Nearly 50 years after his passing, Elvis Presley undeniably remains the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Known globally simply as Elvis, his enduring appeal draws millions annually to Graceland, his iconic home and final resting place. He continues to be celebrated as one of history’s best-selling solo recording artists. The popularity of elvis’s biggest hits is timeless, with streams totaling in the hundreds of millions and growing daily among new generations of fans discovering his legendary sound.
Elvis Presley delivers a dynamic performance during his iconic 1968 Comeback Special, showcasing his enduring musical hits.
The distinctive voice and electrifying music that first captivated young audiences in the late 1950s have successfully charmed fans in every subsequent generation. As time goes on, his extensive catalog of greatest hits only seems to become richer and more appreciated. We have compiled a list of what are considered the Top 20 Elvis songs of all time. Given his vast musical library, this list could realistically extend much further, but we’ve focused on twenty key tracks. Our selection criteria included a blend of each song’s place in music history, its impact on Elvis’s career trajectory, and its contemporary performance in terms of sales and streaming figures. Regardless of their ranking on this list, each song retains the dynamic energy and emotional resonance it had upon its initial release, proving why these are truly elvis presley songs list best songs.
Ranking Elvis Presley’s Most Iconic and Biggest Hits
20. “Always On My Mind” (1972)
This deeply moving song has been recorded by numerous acclaimed artists, including Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee. Elvis recorded his poignant rendition in 1972, shortly after his separation from his wife, Priscilla. The track was featured on his album Separate Ways. Elvis’s version maintains significant popularity and remains a frequently streamed favorite among listeners today.
19. “Amazing Grace” (1971)
Stories abound from fellow musicians detailing Elvis’s deep affection for gospel music and his enjoyment of singing gospel songs during marathon, all-night recording sessions in Nashville throughout the 1960s. The global superstar officially recorded “Amazing Grace” in 1971, including it on his cherished He Touched Me album. This particular gospel recording continues to be a highly streamed track, reflecting his profound connection to the genre.
18. “Blue Christmas” (1957)
While other notable artists, such as country music icon Ernest Tubb, had recorded “Blue Christmas” prior to Elvis, it is unquestionably the Elvis Presley version that has solidified its status as a quintessential Christmas classic. It consistently appears on holiday playlists annually and continues to resonate with listeners during the festive season. Elvis infused it with a distinctive, slightly bluesy feel, beautifully complemented by the exceptional backup vocals of the Jordanaires.
17. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” (1957)
Recorded specifically for the soundtrack of his second feature film, Loving You, this song quickly ascended the charts, becoming a major hit not only on the pop charts but also experiencing considerable success on both the country and R&B charts. Following its release, the song sparked an unusual but heartwarming phenomenon: an influx of teddy bears sent to Graceland by adoring fans from across the nation, all seemingly wishing for Elvis to indeed “be their teddy bear.”
16. “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
Upon its initial release, “Kentucky Rain” may not have climbed the charts as rapidly or reached the peak positions as quickly as some of his other major hits. However, it demonstrated remarkable staying power, remaining on the charts for a sufficient duration to eventually achieve Gold certification. Elvis himself had a genuine fondness for the song and particularly enjoyed performing it live, which led to it becoming a regular and anticipated staple in his concert setlists.
15. “All Shook Up” (1957)
Masterfully penned by the prolific songwriter Otis Blackwell, Elvis’s version of “All Shook Up” became an instant sensation, rocketing to the top of the charts in 1957. The enduring appeal of the song was further cemented over a decade later when Elvis resurrected it, incorporating it into a medley of his early careerdefining hits for his critically acclaimed NBC Comeback Special in 1968.
14. “Blue Suede Shoes” (1956)
Originally written and recorded by the talented Carl Perkins, it is unequivocally the Elvis Presley version of “Blue Suede Shoes” that remains lodged in collective memory. Elvis released his dynamic recording in 1956, and the song gained significant momentum and widespread recognition after he delivered electrifying performances on several prominent national television programs. Elvis later re-recorded the track for a memorable scene featured in the film G.I. Blues.
13. “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise” (1963)
Elvis recorded this fun, uptempo, and catchy track in Nashville during a 1963 recording session. The song cleverly begins with a slow, almost ballad-like description of someone who “look like an angel,” only to dramatically pick up tempo and transition into a full-blown rock and roll sound as the singer discovers, “you’re the devil in disguise!” It quickly soared up the charts upon its release and continues to be streamed with notable frequency even today.
