Elvis Presley's legacy marches on as do his songs and music. Elvis Presley's greatest hits will always be favored by music enthusiasts around the world. Today, various artists in the music industry continue to be inspired by "The King of Rock n' Roll's" kind of music. Here are a few tidbits of information you may not have known about some of Elvis Presley's greatest hits that will let you see a smidgen of the talent and craft of this rock n' roll legend.
The Greatest Hits of Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is unquestionably the single biggest legendary star in the history of rock n' roll. His contribution's to the music industry are enormous. Not just Elvis Presley's greatest hits, but all of his music, concerts and movies have contributed mightily to the world of music. Elvis Presley's fame in rock and roll and other music genres would never have been possible if not for these great songs performed by the music legend and Hollywood actor. People from different generations and from all over the world are very much familiar with "The King's" songs, concert performances and movies. With that said, here are a few of Elvis Presley's greatest hits that helped make him into the entertainment star we know today.
Heartbreak Hotel
The song "Heartbreak Hotel" gave Elvis Presley a big break. He recorded the song for RCA in a Nashville studio on January 10, 1956 with guitarist Scotty Moore, bass guitarist Bill Black and drummer D.J. Fontana. Five songs were recorded in only two days, including "Heartbreak Hotel" which was released on January 27, 1956. The song soared to top of the Billboard pop charts and became No. 1 on April 21, 1956. "Heartbreak Hotel" was able to stay No. 1 for two months. The single also made it to the Country Music and R&B charts. Although it was not the most successful song of Elvis Presley's greatest hits, "Heartbreak Hotel" was the one that propelled him into stardom and fame.
Hound Dog
One of the Elvis Presley greatest hits that became very popular even before it was formally recorded was a song named Hound Dog. "Hound Dog" was actually on the flip side of what many considered Elvis Presley's greatest hit and most successful single "Don't Be Cruel", with both sides spending 11 weeks at the top of the charts. Elvis Presley became controversial over the gyrating hip movements he did while singing "Hound Dog" during appearances on several different shows. Those gyrating hip movements would become his trademark even though they initially caused such a firestorm of controversy.
More of Elvis Presley's Greatest Hits
The few songs mentioned above show some of the different conditions that surrounded Elvis Presley as he sang, gyrated and acted his way to stardom. Other Elvis hits that also had a part in changing his controversial life are: Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear, All Shook Up and Loving You. All of these hits factored in at the time when Hollywood came calling and Elvis ventured into making movies. His hit single, "In the Ghetto" would show that he cared about social issues.
Elvis Presley has had more songs (150) make it onto Billboards Top 100 charts more than any other artist in the history of music. He amassed 17 No. 1 hits on that chart, coming in second to the Beatles 20 No. 1 hits. He was the first rock and roll era musician to have two consecutive No. 1 hits. The greatest hits of Elvis Presley showcase a very talented musician, no matter what the era or genre. In order to know the history and the ideals that Elvis Presley had at the time he was on the top of the music world, it is worthy to know the history of those hit songs that are part of Elvis Presley's greatest hits.
The 50 Greatest Songs of Elvis Presley
From Billboards Hottest 100 Hits
1) Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog 1956
2) Love Me Tender 1956
3) Heartbreak Hotel 1956
4) Jailhouse Rock / Treat Me Nice 1957
5) All Shook Up 1957
6) (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Loving You 1957
7) Are You Lonesome Tonight 1960
8) It's Now Or Never 1960
9) Don't / I Beg Of You 1958
10) Stuck On You 1960
11) Too Much 1957
12) Return To Sender 1962
13) I Want You, I Need You, I Love You 1956
14) Surrender 1961
15) Good Luck Charm 1962
16) Hard Headed Woman 1958
17) Wear My Ring Around Your Neck 1958
18) A Big Hunk O' Love 1959
19) Suspicious Minds 1969
20) Can't Help Falling In Love 1962
21) Burning Love 1972
22) One Night 1958
23) Crying In The Chapel 1965
24) (Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I 1959
25) In The Ghetto 1969
26) (You're The) Devil In Disguise 1963
27) Love Me 1957
28) I Got Stung 1958
29) I Need Your Love Tonight 1959
30) Don't Cry Daddy 1970
31) The Wonder Of You 1970
32) She's Not You 1962
33) Little Sister 1961
34) If I Can Dream 1969
35) My Wish Came True 1959
36) (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame 1961
37) One Broken Heart For Sale 1963
38) Ask Me 1975
39) Promised Land 1974
40) Fame And Fortune 1960
41) I Feel So Bad 1961
42) Steamroller Blues / Fool 1973
43) Bossa Nova Baby 1964
44) You Don't Have To Say You Love Me / Patch It Up 1970
45) I'm Yours 1965
46) Puppet On A String 1971
47) Kentucky Rain 1970
48) Ain't That Loving You Baby 1964
49) Follow That Dream 1962
50) Way Down 1977
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