recording-sessions/680307.html
Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL – Interview on Scoring Hollywood Films – 11/22/2017
https://youtu.be/OIqIIPrKDL8?si=BJsdBIJ3BIR1g8OI&t=373
Junkie XL interview on Paranoia
https://youtu.be/fUg5ciJ8wBI