10 Timeless Elvis Presley Songs We’ll Never Forget
The beginnings of rock and roll are relatively obscure. Many people credit musicians like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Little Richard with pioneering the genre in the early 1950s. And rightly so. The genre arose from a fusion of blues, gospel, and country music. However, there is no question about who the “King of Rock and Roll” is. That title belonged to Elvis Presley.
From his early days in Memphis to his final years in Las Vegas, Elvis made an unmistakable impression on popular culture. Whether you’re traveling alone or looking for things to do in Vegas during the day or night, knowing about this renowned singer is a great place to start in the city where he lived.
Here are some Elvis Presley songs that have lasted the test of time.
1. Heartbreak Hotel
“Heartbreak Hotel” was one of Elvis’ first major hits. It was published in 1956, instantly peaked at the top of the charts, and became one of his signature songs. The song was written by Mae Boren Axton, a schoolteacher turned songwriter, and Thomas Durden, a Nashville-based country music songwriter.
They were motivated by a newspaper report about a man who committed suicide by jumping out of a hotel window. The cause of his suicide was linked to loneliness, as a suicide note found in his possession said, “I walk a lonely street.” As a result, the writers and Elvis included “a Heartbreak Hotel at the end of Lonely Street” in the song.
Musically, “Heartbreak Hotel” is a mid-tempo ballad with a twangy guitar and a drum beat to keep things moving. Elvis’ trademark vocal style is on full show here, as he wails away on the chorus with his distinct growl. The song also has one of Elvis’ most renowned guitar solos, performed by his longtime friend and producer, Scotty Moore.
“Heartbreak Hotel” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures Elvis Presley’s early sound. The song was supposedly written in one hour, demonstrating that the best tunes are often the ones that come together quickest. The recording was not without difficulties, as the team struggled to get Elvis’ voice to stand out over the instrumental sound.
In the end, they established a distinct sound that would launch Elvis’ career and push him to superstar status. Today, this song appears on every Elvis Presley Greatest Hits album available. It achieved international recognition and is one of the most successful Elvis Presley songs ever composed.
2. “Hound Dog”
“Hound Dog” was written and recorded by Big Mama Thornton in 1952, and it is a fantastic example of how Elvis brought attention to lesser-known artists of his day. Her original of the song was a huge R&B success, but Elvis’ rendition took it to new heights of popularity. Thornton sold 500,000 copies of her record, whereas Elvis sold approximately 10 million worldwide.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, two of the 1950s’ most successful songwriters, wrote the famous 12-bar blues tune. The team wrote several Elvis songs, including “Jailhouse Rock” and “Loving You.”
In typical Elvis manner, he added his own spin to the song and made it his own. His version was a mashup of rhythm & blues and country, two genres that were only beginning to be combined at the time. Elvis’ cover of “Hound Dog” had a rockabilly beat, which suited Elvis’ dance style.
The song became one of his most popular, helping him reach a larger audience. It is worth noting that, while the initial version was released in 1953, the live recording from his 1956 concert in Vegas is still popular today. This performance is often regarded as one of Elvis’ most significant achievements, as it helped him establish popular acceptance.
Several performers have covered the song throughout the years, but none have been able to recreate the brilliance of Elvis’ performance. It’s one of his most popular and timeless songs to date.
3. Viva Las Vegas.
“Viva Las Vegas” is a 1964 song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, which Elvis Presley recorded for the film of the same name. The song nicely conveys the thrill and energy of Las Vegas, which is appropriate because it was written particularly for the film.
From attractive girls to gambling, this song captures everything that makes Vegas so special. The song features a classic 1950s rock & roll vibe, with a snappy piano melody and Elvis’ distinctive crooning. The lyrics are also filled with Vegas references, making it an ideal soundtrack for anyone who has ever visited the city.
The song was never intended to be a hit, but it quickly gained popularity among radio listeners and rose to the top ten. In truth, Elvis never played the song live. However, this did not prevent it from becoming one of his most cherished and popular songs.
