The King’s Greatest Hits: Elvis Presley Songs Ranked by Shock Naue Entertainment
A couple of days ago, the idea came up to rank Elvis Presley‘s songs to honor his birthday on January 8. As someone from Mississippi, having spent almost 30 years living in the town of his birth, I’m well aware of his huge catalogue of hits. However, picking just 25 out of such a variety proved to be more challenging than anticipated. It also served as a powerful reminder of the enormous impact this boy from a small town made across three entertainment mediums and several music genres. For fans and newcomers alike searching for the definitive list, here is our ranking of the top Elvis Presley Songs Ranked.
Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, MS, Presley spent his first 13 years there, where his interest in music was sparked by a gifted guitar, church hymns, and local hillbilly singer Mississippi Slim. After his family moved to Memphis, TN, in 1948, Presley was surrounded by diverse musical styles, including country, hillbilly, gospel, and blues, and was strongly influenced by African-American musicians. Although he never received formal training, Presley knew what he liked and could play by ear, incorporating these different styles into a unique sound. In 1954, an impromptu recording of “That’s All Right” caused a sensation, and Presley’s career quickly skyrocketed.
Over 23 years passed from when “That’s All Right” first aired to Presley’s last live performance, which concluded his final concert in June 1977 with “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” He tragically died on August 16, 1977. It’s remarkable how much he achieved in a relatively short career. In 1956, he had his first major hit with “Heartbreak Hotel” and sparked controversy with a performance of “Hound Dog” on “The Milton Berle Show.” His dynamic hip movements led many adults to fear that rock and roll music would be the downfall of mankind. Despite objections to his style, Presley became a national sensation and a major influencer in the genre that would soon dominate the music industry.
Over the next 20 years, Presley not only had Number One singles on the Pop charts but also achieved crossover hits on the Country, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts. He even accomplished the rare feat of having a gospel song land on the Hot 100. His music can arguably be divided into three main phases: early rock and roll, post-Army, and the comeback years.
Between the success of “Heartbreak Hotel” and his first movie in 1956, and his Army deployment in 1958, Presley had a string of number one records as well as four commercially successful films, including “Jailhouse Rock” and “Love Me Tender.” Following his return from the Army in 1960, Presley’s style matured, and he found success with ballads and softer rock tunes, such as “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “It’s Now or Never.” During this period, he also made 27 of his 31 films between 1960 and 1969. While he had some successful singles during this era, many feel the formulaic films detracted from his music. However, Presley found his way back, this time through television.
In 1968, Presley returned to the small screen with a televised concert special titled “Elvis,” now famously known as the “’68 Comeback Special.” This marked his first live performance in seven years. Presley participated in two intimate sit-down concerts and two stand-up performances, which were edited together. It was clear that Presley was back to doing what he loved most. Clad in black leather, Presley powerfully delivered several hits, both old and new, as well as covers like Jimmy Reed‘s “Baby What You Want Me to Do,” which remains one of his most passionate and compelling performances. The special was a resounding success, paving the way for the last nine years of his life, which were filled with successful concert tours and Las Vegas performances, as well as another popular TV special in 1973, “Aloha from Hawaii.” Fans looking for the most famous song of elvis presley often find it in his later performances.
With studio albums, soundtracks, and live albums, Presley released about four dozen albums in his lifetime, leading to varying opinions among fans about their favorite “Elvis.” Some prefer the young boy from Memphis, with greased-back hair and swiveling hips, who burst onto the music scene with a new sound and look. Others favor the handsome young man from his films, captivating audiences with a smirk and catchy tunes. Then there’s the older Elvis, who evolved from a leather-clad hunk to a karate-chopping “king” in flamboyant jumpsuits, capable of belting out a spine-tingling ballad like no one else. The common thread among all these phases is likely what set Presley apart: his extraordinary ability to perform a piece of music. Many talented individuals can sing, but only a select few can truly perform a song and make it come alive. Despite lacking formal training, Presley possessed the innate gift of taking any piece of music and making it uniquely his own.
From this vast musical treasure trove, we have selected the 25 best songs for this ranking. This list includes his most iconic and best-selling hits, alongside songs that have become enduring fan favorites, representing a variety of genres. Choosing the elvis presley top 20 songs and beyond was a journey through music history.
25. A Little Less Conversation (1968)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Presley originally performed this upbeat tune for his film “Live a Little, Love a Little,” but it was only a minor hit at the time. A later recording by Presley was remixed in 2002 by Dutch musician Junkie XL and became a massive international hit. The song is now deeply embedded in popular culture, frequently used in TV ads, programs, movies, and even political campaigns.
24. Always on My Mind (1972)
Elvis Presley performing Always on My Mind in the 1970s
Image Credit: Courtesy Image
Presley recorded this version of the popular ballad shortly after his separation from wife Priscilla. It became a significant crossover success, charting on “Billboard’s” Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Country charts. Presley’s deeply moving rendition is widely considered one of his finest recordings from that era.
