Elvis Presley The King’s 50 Greatest Hits
Elvis Presley the 50 greatest hits songs. Throughout his career, Elvis released over 90 albums and had numerous hit singles. However, there are certain songs that stand out above the rest and have become synonymous with his name. In this blog post, we will take a journey through Elvis Presley’s musical legacy and explore his 50 greatest hits. These songs not only defined his career but also shaped the landscape of popular music.
A Journey Through Elvis Presley’s Musical Legacy: 50 Essential Tracks
Elvis Presley’s musical career took off in the mid-1950s with his first hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel”. He continued to dominate the charts throughout the decade with hit after hit, solidifying his status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In the 1960s, he transitioned to film and focused more on his acting career, but still managed to release chart-topping songs. And even in his later years, Elvis remained a force in the music industry, delivering memorable performances and releasing new music.
To truly appreciate Elvis Presley’s impact on music, we must take a journey through his musical legacy and explore 50 essential tracks that define his career. From his early recordings at Sun Studios to his iconic Las Vegas performances, these songs showcase Elvis’s versatility and enduring talent.
Early Years (1954-1959)
- “That’s All Right” (1954) – Elvis’s first single recorded at Sun Studios, this song is considered by many to be the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.
- “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956) – This song marked Elvis’s first number one hit on the pop charts and established him as a formidable force in the music industry.
- “Hound Dog” (1956) – Originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton, Elvis’s cover of this song became one of his signature tracks and has been covered by numerous artists.
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1957) – Featured in his film of the same name, this song was a massive hit and is still considered one of Elvis’s most popular songs.
- “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956) – Another number one hit for Elvis, this song showcases his smooth vocals and musical versatility.
Hollywood Years (1960-1968)
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961) – Featured in Elvis’s film “Blue Hawaii”, this romantic ballad remains a fan favorite and has been covered by countless artists.
- “Return to Sender” (1962) – This upbeat track was featured in Elvis’s film “Girls! Girls! Girls!” and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) – The title track from his film of the same name, this song has become synonymous with the city and is a staple in Elvis’s live performances.
- “It’s Now or Never” (1960) – This song was inspired by the Italian classic “O Sole mio” and became Elvis’s biggest international hit.
- “Suspicious Minds” (1969) – Considered by many to be one of his best recordings, this song marked Elvis’s return to the top of the charts after a brief hiatus.
Elvis Presley A Timeless Interpretation of
Comeback Special (1968)
- “If I Can Dream” (1968) – Written specifically for his comeback special, this powerful song showcases Elvis’s range and emotion.
- “Memories” (1968) – Featured in his comeback special, this heartfelt ballad became an instant hit and remains a fan favorite.
- “Baby What You Want Me to Do” (1968) – This bluesy track was part of the jam session segment in the comeback special and highlights Elvis’s ability to improvise and perform live.
Vegas Years (1969-1976)
- “The Wonder of You” (1970) – Originally recorded by Ray Peterson, Elvis’s version became a number one hit and a staple in his live performances.
- “Suspicion” (1970) – From the soundtrack of his film “Clambake”, this song reached number two on the charts and showcased Elvis’s vocal range.
- “Burning Love” (1972) – One of Elvis’s last top 10 hits, this song has a catchy beat and is a fan favorite at his live shows.
- “Always on My Mind” (1972) – This emotional ballad became a hit for Elvis and has been covered by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson and Michael Bublé.
- “My Way” (1977) – Considered by many to be one of Elvis’s most powerful performances, this cover of Frank Sinatra’s classic is often cited as one of his best songs.
The Undisputed King: Celebrating Elvis Presley’s 50 Most Iconic Hits
Elvis Presley’s impact on popular music cannot be overstated. His unique blend of musical styles, charismatic stage presence, and iconic image made him a legend in his own time. While he had countless hit singles throughout his career, there are certain tracks that have become synonymous with his name and have stood the test of time. In this section, we will celebrate Elvis’s 50 most iconic hits that have solidified his status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Early Years (1954-1959)
- “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956) – Originally recorded by Carl Perkins, Elvis’s cover became a hit and is considered one of his signature tracks.
- “All Shook Up” (1957) – This catchy tune spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been covered by numerous artists.
- “Love Me Tender” (1956) – Written for Elvis’s film of the same name, this ballad became one of his most popular songs and is often performed at weddings.
- “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (1954) – Released as the B-side to “That’s All Right”, this song showcases Elvis’s love for country music and established him as a versatile artist.
- “Mystery Train” (1955) – Considered one of the first rockabilly records, this song highlights Elvis’s smooth vocals and helped pave the way for his success.
Hollywood Years (1960-1968)
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960) – Inspired by an earlier version recorded by Al Jolson, Elvis’s cover became a hit and remains one of his most recognizable songs.
- “Surrender” (1961) – Featured in his film “It Happened at the World’s Fair”, this song reached number one on the charts and is a fan favorite.
