Nearly 50 years after his passing, Elvis Presley undeniably remains the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Known globally simply as Elvis, millions make the pilgrimage to Graceland each year to visit his home and final resting place. He continues to stand as one of the best-selling solo artists of all time. Streams of his most popular tracks now number in the hundreds of millions, with figures growing daily. For fans seeking the definitive Elvis Presley Songs List Best Songs, this curated selection delves into the tracks that define his legendary career.
The voice and music that first captivated young audiences in the late 1950s have resonated with new generations ever since. His extensive catalog of hit songs has only gained more significance with time. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 Elvis Songs of All Time. While his vast musical library could arguably extend this list indefinitely, we’ve limited it to twenty. Our criteria blend historical impact, Elvis’s own history with the tracks, and current sales and streaming data. Regardless of the ranking, each song retains the dynamic energy it possessed upon its original release. Curious about where your favorites rank or looking to discover new ones from the list? Read on to explore the best of the King.
Exploring Elvis Presley’s Most Popular Songs
Delving into the extensive discography of the King of Rock and Roll reveals a treasure trove of musical gems. This section highlights some of his most enduring and beloved recordings, showcasing the breadth of his talent and influence across various genres. From heartfelt ballads to electrifying rock anthems, these songs represent the pinnacle of Elvis’s artistry. Exploring the elvis presley best songs list provides a comprehensive look at his chart-toppers and fan favorites.
20. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
This deeply emotional song has been recorded by numerous artists, including Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee. Elvis recorded his rendition in 1972. Its release followed his separation from his wife, Priscilla, and was included on his album Separate Ways. The Elvis version remains a firm favorite among music streamers today, highlighting its lasting appeal.
19. “Amazing Grace” (1971)
Fellow musicians often shared anecdotes about Elvis’s deep love for gospel music, recounting how he would frequently gather and sing gospel songs during all-night recording sessions in Nashville throughout the 1960s. The superstar recorded the iconic hymn “Amazing Grace” in 1971 for his album He Touched Me. His powerful rendition continues to be a streaming favorite, showcasing his profound connection to gospel roots.
18. “Blue Christmas” (1957)
While other artists, such as country star Ernest Tubb, had recorded “Blue Christmas” before him, it is undoubtedly the Elvis version that has become a quintessential holiday classic. It consistently reappears on festive playlists every year. Elvis infused it with a distinctive bluesy feel, complemented perfectly by the exceptional backing vocals of the Jordanaires.
17. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
Recorded for the soundtrack of his second film, Loving You, this song became a massive hit across multiple charts, including pop, country, and R&B. Following its release, Graceland received an overwhelming number of teddy bears from adoring fans nationwide, all seemingly wanting Elvis to literally “be their teddy bear.”
16. “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
Upon its initial release, “Kentucky Rain” didn’t climb the charts as quickly or as high as many of his other hits. However, its sustained presence on the charts eventually led it to achieve gold status. Elvis himself held a fondness for the song and particularly enjoyed performing it live, making it a regular and beloved staple in his concert setlists.
15. “All Shook Up” (1957)
Authored by the talented songwriter Otis Blackwell, Elvis’s rendition of “All Shook Up” soared to the top of the charts in 1957. Elvis revisited this classic more than a decade later, incorporating it into a medley of his early career hits for his memorable NBC Comeback Special in 1968, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Elvis Presley in a blue suede suit holding a guitar during a live performance.
14. “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)
Carl Perkins originally wrote and recorded this song, but it is Elvis’s powerful and widely exposed version that most people remember today. Elvis released his take in 1956, and it gained significant momentum after he performed it on several popular television shows. Later, Elvis re-recorded the song specifically for a scene in the film G.I. Blues.
13. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” (1963)
Elvis recorded this upbeat, fast-paced track in Nashville in 1963. The song cleverly begins slowly with lyrics describing someone who “look[s] like an angel,” before the tempo dramatically increases as the singer realizes “you’re the devil in disguise!” It quickly became a chart success upon its release and continues to be streamed frequently today, appreciated for its playful energy.
12. “How Great Thou Art” (1967)
With his deep musical roots firmly planted in Gospel, Elvis recorded this profound 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 and powerful live rendition of the song became a consistent highlight and emotional peak during his concerts.
11. “Burning Love” (1972)
Elvis recorded this energetic song at RCA’s studio in Hollywood in 1972, shortly after his separation from Priscilla. At that time, Elvis was reportedly feeling down and more inclined to listen to and record ballads and slower songs. He wasn’t initially enthusiastic about tackling an upbeat rock song like “Burning Love,” but those around him persuaded him to record it. It would prove to be his last major chart hit and quickly became a fan favorite during his live performances, showcasing his ability to still rock.
10. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
Elvis had previously never recorded what could be termed a “message song” until he heard this poignant track written by Mac Davis. Elvis recorded the song during a 1969 studio session in Memphis, and it became a significant hit, as well as an emotionally resonant moment during his live shows. His daughter, Lisa Marie, later recorded her own vocals which were mixed with his for a moving 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 frustration and uncertainty within a relationship strained by doubt and mistrust. Brought to life by Elvis’s incredibly emotive and dynamic vocals, the song was pivotal in revitalizing his career in the late 1960s. Elvis later increased the tempo and intensity of the song when performing it live, making it an explosive concert highlight. “Suspicious Minds” remains a timeless classic and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
8. “Return to Sender” (1962)
This catchy tune was a last-minute addition to the soundtrack for the movie Girls! Girls! Girls! His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, reportedly heard the song, recognized its potential, and pushed to have it included in the film. Following the song’s release, an interesting phenomenon occurred: fans would deliberately send letters to Elvis using fictitious or incorrect addresses solely to have the letters returned and marked with the iconic stamp, “Return to sender, address unknown,” mimicking the song’s theme.
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (1960)
Elvis recorded this classic ballad in Nashville during an all-night recording session. To create the perfect melancholic atmosphere, he famously had the studio lights dimmed low. The song immediately soared to No. 1 upon its release and held that top spot for six consecutive weeks. It stands as one of seven Elvis Presley songs that have been inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring cultural and historical significance. Want to see a complete list of his iconic tracks? Check out the elvis presley best songs ranked.
6. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
He recorded this tender ballad for the soundtrack of his debut film, Love Me Tender. Because it was slated for inclusion in the movie, the song hadn’t been released commercially when he performed it during his groundbreaking first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The public’s reaction to the slow, beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics was so overwhelmingly positive that it generated over one million pre-orders, catching RCA Records completely off guard. It became the first record in history to achieve gold status before it even arrived in stores.
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
This song marked Elvis’s very first No. 1 hit, predating any of his now-legendary performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. “Heartbreak Hotel” perfectly captured his emerging sound, his raw and electrifying energy, and signaled the revolutionary impact he was about to have on rock and roll music. Elvis was already sharing the song with ecstatic fans during his live shows across the country, where it was immensely popular. Its status as a foundational hit has ensured its inclusion on almost every one of his compilation albums throughout the decades.
4. “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
Recorded at RCA studios in New York City, this song was originally released as the A-side single, with “Hound Dog” featured on the B-side. Interestingly, “Hound Dog” reached the No. 1 spot first, but “Don’t Be Cruel” quickly followed suit, also hitting the top position. This track was another early, up-tempo hit perfectly suited to the highly energetic and charismatic Elvis. The audience famously erupted with excitement when he performed it during his initial appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, solidifying its place as a classic.
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 attention of music fans worldwide and solidified his image as a rebellious force. He had performed the song on television previously, first on the Milton Berle Show (which stirred considerable controversy from concerned citizens) and later on the Steve Allen show. However, it was his brief but explosive appearance singing “Hound Dog” during his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show that truly launched him into superstar status. (Sullivan himself was recovering from a car accident and did not host that specific evening). The History Channel has since ranked his September 9, 1956 performance 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, achieving this honor in 1988.
2. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
This iconic song, instantly recognizable from its famous intro, served as the title track for the Elvis movie of the same name. The song quickly reached the No. 1 position on the charts, and the accompanying film also performed strongly at the box office. The movie features a well-choreographed musical number set in a jailhouse, depicting inmates enjoying the music so much that escape seems unnecessary; their sole desire is simply to “rock.” Elvis himself contributed to some of the choreography for this memorable scene. Looking for other deep cuts? You might be interested in the list of songs written by elvis presley.
1. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)
More than six decades after its initial release, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” continues to resonate deeply and remains one of Elvis Presley’s all-time most popular and beloved songs, earning its spot at No. 1 on this list. With its timeless lyrics expressing unwavering love and devotion, it continues to connect with music listeners around the globe and has been streamed hundreds of millions of times across various platforms. Elvis originally recorded this enduring ballad for the film Blue Hawaii and later adopted it as his signature show-closer for his live performances. The song consistently connected with the audience, providing a perfect, heartfelt conclusion to his concerts. For fans of his later work or specific releases, exploring options like the elvis presley that’s the way it is deluxe edition can offer deeper insights into his recording career.
Bottom Line
Elvis possessed a vocal talent and stage presence utterly unique and unmatched before or since. Beyond his performance abilities, he also had an exceptional gift for selecting songs that perfectly showcased both. Musicians who worked with him recall how he would meticulously go through stacks of demo recordings, discarding track after track, until he found those select few that truly resonated with him and suited his distinct style and voice.
This list of the Top 20 Elvis Songs of All Time represents just a small sample of the vast and rich musical catalog that constitutes his enduring legacy. It serves as powerful proof that he was, without a doubt, the King of Rock and Roll, whose influence continues to shape the music world today. For those exploring his diverse output, even holiday tracks like elvis presley o holy night reveal the depth and range of his talent.
