Elvis Presley, an icon, a legend, and forever the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Even decades after his passing, Elvis’s influence on music and pop culture remains unparalleled. Millions of fans visit Graceland every year, and his music continues to be streamed and enjoyed by generations new and old. His impressive catalog is filled with hits, but some Elvis Presley Songs have truly stood the test of time, consistently captivating listeners around the globe.
This list dives into the top 20 Elvis Presley songs of all time, a curated selection from his vast discography. Compiling such a list is no easy task, considering the sheer volume of his beloved music. Our ranking considers a blend of factors: historical significance, cultural impact, and enduring popularity as reflected in modern sales and streaming figures. While the order is debatable, the dynamism and timeless appeal of each song are undeniable, just as potent as they were upon their initial release.
20. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
“Always On My Mind” is a testament to Elvis’s ability to interpret and personalize a song. While many artists, including Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee, have recorded versions of this ballad, Elvis’s rendition, recorded in 1972, carries a unique emotional weight. Released shortly after his separation from Priscilla Presley and featured on the Separate Ways album, the song’s poignant lyrics about regret and enduring love resonated deeply with audiences. To this day, Elvis’s version of “Always On My Mind” remains a streaming favorite, showcasing the enduring power of his heartfelt delivery.
19. “Amazing Grace” (1971)
Elvis Presley’s deep love for gospel music was well-known. Fellow musicians often recounted stories of him leading impromptu gospel sessions during late-night recording sessions in Nashville throughout the 1960s. This passion culminated in his 1971 recording of “Amazing Grace” for the He Touched Me album. His powerful and soulful rendition of this timeless hymn quickly became, and remains, a streaming favorite, highlighting his vocal range and spiritual depth.
18. “Blue Christmas” (1957)
While Ernest Tubb and other artists recorded “Blue Christmas” prior to Elvis, it was Elvis Presley’s 1957 version that cemented the song as a quintessential Christmas classic. Every holiday season, “Blue Christmas” finds its way onto countless playlists, its melancholic charm perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions of the festive season. Elvis infused the song with a bluesy undertone, complemented by the distinctive backing vocals of The Jordanaires, creating a version that is both nostalgic and uniquely his own.
17. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
Recorded for the soundtrack of his second film, Loving You, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” became an instant sensation in 1957, dominating not just the pop charts but also the country and R&B charts. The song’s playful and endearing lyrics sparked a wave of affection from fans, leading to an outpouring of teddy bears sent to Graceland. The phenomenon underscored Elvis’s magnetic appeal and the public’s desire to embrace him as their own “teddy bear.”
16. “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
“Kentucky Rain,” released in 1970, had a slower climb to success compared to many of Elvis’s earlier hits. However, its enduring appeal and steady chart performance ultimately earned it gold certification. Elvis himself held a special fondness for “Kentucky Rain,” frequently incorporating it into his live performances. Its presence in his live act cemented its status as a beloved staple in his repertoire, appreciated by fans for its narrative storytelling and Elvis’s emotive vocal delivery.
15. “All Shook Up” (1957)
Penned by songwriter Otis Blackwell, “All Shook Up” became an immediate chart-topper for Elvis Presley in 1957. The song perfectly captured the frenetic energy of early rock and roll and Elvis’s dynamic stage presence. Over a decade later, Elvis revisited “All Shook Up,” including it in a medley of his early career hits for his iconic 1968 NBC Comeback Special. This inclusion further solidified its place as a signature tune in his legendary career.
14. “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)
Although Carl Perkins originally wrote and recorded “Blue Suede Shoes,” it is undeniably Elvis Presley’s rendition that has become iconic and synonymous with the rock and roll era. Released in 1956, Elvis’s version gained significant momentum after his performances on numerous television shows, catapulting the song to widespread popularity. He later re-recorded “Blue Suede Shoes” for a scene in his film G.I. Blues, further cementing its place in his filmography and musical legacy.
13. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” (1963)
Recorded in Nashville in 1963, “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” is a fun, upbeat track that showcases Elvis’s versatility. The song cleverly contrasts a slow, angelic introduction with a tempo shift into a rock and roll rhythm as the lyrics unveil a deceptive persona. Its catchy melody and playful narrative propelled it quickly up the charts upon release and it continues to enjoy frequent streams today, demonstrating its lasting appeal across generations.
12. “How Great Thou Art” (1967)
Returning to his gospel roots, Elvis recorded “How Great Thou Art” at RCA Studios in Nashville in 1966. This powerful hymn served as the title track for his second gospel album and earned Elvis his first GRAMMY Award in 1968 for Best Sacred Performance. His stirring and passionate rendition of “How Great Thou Art” became a highlight of his live concerts, showcasing his vocal prowess and deep connection to gospel music.
11. “Burning Love” (1972)
“Burning Love,” recorded at RCA’s Hollywood studio in 1972, marked a significant moment in Elvis’s career. Interestingly, Elvis was initially reluctant to record such an upbeat song, preferring ballads during a period of personal sadness following his separation from Priscilla. However, persuasion from his team led to him recording “Burning Love,” which became his last major hit. The song became a beloved fan favorite during his live performances, injecting energy and passion into his shows.
10. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
“In the Ghetto,” written by Mac Davis, was a departure for Elvis as it was his first “message song.” Recorded during a 1969 studio session in Memphis, the song tackled social issues with poignant lyrics depicting poverty and hardship. “In the Ghetto” resonated deeply with audiences, becoming both a hit and an emotionally charged highlight of his live performances. Years later, Elvis’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, recorded her own vocals which were posthumously mixed with his, creating a touching father-daughter duet released in 2007.
9. “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
Recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, “Suspicious Minds” delves into the complexities of a troubled relationship plagued by doubt and mistrust. Elvis’s emotive vocals bring the song’s raw honesty to life, making it a pivotal track in his late 1960s career resurgence. He further amplified the song’s energy in live performances by increasing the tempo. “Suspicious Minds” has become a timeless classic, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, solidifying its place in music history.
8. “Return to Sender” (1962)
“Return to Sender” was a last-minute addition to the soundtrack of the movie Girls! Girls! Girls! Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, recognized the song’s potential and pushed for its inclusion. Following its release, “Return to Sender” sparked a unique fan phenomenon: fans would send letters to Elvis at fictional addresses, solely for the thrill of receiving them back stamped “Return to sender, address unknown.” This playful interaction highlighted Elvis’s close connection with his fanbase.
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
Elvis recorded “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” during an atmospheric all-night recording session in Nashville, where he dimmed the studio lights to create the perfect mood. Upon release, the song soared to the No. 1 spot and remained there for six weeks, demonstrating its immediate and widespread appeal. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is one of seven Elvis Presley songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting legacy and impact on music.
6. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
“Love Me Tender” was specifically recorded for the soundtrack of Elvis’s debut movie of the same name. Prior to its official release, Elvis previewed “Love Me Tender” during his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The audience response to the tender ballad was overwhelming, generating over a million pre-orders for RCA. It became the first record to achieve gold status before even hitting store shelves, illustrating the immense anticipation and love for Elvis’s music.
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
“Heartbreak Hotel” marked Elvis Presley’s first No. 1 hit, preceding his iconic Ed Sullivan Show performances. The song encapsulated Elvis’s distinct sound, his electrifying stage energy, and foreshadowed his revolutionary impact on rock and roll. As Elvis performed “Heartbreak Hotel” at live shows across the nation, fan adoration grew exponentially. It has become a staple on nearly every Elvis compilation album released since, a testament to its foundational importance in his career.
4. “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
Recorded at RCA studios in New York City, “Don’t Be Cruel” was initially released as the A-side single, with “Hound Dog” as the B-side. Interestingly, “Hound Dog” initially reached No. 1 first, but “Don’t Be Cruel” quickly followed suit, demonstrating the strength of both tracks. “Don’t Be Cruel,” with its upbeat tempo and Elvis’s energetic delivery, was perfectly suited to his dynamic performances. It ignited audiences when he performed it on his first Ed Sullivan Show appearance, further cementing his rising star power.
3. “Hound Dog” (1956)
While Elvis had already achieved his first No. 1 hit with “Heartbreak Hotel,” it was “Hound Dog” that truly captured global attention and ignited a cultural phenomenon. His performances of “Hound Dog” on television, first on the Milton Berle Show (which sparked controversy), and then on the Steve Allen show, generated significant buzz. However, it was a brief clip of “Hound Dog” during his first Ed Sullivan Show appearance that catapulted Elvis into superstardom. This performance has been recognized by The History Channel as one of the “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America.” “Hound Dog” was the first of seven Elvis songs to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of rock and roll history.
2. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
“Jailhouse Rock,” boasting one of the most instantly recognizable song introductions in music history, served as the title track for Elvis’s movie of the same name. The song reached No. 1 on the charts, and the accompanying film was also a box office success. The iconic movie scene featuring a well-choreographed dance number with inmates reveling in the music, so much so that escape seemed unnecessary, became a cultural touchstone. Elvis himself contributed to some of the choreography, further cementing his involvement and creative vision.
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
Over six decades after its release, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remains Elvis Presley’s most popular and enduring song, rightfully claiming the No. 1 spot. With its tender lyrics expressing unwavering love and devotion, it continues to resonate deeply with music lovers worldwide, accumulating hundreds of millions of streams. Originally recorded for the film Blue Hawaii, Elvis later adopted “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as his show closer for live performances. Its emotional depth and universal message ensured it connected with audiences every single time.
Bottom Line
Elvis Presley’s unparalleled voice, captivating stage presence, and innate ability to select songs that showcased his talents solidified his legendary status. Musicians recall his meticulous process of sifting through countless demos until he discovered the perfect songs that resonated with his artistic vision.
These Top 20 Elvis Presley Songs of All Time represent just a glimpse into the vast and influential music catalog that constitutes his lasting legacy. They serve as undeniable proof: Elvis Presley was, and forever remains, the King of Rock and Roll.
