Nearly 50 years after his passing, Elvis Presley remains an icon, forever known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His influence spans generations, with millions still visiting Graceland and his music continuing to reach new listeners through streaming. Discovering the most influential and loved tracks can be a journey. To guide you, we’ve compiled an elvis famous songs list, delving into the songs that define his unparalleled career and continue to resonate across the globe. This selection highlights the enduring power of his voice and musical artistry.
The Enduring Power of Elvis Presley’s Top Hits
The voice and music that first captivated young fans in the late 1950s have successfully appealed to new audiences across every subsequent generation. Elvis Presley’s extensive list of greatest hits has only seemed to grow richer with time. We have compiled a list of the Top 20 Elvis Songs of All Time, aiming to capture the essence of his vast musical library. While such a list could arguably extend indefinitely, we’ve capped it at twenty to present Elvis Presley’s top 20 hits based on a mix of criteria, including their historical significance in music, their place in Elvis’s career, and their performance in sales and streaming today. Regardless of their position on this ranking, each song retains the dynamic energy it possessed upon its initial release.
20. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
A widely covered song by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley recorded his poignant rendition in 1972. Its release followed his separation from his wife, Priscilla, and it was featured on his album Separate Ways. The Elvis version continues to be a significant favorite among streamers worldwide.
19. “Amazing Grace” (1971)
Fellow musicians often recounted stories of Elvis’s deep love for gospel music, frequently joining spontaneous all-night gospel singing sessions during recording periods in Nashville in the 1960s. The superstar recorded this beloved hymn in 1971 for his album He Touched Me. His powerful and heartfelt take on “Amazing Grace” remains a popular choice for streaming.
18. “Blue Christmas” (1957)
While other artists, notably country star Ernest Tubb, had recorded “Blue Christmas” prior to Elvis, it is undeniably the Elvis version that has cemented its status as a timeless Christmas classic. It consistently reappears on holiday playlists year after year. Elvis infused the song with a distinct bluesy feel, complemented by the exceptional back-up vocals from the Jordanaires.
17. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
Recorded as part of the soundtrack for his second motion picture, Loving You, this song achieved significant success, hitting high on the pop charts as well as the country and R&B charts. Following its release, it sparked an influx of teddy bears being sent to Graceland from devoted fans nationwide, all expressing their desire for Elvis to indeed “be their teddy bear.”
16. “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
Upon its initial release, “Kentucky Rain” didn’t ascend the charts as rapidly or reach the peak of many of his prior hits. However, its persistence on the charts over time eventually led it to achieve gold certification. Elvis himself held affection for the song and enjoyed performing it live, leading it to become a consistent staple in his concert repertoire.
15. “All Shook Up” (1957)
Penned by talented songwriter Otis Blackwell, Elvis’s rendition of “All Shook Up” quickly soared to the top of the music charts in 1957. Elvis revisited this classic more than a decade later, incorporating it into a medley of his early career hits during his acclaimed NBC Comeback Special in 1968, showcasing its enduring energy.
14. “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)
Although Carl Perkins wrote and originally recorded this rock and roll standard, it is most commonly Elvis Presley’s version that resonates with audiences today. Elvis released his recording in 1956, and it gained considerable momentum after he delivered electrifying performances of the song on several television programs. Elvis later re-recorded the track for a scene featured in his film G.I. Blues.
13. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” 1963
Elvis recorded this upbeat, playful track in Nashville during a 1963 session. The song begins with a slower tempo, describing someone who “look[s] like an angel,” before accelerating into a rocking pace as the realization hits: “you’re the devil in disguise!” It rapidly climbed the charts upon its release and remains a frequently streamed song in the present day.
12. “How Great Thou Art” (1967)
Deeply rooted in gospel music from his youth, Elvis recorded this powerful hymn at Nashville’s RCA Studios in 1966. It served as the title track for his second Gospel album and ultimately earned Elvis his first GRAMMY Award for Best Sacred Performance in 1968. His stirring performance of the song became a renowned high point during his subsequent live concerts.
11. “Burning Love” (1972)
Elvis recorded “Burning Love” at RCA’s Hollywood studio in 1972, shortly after his separation from Priscilla. During this period, Elvis was reportedly feeling downcast and more inclined towards listening to ballads. He initially lacked enthusiasm for recording an energetic song like “Burning Love,” but those around him persuaded him to do so. It would become one of Elvis’s biggest hits and a fan favorite during his live performances.
10. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
Prior to hearing this impactful song written by Mac Davis, Elvis had not recorded what would be considered a “message song.” Elvis recorded the track during a 1969 studio session held in Memphis. It became a significant hit and evolved into an emotionally resonant centerpiece of his live shows. His daughter, Lisa Marie, later recorded her own vocals which were mixed with his for a poignant posthumous father-daughter duet released in 2007.
