The year 1957 stands as a monumental period in the career of Elvis Presley, solidifying his title as the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It was a year marked by incredible productivity, chart dominance, and significant evolution in his musical output. From chart-topping singles and iconic movie soundtracks to heartfelt gospel recordings and a blockbuster Christmas album, the Elvis Presley 1957 Songs showcase the breadth and depth of his talent during this peak era. This whirlwind year saw Elvis conquer film, television, and the music charts simultaneously, releasing a torrent of recordings that remain classics beloved by millions worldwide. Exploring the songs Elvis recorded and released in 1957 offers a unique window into his artistic journey just before his world changed with his induction into the U.S. Army.
Color portrait of Elvis Presley in the 1950s, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during his peak era.
The ‘Loving You’ Soundtrack Songs
Elvis kicked off 1957 juggling multiple projects, including his second feature film, ‘Loving You’. The soundtrack sessions, primarily held at Radio Recorders in Hollywood during January and February, yielded some of his most enduring hits. Key tracks recorded for the film included the charming “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” the title track “Loving You,” the energetic “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do,” the driving “Mean Woman Blues,” and the infectious “(Let’s Have A) Party.”
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear: Recorded January 16, this became a massive No. 1 hit, showcasing Elvis’s playful side.
- Loving You: Recorded across several sessions (February 14 & 24), the title track provided a tender counterpoint to his rock ‘n’ roll image.
- Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do: Recorded January 12 & 16, this upbeat number captured the youthful energy synonymous with early Elvis.
- Mean Woman Blues: Taped on January 13 & 21, this track highlighted Elvis’s ability to handle bluesier material.
- (Let’s Have A) Party: Recorded January 21, this became a rockabilly standard.
The ‘Loving You’ soundtrack successfully integrated Elvis’s music into the film’s narrative, further boosting his cinematic and musical appeal.
Blockbuster Hits: ‘All Shook Up’ and More
Beyond the movie soundtracks, 1957 saw Elvis unleash standalone singles that dominated the airwaves. Perhaps the most significant was “All Shook Up,” recorded on January 12 at Radio Recorders. This instantly catchy song, penned by Otis Blackwell (co-writer of “Don’t Be Cruel”), shot to No. 1 on the Pop, R&B, and Country charts in the US, becoming one of the defining songs of the year and Elvis’s career.
The success of the ‘Loving You’ soundtrack also translated into single releases. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” paired with “Loving You” as its B-side became a double-sided smash hit during the summer of 1957. Later in the year, the release of “Jailhouse Rock” backed with “Treat Me Nice” provided another chart-topping single, demonstrating Elvis’s Midas touch with his 1957 recordings. Other important singles recorded during this period included “I Beg Of You” (initially recorded Jan 13, re-recorded Feb 23) and “Don’t” (recorded Sept 6), which would become a hit in early 1958.
‘Peace in the Valley’: Elvis’s Gospel Roots Shine
Amidst the rock ‘n’ roll fervor, Elvis took time to record music close to his heart: gospel. Following his controversial, yet highly-rated, third appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on January 6, 1957 (where he performed “Peace in the Valley” despite producers insisting on filming him only from the waist up), Elvis recorded several gospel standards.
Sessions at Radio Recorders in Hollywood on January 13 and 19 produced the tracks for his first gospel EP, titled ‘Peace in the Valley’. The songs included:
- (There’ll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me): Recorded January 13.
- I Believe: Recorded January 12.
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord: Recorded January 13.
- It Is No Secret (What God Can Do): Recorded January 19.
This EP was a significant success, showcasing a different dimension of Elvis’s artistry and paying homage to the musical influences of his youth. His heartfelt renditions resonated deeply with many fans, proving his versatility beyond rock ‘n’ roll. Other songs with spiritual undertones recorded around this time included “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” (Jan 13) and “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” (Jan 19).
Rockin’ the ‘Jailhouse Rock’: An Iconic Soundtrack
Elvis’s third movie, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, featured arguably his most famous movie soundtrack and title song. The recording sessions took place at Radio Recorders and the MGM Sound Stage in Hollywood between April 30 and May 9, 1957. The sessions produced a powerful set of rock ‘n’ roll numbers integral to the film’s plot.