23. Memories (1969)
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Mac Davis and Billy Strange were tasked with writing a song about “looking back over the years” for Presley’s 1968 comeback TV special. They delivered this gem in a single night. Released as a single the following year, this melancholic yet beautiful tune stands out as a highlight of Presley’s post-comeback career.
22. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1960)
Elvis Presley performing Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Image Credit: STARSTOCK/Photoshot/Newscom/The Mega Agency
This ballad was over 30 years old with several versions already released, but as it was a favorite of his wife’s, Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker recommended it for the singer’s first album after his return from the Army. After some debate about releasing it as a single, it hit the radios in November 1960 and became an immediate success, topping the Pop charts and reaching Number 3 on the R&B charts. It became one of the highlights of his live shows, and despite earlier and later versions, the ballad is most strongly associated with the King. Among the elvis top hits, this is a beloved classic.
21. Return to Sender (1962)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
This catchy tune was written specifically for Presley’s film “Girls! Girls! Girls!” Although the song didn’t initially fit the original script, movie producer Hal B. Wallis liked it so much that the script was rewritten to incorporate it. The song proved popular, reaching Number Two on “Billboard’s” Pop chart and Number Five on the R&B charts.
20. Crying in the Chapel (1965)
Elvis Presley singing Crying in the Chapel
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One of Presley’s few major hits from the mid-1960s, “Crying in the Chapel” is a rare instance of a gospel recording making a significant impact on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart. It spent seven weeks on the chart, peaking impressively at number three.
19. An American Trilogy (1972)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Although composer Mickey Newbury’s version performed better on the charts, Presley’s powerful live performances of the song in the documentary “Elvis on Tour” and the telecast “Aloha from Hawaii” significantly boosted its profile and popularity. This blended melody, incorporating “Dixie,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “All My Trials,” became a poignant and powerful highlight of Presley’s live shows.
18. Burning Love (1972)
Elvis Presley performing the song Burning Love
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Released in 1972, “Burning Love” marked Presley’s 40th hit on Billboard’s Top Ten, reaching number two. Notably, it would be his last song to reach the top ten on that chart. It is also often considered his last true rock song, as most of his subsequent releases were ballads.
17. In the Ghetto (1969)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Filled with poignant social commentary, “In the Ghetto” became one of Presley’s biggest and most impactful hits in his later career. This international success was his first Top Ten record in four years, peaking at number three in the U.S. It remains one of the most socially conscious songs in his catalog.
16. Blue Christmas (1964)
Elvis Presley Blue Christmas album cover
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
While several versions existed before Presley’s, his recording, backed by the Jordanaires, features unique adjustments that resulted in distinctive “blue notes,” setting his rendition apart. This melancholy ballad has become an enduring holiday staple. Its popularity has only grown over time, with streaming catapulting Presley’s version to number 40 on the “Billboard” charts in 2019, remarkably 42 years after his death.
15. Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Carl Perkins wrote and recorded the original version of this song, earning a gold record as his single became the first to chart simultaneously on the Country, R&B, and Pop charts. Although Presley’s version didn’t achieve quite the same chart success initially, it eventually became one of his definitive signature songs, instantly recognizable to millions worldwide.
14. Little Sister (1961)
Elvis Presley performing Little Sister
Image Credit: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
This B-side single was commercially as successful as its A-side tune “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame,” with “Little Sister” reaching Number Five on “Billboard’s” Top 100, and the latter reaching Number Four. However, “Little Sister” has proven to have more enduring popularity over the years and has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Dwight Yoakam and Pearl Jam. During his prolific film career, Elvis recorded numerous songs, adding to his repertoire beyond these top hits, including tracks like elvis presley frankie and johnny.
13. That’s All Right (1954)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
During Presley’s fifth visit to Sun Studios in Memphis, he, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black casually experimented with this song, originally written eight years earlier, speeding up the tempo to a more energetic beat. Producer Sam Phillips impulsively recorded their improvised take. A local disc jockey played the song the following day, and a legend was born. Although the record never charted nationally, it indisputably launched Presley’s career, and it has been argued that this recording was the very first rock ‘n’ roll record ever made.
12. (Let Me Be) Your Teddy Bear (1957)
Elvis Presley in character for (Let Me Be) Your Teddy Bear
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Presley performed this immensely catchy tune in his second film, “Loving You,” and it quickly became his third Number One pop hit in 1957. As one of his most commercially successful singles, it dominated the Number One spot for an impressive seven weeks. It also topped the R&B Best Sellers List and the country charts, showcasing his broad appeal.
11. Don’t Be Cruel (1956)
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS
Released as a double A-side single paired with “Hound Dog,” this 45 record held the record for the longest stay at Number One on the Pop charts, a feat that remained unmatched until 1992. “Don’t Be Cruel” also reached Number One on both the Country and R&B charts, demonstrating its widespread appeal. It is one of his most popular and immediately recognizable songs and remained a staple of his live performances until his death. Many of these early hits are considered elvis top hits.