9. “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
Recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, the lyrics of “Suspicious Minds” explore the tension of a relationship strained by doubt and mistrust. Brought to life by Elvis’s deeply emotive vocals, this song was crucial in revitalizing his career momentum in the late 1960s. Elvis later intensified the tempo of the song when performing it live on stage. “Suspicious Minds” endures as a timeless favorite and was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
8. “Return to Sender” (1962)
This song was a last-minute addition to the soundtrack for the movie Girls! Girls! Girls! Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, heard it, was impressed, and strongly advocated for its inclusion in the film. Following the song’s release, a unique phenomenon occurred: fans began sending letters to Elvis addressed to fictional or made-up locations simply to have the letters returned to them stamped with the iconic phrase “Return to sender, address unknown.”
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (1960)
Elvis recorded this melancholic ballad in Nashville during an all-night recording session. He famously dimmed the lights in the studio to help set the appropriate mood for the song. Upon its release, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” immediately shot to the No. 1 spot on the charts and remained there for an impressive six weeks. It stands as one of seven Elvis songs that have been recognized for their lasting cultural significance through induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
6. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
He recorded this tender ballad for the soundtrack of his first movie, also titled Love Me Tender. Because it was slated for the film, the song had not yet been commercially released when he performed it during his groundbreaking first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The overwhelming positive response to the slow, beautiful ballad was so powerful that it generated over one million pre-orders, unprecedented at the time and completely overwhelming RCA Records. It earned the distinction of being the first record in history to be certified gold before it even arrived in stores.
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
This song marked Elvis Presley’s very first No. 1 hit, preceding any of his now-iconic performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. “Heartbreak Hotel” brilliantly captured his raw sound, his electrifying stage energy, and unmistakably paved the way for the seismic shift he was about to bring to the world of rock and roll. Elvis was already sharing the song with enthusiastic fans during his live shows across the country, and they instantly adored it. Its enduring popularity has ensured its inclusion on nearly every one of his compilation albums released throughout the years.
4. “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
Recorded at RCA studios in New York City, this song was initially released as the A-side single, with “Hound Dog” appearing on the B-side. Unexpectedly, “Hound Dog” reached the No. 1 position first, but “Don’t Be Cruel” quickly followed suit, also hitting the top spot. This was another early, fast-paced track perfectly suited to the highly energetic performance style that defined the young Elvis. The studio audience famously reacted with wild enthusiasm when he performed it during his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Elvis Presley performing his classic hits during the 1968 Comeback Special
3. “Hound Dog” (1956)
While Elvis Presley had already secured his first No. 1 hit with “Heartbreak Hotel,” it was arguably “Hound Dog” that truly captured the widespread attention of music fans globally. He had performed the song on television multiple times, first on the Milton Berle Show (which sparked considerable controversy) and later on the Steve Allen show. However, it was a short clip during his debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show that undeniably propelled him into superstar status (Ed Sullivan himself was recovering from a car accident and did not host that particular evening). The History Channel has since ranked this September 9, 1956 appearance as one of the “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America.” “Hound Dog” holds the distinction of being the first of seven Elvis songs to be inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon it in 1988.
2. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
This song, instantly recognizable from its iconic introduction, served as the title track for the Elvis motion picture of the same name. The single reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the music charts, and the accompanying film also performed strongly at the box office. The memorable musical number in the movie featured well-choreographed sequences showing inmates so engrossed in the music and dancing that escape became irrelevant – they simply wanted to “rock.” Elvis Presley himself contributed to some of the choreography for this famous scene.
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
More than six decades following its initial release, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” continues to be recognized as Elvis Presley’s most famous song and is consistently listed among his all-time most popular tracks, placing it at No. 1. With its heartfelt lyrics expressing themes of enduring love and unwavering devotion, it continues to resonate deeply with music fans across the globe and has been streamed hundreds of millions of times. Elvis originally recorded his most famous song for the soundtrack of his film Blue Hawaii and later adopted it as a poignant and memorable show closer for his live concert performances. It consistently connected emotionally with the audience every time he sang it.
Bottom Line
Elvis Presley possessed a voice and stage presence unmatched in music history. His talent extended to selecting songs that perfectly showcased his unique abilities, as musicians who worked with him recall his meticulous process of sifting through stacks of demo tapes until he found the ones that best suited his voice and style. Sifting through his extensive discography reveals the sheer depth and impact of his work, evident in the hundreds of millions of streams his songs continue to garner worldwide. This list of Elvis Top Hits only scratches the surface of a musical legacy that firmly establishes him as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, whose influence continues to inspire and entertain across generations.
