Nearly 50 years after his passing, Elvis Presley remains an unparalleled icon, forever holding the title of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His global fame endures, with millions annually making the pilgrimage to Graceland, his former home and resting place. As one of the best-selling solo musical artists in history, his influence spans generations. Today, streams of the biggest Elvis Presley Top 20 Songs and other hits number in the hundreds of millions, figures that continue to rise daily, testament to the timeless appeal of his music.
Elvis Presley’s Most Popular Songs
The voice and artistry that first captivated young audiences in the late 1950s have continued to resonate with new fans through every subsequent generation. Elvis’s extensive catalog of hit songs has only gained richer appreciation over time. We’ve curated a list of what we consider the top 20 Elvis Presley songs of all time. Given his vast musical output, such a list could theoretically be endless, but we’ve limited it to twenty for focus. Our selection criteria blended factors such as their historical significance in music and Elvis’s career, along with contemporary metrics like sales and streaming figures. Regardless of their specific rank on this list, each song retains the dynamic energy it possessed upon its initial release.
20. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
Many artists have recorded this moving ballad, including Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee. Elvis recorded his widely acclaimed version in 1972. Its release coincided with his separation from his wife, Priscilla, and it was featured on his album Separate Ways. This version by Elvis remains a firm favorite among music streamers today. elvis separate ways
19. “Amazing Grace” (1971)
Fellow musicians often recounted how much Elvis cherished informal, all-night gospel singing sessions in Nashville during the 1960s recording periods. The superstar officially recorded the classic hymn “Amazing Grace” in 1971 for his album He Touched Me. His powerful rendition continues to be a highly streamed track.
18. “Blue Christmas” (1957)
While other artists, notably country star Ernest Tubb, had recorded “Blue Christmas” before him, it is the version by Elvis that has become the definitive Christmas classic. It consistently features on holiday playlists every year. Elvis infused it with a distinctive bluesy feel, complemented by the exceptional backing vocals of the Jordanaires.
17. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
This track, recorded for the soundtrack of his second film Loving You, was a major success across the pop, country, and R&B charts. Following its release, Graceland received an unprecedented volume of teddy bears sent by adoring fans from all corners of the country, as everyone, it seemed, wanted Elvis to “be their teddy bear.”
16. “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
Upon its initial release, “Kentucky Rain” did not ascend the charts as rapidly or as high as many of his previous hits. However, it maintained its presence on the charts long enough to eventually achieve gold status. Elvis himself was fond of the song and enjoyed performing it live, making it a regular inclusion in his concert setlists. elvis presley singing kentucky rain
15. “All Shook Up” (1957)
Penned by the prolific songwriter Otis Blackwell, Elvis’s energetic version of “All Shook Up” soared to the top of the music charts in 1957. More than a decade later, Elvis revisited the song, incorporating it into a medley of his early career hits for his acclaimed NBC Comeback Special in 1968.
14. “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)
Although Carl Perkins wrote and originally recorded this rockabilly standard, it is the version by Elvis that is most widely remembered and celebrated. Elvis released his rendition in 1956, and it gained significant momentum after his dynamic performances on various television programs. Elvis later re-recorded the song for a memorable scene in the movie G.I. Blues.
13. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” (1963)
Elvis recorded this lively, fast-paced track in Nashville during a 1963 session. The song cleverly begins slowly, describing someone who “looks like an angel,” before accelerating into a rocking tempo as the realization hits that “you’re the devil in disguise!” It quickly climbed the charts upon release and remains a frequently streamed track today.
12. “How Great Thou Art” (1967)
Elvis, whose musical foundations were deeply rooted in gospel music, recorded this renowned hymn at Nashville’s RCA Studios in 1966. It served as the title track for his second gospel album and earned Elvis his first GRAMMY Award for Best Sacred Performance in 1968. His stirring and powerful delivery of the song often became a highlight of his live concert performances.
11. “Burning Love” (1972)
Elvis recorded this upbeat rock song at RCA’s Hollywood studio in 1972, shortly after his separation from Priscilla. At that time, Elvis was reportedly feeling melancholic and more inclined towards recording ballads and slower songs. He initially expressed little interest in tackling an energetic track like “Burning Love,” but those around him persuaded him. It would become his final major chart hit and grew into a tremendous fan favorite during his live shows.
10. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
Prior to hearing this song written by Mac Davis, Elvis had never recorded what might be termed a “message song” addressing social issues. Elvis recorded the track during a 1969 studio session in Memphis. It became a significant hit, celebrated for its poignant lyrics, and was an emotionally charged inclusion in his live performances. His daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, later recorded the song, blending her vocals with his original track for a posthumous father-daughter duet released in 2007.
9. “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
Recorded at American Sound Studio in Memphis, the lyrics of “Suspicious Minds” capture the tension and frustration within a relationship strained by doubt and mistrust. Brought vividly to life by Elvis’s emotive and dynamic vocals, this song was pivotal in revitalizing his career in the late 1960s. Elvis later increased the tempo when performing the song live, amplifying its dramatic effect. “Suspicious Minds” stands as a timeless classic and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
8. “Return to Sender” (1962)
This track was a last-minute addition to the soundtrack for the movie Girls! Girls! Girls!. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, heard it, recognized its potential, and pushed for its inclusion in the film. Following the song’s release, devoted fans would humorously send letters addressed to Elvis at made-up addresses, hoping they would be returned marked “Return to sender, address unknown,” mirroring the song’s lyrics.
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (1960)
Elvis recorded this classic ballad in Nashville during an all-night recording session, reportedly dimming the lights to create the appropriate mood. The song immediately shot to No. 1 upon its release and held that position for six weeks. It is one of seven iconic Elvis songs that have earned induction into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame.
6. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
Elvis recorded this tender ballad for the soundtrack of his debut film, also titled Love Me Tender. Since it was planned for the movie, it had not yet been released when he performed it during his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The overwhelming positive response to the slow, beautiful track generated over a million pre-orders, unprecedented at the time and overwhelming RCA Records. It became the first record in history to achieve gold status based solely on pre-release orders before even reaching stores. elvis famous songs list
Elvis Presley live on his 1968 Comeback Special show
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
This song marked Elvis’s very first No. 1 hit, arriving before any of his now-legendary performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. The track perfectly captured his unique sound, his electrifying stage presence, and foreshadowed the revolutionary impact he was about to have on rock and roll music. Elvis was performing “Heartbreak Hotel” for eager fans during his live shows across the country, and it instantly resonated with them. It has since been included on virtually every one of his compilation albums 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” on the B-side. Interestingly, “Hound Dog” reached No. 1 first, with “Don’t Be Cruel” quickly following suit. This was another early, fast-paced song ideally suited to the highly energetic performance style that characterized the young Elvis. The crowd reacted wildly when he performed it during his memorable first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
3. “Hound Dog” (1956)
While Elvis Presley already had a No. 1 hit with “Heartbreak Hotel,” it was arguably “Hound Dog” that truly captured the attention of music fans worldwide and ignited controversy. He had performed the song on television shows like the Milton Berle Show (which drew significant public outcry) and the Steve Allen show. However, it was a brief clip during his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956 (Sullivan was recovering from an injury and did not host that evening) that catapulted him to unparalleled superstar status. The History Channel has since ranked this specific appearance as one of the “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America.” “Hound Dog” was the inaugural song among the seven Elvis tracks that would later be inducted into the esteemed Grammy Hall of Fame in 1988.
2. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
This song, instantly recognizable from its iconic intro, served as the title track for the Elvis movie of the same name. The song hit No. 1 on the charts, and the film itself performed strongly at the box office. The famous, well-choreographed musical number in the movie depicted inmates enjoying the music so much that escape seemed unnecessary – they simply wanted to “rock.” Elvis himself contributed to some of the choreography for this memorable sequence. elvis guitar man 68 comeback
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
More than six decades after its debut, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remains one of Elvis’s most enduring and popular songs, solidifying its position at No. 1 on our list. With its tender lyrics promising steadfast love and devotion, the song continues to deeply resonate with music lovers across the globe and has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams. Elvis originally recorded the song for the film Blue Hawaii and later adopted it as his signature show closer for his live performances, a choice that consistently connected powerfully with the audience every time. elvis presley many great songs
Bottom Line
Elvis possessed a voice and a stage presence unlike anyone before or since, coupled with an extraordinary gift for selecting songs that showcased both. Musicians who worked with him recall how he would sift through stacks of demo tapes, rejecting song after song, until he discovered the ones that perfectly suited his unique style and vision. These Elvis Presley Top 20 Songs represent just a fraction of the immense musical catalog that forms his lasting legacy. They serve as undeniable proof that he was, indeed, the one and only King of Rock and Roll.