Today, “Viva Las Vegas” is regarded as a significant component of Elvis’ catalog. Bruce Springsteen, ZZ Top, and the Dead Kennedys have all recorded this lively and energetic classic. The song has become something of an unofficial anthem for the city of Las Vegas, and it will have your toes tapping every time you hear it.
4. I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.
With this next entry, we take a break and listen to one of Elvis’ most romantic and beautiful songs. “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” was written by George David Weiss, Luigi Creatore, and Hugo Peretti, and Elvis recorded it in 1961. The song features a basic but effective melody that is supported by quiet guitar strumming.
This song was also featured in one of the singer/actor’s most renowned movies, “Blue Hawaii.” The film was set in Hawaii and showed a variety of stunning Hawaiian settings, which added to the song’s popularity.
The song’s melody is based on the French melody “Plaisir d’amour,” which was published in 1784. However, the lyrics are wholly original and were created just for Elvis. The lyrics are beautiful and spiritual, filled with longing and nostalgia.
Even though it’s nearly 60 years old, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” is still a popular song today. It’s a timeless love ballad that several musicians have covered, including UB40, Celine Dion, and Michael Buble. This song will give you all the feels, regardless of who sings it.
5. Suspicious Minds.
The theme of love continues with our following entry, “Suspicious Minds,” which was written by Mark James and released in 1969. The song exemplifies Elvis’ ability to evolve with the times and tailor his sound to current trends.
In the 1960s, soul music gained popularity, and Elvis instantly embraced the new genre. “Suspicious Minds” is an excellent example of his soulful sound, with gospel-inspired backing singers and horns. The song also boasts one of Elvis’ most memorable vocal performances, brimming with emotion and passion.
The song’s lyrics address difficulties of love and trust in relationships, both of which are still relevant today. The song earned his 18th No. 1 hit and is widely regarded as one of his best.
6. Jail House Rock
In 1957, Elvis recorded “Jailhouse Rock,” which is considered one of his most conventional “Rock and Roll” tunes. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote the song, and Elvis recorded it in a single take.
The song is uptempo, with a snappy bassline and a basic but effective melody. The lyrics relate the narrative of a man who ends up in jail and learns to rock while there. He then puts on a show-stopping performance upon his release, impressing everyone with his new abilities.
Elvis also mentions a number of notable musicians in the song, including Shift Henry and The Purple Gang, a violent criminal outfit from Detroit.
“Jailhouse Rock” is on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is regarded as one of Elvis’ most important recordings. The song was used in the 1957 film of the same name, which is regarded as one of Elvis’ best works. The film served to confirm his reputation as a genuine rock and roll star.
The Jordanaires provide background vocals on the fast-paced tune, contributing to its thrilling and vibrant mood. It’s worth remembering that a queer lyric generated quite a fuss when the song was published. Some people misinterpreted Elvis’ lyric “number 47 said to number 3” as referring to two males in a gay relationship. However, this has never been confirmed and is most likely simply a rumor.
7. Burning Love
The Lilo & Stitch franchise revived “Burning Love” in 2002, which was originally released in 1972 and written by Dennis Linde. Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii, Via Satellite album, and TV special all helped to relaunch his career.
“Burning Love” is a classic rock tune with a fast guitar riff and a memorable melody. The lyrics address the theme of love and how it may be all-consuming. The song is a midtempo ballad about a man who is hopelessly in love. He is so in love that his heart feels on fire.
The song was written at a period when Elvis’ career was beginning to deteriorate. He was no longer the young, rebellious rockstar he once was, and was instead becoming well-known for his film roles and Las Vegas shows. “Burning Love” rejuvenated his career and demonstrated that he could still appeal to a younger audience. In reality, his last top ten success was Suspicious Minds in 1969.