The key songs from ‘Jailhouse Rock’ included:
- Jailhouse Rock: Recorded April 30. The title track, accompanied by its revolutionary proto-music video dance sequence in the film, became an instant classic and a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
- Treat Me Nice: Recorded April 30 & May 3 (later overdubbed Sept 5 for single version). A popular track showcasing Elvis’s confident swagger.
- Young And Beautiful: Recorded April 30. A ballad demonstrating Elvis’s vocal range.
- I Want To Be Free: Recorded May 3. An emotive plea fitting the film’s narrative.
- (You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care: Recorded May 3 & 8. A minimalist, cool rockabilly number.
- Don’t Leave Me Now: Recorded Feb 23 (earlier version), May 3 & 9. Featured multiple versions, including a piano-led take by Elvis.
The ‘Jailhouse Rock’ EP and single were massive hits, cementing 1957 as a year where Elvis’s dominance extended powerfully into cinema soundtracks.
Elvis Presley during the pivotal 1957 Jailhouse Rock recording sessions at Radio Recorders.
A Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas: ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’
Capping off an incredibly productive year musically, Elvis recorded his first Christmas album in September 1957 at Radio Recorders. ‘Elvis’ Christmas Album’ was a bold move, mixing sacred hymns, traditional carols, and newly penned rock ‘n’ roll and blues-influenced Christmas songs. While controversial among some traditionalists (notably Irving Berlin, who objected to Elvis’s rendition of “White Christmas”), the album was a commercial phenomenon, becoming one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time.
The sessions from September 5-7 yielded tracks such as:
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town: A bluesy, swaggering original.
- Blue Christmas: Elvis’s definitive take transformed this country tune into a rock ‘n’ roll Christmas standard.
- White Christmas: A doo-wop influenced version that irked its composer.
- Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane): An upbeat, cheerful rendition.
- Silent Night: A respectful, traditional performance.
- O Little Town Of Bethlehem: Another traditional carol showing Elvis’s gospel side.
- Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me): An optimistic, rocking plea.
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas: A melancholic ballad fitting the season.
The album perfectly encapsulated Elvis’s unique ability to blend genres and make any song his own, providing a festive soundtrack that continues to be popular decades later.
Elvis Presley performing live on stage, gripping the microphone stand, April 5, 1957.
Other Notable 1957 Recordings
Beyond the major projects, Elvis recorded several other tracks throughout the year during various sessions. These included potential single material, B-sides, and songs that would appear on later compilations:
- Tell Me Why (Jan 12)
- One Night (Of Sin) / One Night (Jan 18 / Feb 23) – An early raw version and the later sanitized hit version.
- Blueberry Hill (Jan 18 & 19) – A cover of Fats Domino’s hit.
- Is It So Strange? (Jan 19)
- True Love (Feb 23) – A cover of the Cole Porter classic.
- I Need You So (Feb 23)
- When It Rains It Really Pours (Feb 24) – An excellent bluesy track shelved for years.
- My Wish Came True (Sept 6)
Elvis Presley backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with country stars Ferlin Huskey, Faron Young, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and Tom Perryman in December 1957.
Conclusion
The sheer volume and quality of Elvis Presley’s 1957 songs are staggering. In just twelve months, he recorded and released music spanning rock ‘n’ roll anthems, movie hits, heartfelt gospel, and holiday classics. He dominated the charts with multiple No. 1 singles and albums, starred in two successful films with popular soundtracks, and cemented his status as a global entertainment phenomenon. From the infectious energy of “All Shook Up” and “Jailhouse Rock” to the tender strains of “Loving You” and the soulful reverence of “Peace in the Valley,” Elvis’s recordings in 1957 captured him at an artistic and commercial zenith. This incredible year of music concluded under the shadow of his impending military service, marking the end of the first, explosive chapter of his reign as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His musical output from this single year remains a cornerstone of his enduring legacy.