- “In the Ghetto” (1969) – A departure from his usual sound, this song tackles social issues and remains a powerful statement to this day.
- “Bossa Nova Baby” (1963) – From the soundtrack of his film “Fun in Acapulco”, this upbeat track became a hit and showcases Elvis’s versatility as an artist.
- “Flaming Star” (1960) – The title track from his film of the same name, this song was a hit for Elvis and is often overlooked in his discography.
Comeback Special (1968)
- “Heartbreak Hotel” (1968) – Featured in his comeback special, this iconic song gave Elvis his first number one hit and remains a fan favorite.
- “One Night” (1968) – Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis, Elvis’s cover became a hit and is considered one of his best performances in the special.
- “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (1968) – This bluesy track was part of the jam session in the comeback special and highlights Elvis’s roots in gospel and RB music.
- “Trouble/Guitar Man” (1968) – A mashup of two of his earlier songs, this energetic performance became a fan favorite and is often cited as one of his best live recordings.
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1968) – A reimagined version of his classic hit, this performance in the comeback special solidified Elvis’s reign as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Vegas Years (1969-1976)
- “An American Trilogy” (1972) – A medley of three patriotic songs, this performance is considered one of Elvis’s most powerful and has become a staple at live shows.
- “Patch It Up” (1970) – From his Vegas residency, this upbeat song showcases Elvis’s charisma and ability to get the crowd on their feet.
- “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” (1970) – A cover of the Righteous Brothers’ classic, this duet with Cissy Houston is a standout track from his live performances.
- “See See Rider” (1970) – Originally recorded by Ma Rainey, Elvis’s live rendition of this song became a fan favorite and was often used to open his shows.
- “It’s Impossible” (1972) – Another love ballad that became a hit for Elvis, this song showcases his romantic side and has been covered by artists such as Perry Como and Andy Williams.
From Heartbreak Hotel to Suspicious Minds: 50 Songs That Defined Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s career spanned over two decades and included numerous hits that defined his legacy. From his early recordings at Sun Studios to his legendary Las Vegas performances, Elvis’s music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. In this section, we will explore 50 songs that defined Elvis Presley and solidified him as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Early Years (1954-1959)
- “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956) – Arguably one of the most iconic songs in rock ‘n’ roll history, “Heartbreak Hotel” launched Elvis’s career and set the tone for his future success.
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1957) – A catchy tune with memorable dance moves, this song became a hit and is still considered one of his most popular tracks.
- “Hound Dog” (1956) – Another song that showcased Elvis’s energetic stage presence, “Hound Dog” became one of his signature tracks and remains a fan favorite.
- “Love Me” (1956) – Released as the B-side to “Don’t Be Cruel”, this song highlights Elvis’s smooth vocals and solidifies him as a romantic heartthrob.
- “Mystery Train” (1955) – This rockabilly track was a hit for Elvis and influenced countless artists in the genre, establishing him as a pioneer in music.
Hollywood Years (1960-1968)
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961) – Featured in his film “Blue Hawaii”, this romantic ballad became one of his most popular songs and has been covered by numerous artists.
- “Return to Sender” (1962) – Another hit from his film soundtracks, this catchy tune showcases Elvis’s versatility as an artist and his ability to adapt to different genres.
- “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) – The title track from his film of the same name, this song is often associated with Elvis and has become a staple in his live performances.
- “It’s Now or Never” (1960) – Inspired by the Italian classic “O Sole mio”, this song became one of Elvis’s biggest international hits and helped solidify his global appeal.
- “Suspicious Minds” (1969) – Considered by many to be one of Elvis’s best recordings, this song marked his return to the top of the charts and remains a fan favorite.
Comeback Special (1968)
- “If I Can Dream” (1968) – Written specifically for his comeback special, this powerful song highlights Elvis’s range and emotion and stands out as one of his most memorable performances.
- “Memories” (1968) – This heartfelt ballad became an instant hit and captured the essence of Elvis’s personal life and struggles.
- “Baby What You Want Me to Do” (1968) – Part of the jam session segment in the comeback special, this bluesy track showcases Elvis’s ability to improvise and perform live.
- “All Shook Up” (1968) – Originally released in 1957, this reimagined version in the comeback special solidified Elvis’s status as an iconic performer.
- “Trouble/Guitar Man” (1968) – A mashup of two of his earlier songs, this performance became a fan favorite and is often cited as one of his best live recordings.
Vegas Years (1969-1976)
- “Suspicion” (1970) – From the soundtrack of his film “Clambake”, this song showcases Elvis’s vocal range and has stood the test of time as one of his best recordings.
- “Burning Love” (1972) – One of his last top 10 hits, this upbeat track is a fan favorite at his live shows and highlights Elvis’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends.
- “An American Trilogy” (1972) – A medley of three patriotic songs, this performance is considered one of Elvis’s most powerful and has become a staple at live shows.
- “See See Rider” (1970) – Originally recorded by Ma Rainey, Elvis’s live rendition of this song became a fan favorite and was often used to open his shows.