Interestingly, Elvis’ marriage to Priscilla Presley was on the rocks when “Burning Love” was published. The pair eventually divorced in 1973, just a year after the song was released.
8. Don’t be cruel.
There’s no arguing that Elvis’ peak years were in the 1950s. He was continually producing hits, and “Don’t Be Cruel” is proof of that. In 1956, Elvis recorded “Don’t Be Cruel,” which became one of his most popular and profitable songs. The song is an upbeat rockabilly classic with a snappy melody and straightforward lyrics.
The lyrics are about young love and how fickle it can be. The musician asks his love partner not to be “cruel” and to remain devoted. Otis Blackwell co-wrote the song, as well as a number of Elvis’ other songs, including “All Shook Up” and “Return to Sender.”
“Don’t Be Cruel” was a huge smash, spending 11 weeks on top of the Billboard charts. It is one of Elvis’ best-selling singles, although it was difficult to record. In fact, Elvis and the band had to try 28 times before they got it right.
The Beatles are well-known for covering several Elvis Presley songs, including “Don’t Be Cruel”. Although they never released their version as a single, it is still one of their most popular live renditions.
9. Blue Suede Shoes.
Elvis may be remembered as the King of Rock and Roll, but he was also a huge admirer of country music. In reality, he recorded several country songs during his career. “Blue Suede Shoes” is one of them. Carl Perkins recorded the song in 1955, and he wrote it himself. Country icon Johnny Cash is also supposed to have helped write the song, however this has never been proved.
“Blue Suede Shoes” is an upbeat country tune with a rockabilly edge. It’s one of Elvis’ most upbeat and entertaining tunes. The lyrics address the issue of shoes, specifically blue suede shoes. He implores the listener not to stomp on his shoes since they are fresh new and he does not want them to be damaged.
Despite Elvis’ diverse musical career, many consider “Blue Suede Shoes” to be his signature tune. It’s one of his signature songs, and many consider it his first truly rock and roll tune.
10. My way.
The song “My Way” needs no introduction. Paul Anka wrote the legendary tune, which Frank Sinatra recorded in 1969. Elvis’ rendition of the song, recorded in 1977, reignited its popularity.
“My Way” is a quiet and reflective ballad. The lyrics address the theme of life and how we should live it. The musician muses on his life and the decisions he’s made. He isn’t hesitant to confess that he’s made mistakes, but he also claims to have no regrets.
Once again, the song is inspired by a French original, this time “Comme D’habitude” by Claude Francois. Elvis’ version of the song is slower and more introspective than the original. Given that it was recorded the same year Elvis died, it’s understandable that many people consider it his final song.
Elvis Presley’s Gospel Songs
Despite frequent criticism for his explicit lyrics and on-stage antics, Elvis was a devout Christian. In fact, he recorded numerous gospel songs throughout his career. Here are a few of Elvis’ best gospel songs.
Crying in the Chapel is perhaps one of Elvis’ best-known gospel songs. The song was first sung by the Glenn father-son team, but Elvis’ version, recorded with the Jordanaires, is the one most people remember. The song is a long, somber ballad about a man who has lost faith and is trying to find his way back. Elvis’ powerful voice stand out in this track.
Another well-known gospel song by Elvis is “How Great Thou Art.” Carl Boberg, a Swedish missionary, created the song in 1885. It was not until 1966 that the English version, which George Beverly Shea adapted, gained popularity. Elvis recorded his own version of the song in 1967, and it rapidly became one of his most popular hits. The song is a ballad celebrating God’s majesty.
He Touched Me, Elvis’ gospel album, was released in 1971. Bill Gaither wrote the eponymous lead track, which is a ballad about Elvis’ life change after discovering Jesus. The album was a big success, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance.
Bottom line.
Elvis Presley is one of the most recognizable figures in music history. He’s commonly referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” and with good cause. Elvis was a great pioneer in the field of rock & roll. He popularized the genre and contributed to its current form.
