Had Elvis Presley lived, he would have turned 80, a milestone that prompts reflection on his monumental legacy. It’s difficult to picture an octogenarian Elvis still captivating audiences in 2015, though contemporaries like Leonard Cohen and Chuck Berry proved longevity was possible. While Elvis’s health struggles cut his journey short, his reign as the King of Rock & Roll endures. To celebrate his enduring impact, we look back at the Elvis Presley Top 10 Hits as chosen by readers, showcasing the songs that continue to define his legend.
Suspicious Minds
By the time Elvis recorded “Suspicious Minds” just two years into his marriage with Priscilla, the relationship was reportedly facing challenges. Written by Mark James, the song’s themes of mistrust and relationship turmoil resonated deeply, perhaps reflecting Elvis’s own experiences. It’s clear he invested significant emotional weight into the performance. This powerful track became his first Number One single in seven years, marking a major comeback and becoming a staple, high-energy highlight of his live performances throughout the remainder of his career.
Elvis Presley performing Suspicious Minds live on stage in his iconic white jumpsuit
If I Can Dream
Recorded merely two months after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “If I Can Dream” stands as a poignant tribute to the civil rights leader and his message of hope. Elvis stepped into Western Recorders studio and delivered a performance filled with raw passion and conviction. Serving as the stirring finale to his landmark 1968 comeback special, the song captured a moment of national reflection and yearning. It climbed to Number 12 on the Hot 100 chart and is widely regarded today as one of the most powerful vocal performances of Elvis Presley’s entire career.
In the Ghetto
Emerging from a period dominated by movie soundtracks, Elvis Presley experienced a significant resurgence following his acclaimed 1968 comeback special. He channeled this renewed creative energy into recording “In the Ghetto,” a socially conscious narrative song penned by Mac Davis. The track tells a somber story about the cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity in America’s inner cities. Its thoughtful subject matter marked a departure from much of his earlier work, resonating with audiences and reaching Number Three on the charts, solidifying the King’s powerful return to musical relevance.
Close-up portrait of Elvis Presley during his late 1960s comeback era
Jailhouse Rock
Songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller crafted “Jailhouse Rock” specifically for Elvis’s 1957 film of the same name. The lyrics, including lines like “You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see/I sure would be delighted with your company,” carried suggestive undertones of inmate relationships that likely flew over the heads of many listeners at the time, and perhaps even Elvis himself. Regardless of lyrical interpretations, the song’s infectious energy and driving rock and roll beat propelled it to the top of the charts, displacing The Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” from the Number One spot.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
For fans attending Elvis concerts during his later years, the gentle opening chords of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” signaled the show’s imminent conclusion. Originally written for his 1961 movie Blue Hawaii, this dreamy ballad became the closing number for every single one of his concerts after his 1968 comeback. The sweet, heartfelt ode to surrendering to love provided the perfect, tender finale to his performances. Its enduring appeal is evident in the numerous covers recorded over the years by artists ranging from Bob Dylan and U2 to UB40, who scored a massive international hit with their reggae version in 1993.
Elvis Presley singing passionately into a microphone during a performance
Love Me Tender
Few artists have experienced a year as meteoric as Elvis Presley did in 1956. Hit single followed hit single, he faced massive crowds of adoring fans wherever he went, and his electrifying performances sparked nationwide controversy. Capping off this incredible year was “Love Me Tender,” a gentle ballad adapted by Ken Darby from the Civil War-era song “Aura Lee.” Elvis debuted the song on The Ed Sullivan Show shortly before his acting debut in the film of the same name, cementing its place as another Number One hit and a timeless classic in his repertoire.
Heartbreak Hotel
For countless Americans, “Heartbreak Hotel” served as their introduction to the phenomenon that was Elvis Presley in early 1956. While he had achieved regional fame previously, this single, recorded shortly after signing with major label RCA Records, catapulted him to national stardom. The moody, blues-infused track resonated powerfully, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks. Its success led to landmark television appearances, igniting an Elvis frenzy across the nation that, in many respects, continues to this day.
Young Elvis Presley posing for a promotional photo in the mid-1950s
An American Trilogy
Though the American Civil War had concluded over a century earlier, its legacy still echoed when Elvis began performing “An American Trilogy” in 1972. Arranged by country musician Mickey Newbury, the song masterfully weaves together three distinct melodies: the Southern anthem “Dixie,” the Union’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and the spiritual “All My Trials.” This ambitious medley aimed to bridge divides and foster a sense of national unity. In just over four minutes, Newbury created a powerful piece that became a regular and moving highlight of Elvis’s concerts during the final years of his life.
Kentucky Rain
Elvis Presley started the 1970s strong with the release of “Kentucky Rain” in January 1970. Written by Eddie Rabbitt and Dick Heard, this mournful ballad tells the story of a man searching for his lost love in the pouring rain. The song struck a chord with listeners, reaching Number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving gold status with over a million copies sold. Despite its success, “Kentucky Rain” only remained part of Elvis’s live concert setlist for a relatively brief period.
Elvis Presley performing on stage, captured mid-song in the 1970s
Mystery Train
Recorded months before Colonel Tom Parker brokered the deal moving Elvis from Sun Records to RCA for $40,000, “Mystery Train” captures the raw energy of his early career. This cover of a 1953 Junior Parker blues song was cut at the legendary Sun Studio, featuring Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and Johnny Bernero on drums. Elvis injected a faster tempo and his signature rockabilly style into the track. While it peaked at Number 11 on the Billboard Country Chart, its success was soon overshadowed by the massive impact of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Nevertheless, “Mystery Train” remains a beloved classic from Elvis’s Sun Records era.
This journey through the Elvis Presley Top 10 Hits, as selected by readers, underscores the incredible range and enduring power of his music. From the raw energy of his early rockabilly recordings to the polished ballads and socially conscious songs of his later career, Elvis Presley cemented his status as the undisputed King of Rock & Roll, leaving behind a catalog of music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His influence on popular music and culture remains undeniable.