- “The Wonder of You” (1970) – Another romantic ballad that became a hit for Elvis, this song showcases his smooth vocals and remains a fan favorite to this day.
Elvis Presley’s 50 Greatest Hits: A Definitive List
Elvis Presley’s impact on popular music and culture is undeniable. With countless hit singles and albums, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry. But out of all his songs, which ones truly stand out as his greatest hits? In this section, we will present a definitive list of Elvis Presley’s 50 greatest hits, in chronological order.
- “That’s All Right” (1954)
- “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (1954)
- “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (1954)
- “Mystery Train” (1955)
- “Milkcow Blues Boogie” (1955)
- “Baby Let’s Play House” (1955)
- “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
- “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” (1956)
- “Hound Dog” (1956)
- “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
- “Love Me Tender” (1956)
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
- “All Shook Up” (1957)
- “Too Much” (1957)
- “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
- “Party” (1957)
- “Got a Lot o’ Livin’ to Do!” (1957)
- “Jailhouse Rock”/”Treat Me Nice” (1957)
- “Hard Headed Woman” (1958)
- “King Creole” (1958)
- “Don’t” (1958)
- “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” (1958)
- “A Big Hunk o’ Love” (1959)
- “My Wish Came True” (1959)
- “Stuck on You” (1960)
- “Fame and Fortune” (1960)
- “It’s Now or Never” (1960)
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
- “Surrender” (1961)
- “His Latest Flame” (1961)
- “Little Sister” (1961)
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
- “Good Luck Charm” (1962)
- “Return to Sender” (1962)
- “Devil in Disguise” (1963)
- “Bossa Nova Baby” (1963)
- “Kissin’ Cousins” (1964)
- “Viva Las Vegas” (1964)
- “Such a Night” (1960) – A lively and upbeat track that showcases Elvis’s versatility as an artist, this song became a fan favorite and is often included in his live performances.
- “Crying in the Chapel” (1965) – A gospel-inspired ballad that highlights Elvis’s emotional depth and vocal range, this song resonated with audiences and became a chart-topping hit.
- “In the Ghetto” (1969) – A socially conscious song that addressed issues of poverty and inequality, this track showcased Elvis’s ability to tackle meaningful themes in his music.
- “Kentucky Rain” (1970) – A soulful ballad that tells a poignant story of lost love, this song became a classic in Elvis’s repertoire and is beloved by fans worldwide.
- “Always on My Mind” (1972) – A heartfelt and emotional track that showcases Elvis’s vulnerability as an artist, this song remains one of his most enduring hits.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Royalty
Elvis Presley’s impact on rock ‘n’ roll music is unparalleled. His unique blend of rockabilly, country, blues, and gospel set the stage for a new era in popular music. In this section, we will explore five songs that solidify Elvis’s status as rock ‘n’ roll royalty.
- “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956) – Originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins, Elvis’s cover of this rockabilly classic became a massive hit and cemented his reputation as a rock ‘n’ roll icon.
- “Tutti Frutti” (1956) – A high-energy track that captures the essence of early rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis’s rendition of this Little Richard classic became a staple in his live performances.
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1957) – With its infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics, this song is considered one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll tracks of all time and showcases Elvis’s dynamic vocal style.
- “Hound Dog” (1956) – A rebellious and energetic song that became a symbol of the rock ‘n’ roll movement, Elvis’s performance of “Hound Dog” on television solidified his status as a cultural phenomenon.
- “Good Rockin’ Tonight” (1954) – One of Elvis’s early hits, this up-tempo track combines elements of rhythm and blues with rock ‘n’ roll, setting the stage for his future success in the genre.
The King of Romance
Elvis Presley was not only the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but also the King of Romance. His smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery made him a heartthrob for millions of fans around the world. In this section, we will delve into five of Elvis’s most romantic and timeless hits.
- “Love Me Tender” (1956) – Inspired by the Civil War-era ballad “Aura Lee”, this tender love song became an instant classic and is often associated with Elvis’s romantic persona.
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961) – A beautiful and poignant ballad featured in the film “Blue Hawaii”, this song has become a staple at weddings and is considered one of Elvis’s most enduring love songs.
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960) – With its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, this song captures the bittersweet emotions of lost love and showcases Elvis’s emotive vocal delivery.
- “The Wonder of You” (1970) – A heartfelt declaration of love and devotion, this song highlights Elvis’s powerful vocals and remains a fan favorite for romantics everywhere.
- “Always on My Mind” (1972) – A touching ballad that expresses regret and longing, this song showcases Elvis’s vulnerability and emotional depth as an artist, solidifying his reputation as the King of Romance.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s musical legacy is a testament to his enduring talent and influence. From his early rock ‘n’ roll hits to his iconic ballads, Elvis captivated audiences with his charisma, charm, and undeniable voice. As we celebrate his 50 greatest hits, we are reminded of the timeless quality of his music and the lasting impact he has had on generations of fans. Elvis truly was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and his songs will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