10. All Shook Up (1957)
Elvis Presley performing All Shook Up
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Another of his most instantly recognizable songs, “All Shook Up” was a smash hit across all major charts, topping the R&B and Country charts. It spent 15 weeks in the Top Ten on “Billboard’s” Hot 100, eight of which were at Number One. It was named Billboard’s Number One song for the entire year of 1957 and has since become a popular cover song for musicians across all genres.
9. Kentucky Rain (1970)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Released in January 1970, “Kentucky Rain” was one of Presley’s first hits of that decade, peaking at number 16 on the Pop charts. He performed it live several times. This soft rock ballad, describing a man sadly searching for his missing lover while traveling through the “cold Kentucky rain,” remains a beloved fan favorite known for its evocative storytelling.
8. How Great Thou Art (1967)
Elvis Presley How Great Thou Art album cover
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS
Although widely known as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and one of the best-selling artists in that genre and pop, Presley received relatively few Grammy nominations in those categories and no wins. However, his deep love for gospel music never faded. His powerful rendition of this beloved hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” earned him two Grammys: one in 1967 for Best Sacred Performance and another in 1974 for Best Inspirational Performance (Non Classical), showcasing the depth of his spiritual musical connection.
7. It’s Now or Never (1960)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
During his time in the Army, Presley reportedly heard Tony Martin’s “There’s No Tomorrow,” which was based on the classic Italian song “O Sole mio.” He was inspired to create his own version of the beautiful melody. New English lyrics were written to the tune, and “It’s Now or Never” was included on his first album released after his military service. This Number One hit became his best-selling single worldwide and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time globally.
6. Love Me Tender (1956)
Elvis Presley in a still from the movie Love Me Tender
Image Credit: Courtesy of Allied Artists Pictures
Adapted from the sentimental Civil War ballad “Aura Lee,” this Number One hit was written specifically for Presley’s first film. He performed the song on “The Ed Sullivan Show” shortly before both the single and the movie were released. The performance generated immense anticipation, leading to a million copies being preordered, making it a gold record even before its official release. This prompted movie studio 20th Century Fox to re-title the movie from its original “The Reno Brothers” to “Love Me Tender.”
5. Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
Image Credit: Courtesy of United Artists
Presley’s first major national hit, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was only the second single in history to chart on all three major Billboard charts, reaching the top five on the R&B chart and hitting Number One on both the Country and Pop charts. The single spent 27 weeks on the Top 100, earning Presley his first gold record and becoming the best-selling single of 1956. Numerous influential musicians, including John Lennon, George Harrison, and Keith Richards, have cited this song as having had a profound impact on them. This is undoubtedly one of the elvis presley best songs ranked.
4. Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961)
Elvis Presley singing Can’t Help Falling in Love
Image Credit: Courtesy Image
Originally written for and prominently featured in Presley’s film “Blue Hawaii,” this incredibly romantic ballad only reached Number Two on the Pop charts upon its initial release. However, it eventually grew into a deeply sentimental and enduring favorite for countless Presley fans. He adopted it as the poignant finale to his live shows starting in the late 1960s, and it was the last song he ever performed live, at his concert in Indianapolis in June 1977.
3. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Intended to be somewhat lighthearted or even tongue-in-cheek with its lyrics, Presley delivered the song with straight rock ‘n’ roll intensity, creating a massive Number One hit across the Pop, Country, and R&B charts. The iconic choreographed dance scene from the film of the same name became one of his most memorable and enduring images, solidifying his place in film history alongside his musical legacy.
2. Suspicious Minds (1969)
Elvis Presley performing Suspicious Minds live
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In 1968, Mark James wrote and recorded this song about mistrust within a relationship, but it did not achieve significant commercial success. Presley, perhaps resonating with the theme during his own marital difficulties, felt he could interpret it effectively. His recording became one of the key songs that revitalized his career following the “’68 Comeback Special.” It had been seven years since his previous number one hit, and “Suspicious Minds” would be the last during his lifetime. It quickly became a popular and often requested part of his live show and is claimed by many fans as their absolute favorite Elvis song. It is often cited among elvis top hits.
1. Hound Dog (1956)
Image Credit: Courtesy of CBS
Controversial in its time due to Presley’s performance style, “Hound Dog” is now widely considered one of the most significant and influential recordings in the history of the rock ‘n’ roll genre. It was Presley’s biggest selling single, spending a record-setting 11 weeks at number one in 1956 – a record that stood for an impressive 36 years. His now-iconic hip-gyrating performance of the song on “The Milton Berle Show” sparked outrage among those opposed to this new musical form while simultaneously igniting a frenzy among the younger generation who wholeheartedly embraced it. The frenzy ultimately won. His recording of “Hound Dog” was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988 and is listed as one of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll” by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Ranking these songs highlights the incredible breadth and depth of Elvis Presley’s musical output and his lasting legacy. Choosing just 25 is a testament to the sheer volume of quality music he produced in his relatively short career.