12. “How Great Thou Art” (1967)
Reflecting his deep musical roots in gospel, Elvis recorded this powerful hymn at Nashville’s RCA Studios in 1966. The track served as the title song for his second critically acclaimed Gospel album. Notably, his rousing and heartfelt rendition of this spiritual classic would go on to earn Elvis his very first GRAMMY Award in 1968, winning in the category of Best Sacred Performance. The song became a major highlight and emotional centerpiece during his live performances.
11. “Burning Love” (1972)
Elvis recorded this high-energy rock song at RCA’s studio in Hollywood in 1972, relatively soon after his separation from Priscilla. At this particular time, Elvis was reportedly feeling introspective and perhaps more inclined towards recording ballads and slower tempo songs. Consequently, he was initially less enthusiastic about tackling an upbeat track like “Burning Love.” However, those around him successfully persuaded him of its potential. It would prove to be his last significant pop hit during his lifetime and became a dynamic fan favorite during his concert performances, embodying the energy seen in elvis an american trilogy show.
10. “In the Ghetto” (1969)
Prior to hearing this compelling composition penned by Mac Davis, Elvis had not typically recorded songs considered to be “message songs” addressing social issues. Elvis recorded the song during a landmark 1969 studio session held in Memphis. It rapidly became a commercial hit and simultaneously stood out as a particularly emotional and impactful favorite during his live shows. Decades later, in 2007, his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, recorded the song, and her vocals were mixed with her father’s original recording to create a poignant posthumous father-daughter duet.
9. “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
Recorded at the renowned American Sound Studio in Memphis, the lyrics of “Suspicious Minds” eloquently capture the frustration and instability of a relationship struggling under the weight of doubt and mistrust. Brought vividly to life by Elvis’s incredibly emotive and powerful vocals, the song was profoundly instrumental in revitalizing and boosting his career momentum in the late 1960s. Elvis later adapted the song for his live performances, often ramping up the tempo to match his stage energy. “Suspicious Minds” stands as a timeless classic, universally recognized and beloved, and was formally inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Its performance is a key moment in the discover the legendary story that’s the way it is elvis presley full movie.
8. “Return to Sender” (1962)
This catchy tune was almost a last-minute addition to the soundtrack for the movie Girls! Girls! Girls! According to accounts, Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, heard the song, recognized its potential, and actively pushed for its inclusion in the film. Following the song’s release, it inspired a peculiar trend among dedicated fans: they would intentionally send letters to Elvis using entirely fictional or made-up addresses simply in the hope that the letters would be returned to them bearing the official postal marking, “Return to sender, address unknown.”
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” (1960)
Elvis recorded this classic ballad in Nashville during a memorable all-night recording session. To help create the appropriate mood and emotional atmosphere for the song, he reportedly had the studio lights dimmed significantly. Upon its release, the song immediately shot to the number one position on the charts and maintained that top spot for an impressive six consecutive weeks. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” is rightfully recognized as one of seven distinct Elvis Presley songs that have been officially inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to the artistry captured by elvis presley these hands.
6. “Love Me Tender” (1956)
He recorded this tender ballad specifically for the soundtrack of his very first feature film, which was eponymously titled Love Me Tender. Since its release was planned to coincide with the movie, the song had not yet been commercially available when he performed it during his groundbreaking first appearance on the iconic Ed Sullivan Show. The audience response to the slow, heartfelt, and beautiful ballad was overwhelmingly strong, generating more than one million pre-orders, a staggering number at the time that genuinely overwhelmed RCA Records. This immense demand before even hitting store shelves made it the first record in history to achieve Gold status based purely on pre-orders. A glimpse into the performance aspects around this era can be seen in that’s the way it is elvis presley full movie.
5. “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
This monumental track holds the distinction of being Elvis Presley’s very first national number one hit, achieving this milestone even before any of his now-legendary and iconic performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. The song perfectly captured his distinctive sound, his undeniably electrifying energy, and effectively paved the way for the revolutionary impact he was about to have on the landscape of rock and roll music. Elvis enthusiastically shared the song with audiences during his live performances across the country, where it was met with instant and fervent adoration. Its foundational status in his discography has ensured its inclusion on virtually all of his compilation and greatest hits albums throughout the years.
4. “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
This incredibly dynamic song, recorded at RCA studios in New York City, was initially released as the A-side single, with the equally famous “Hound Dog” appearing on the B-side. Interestingly, “Hound Dog” reached the number one spot slightly before “Don’t Be Cruel,” but the latter quickly followed suit, also climbing to the top of the charts. This was another early, fast-paced hit perfectly suited to the young, highly energetic Elvis Presley. The crowd famously reacted with wild enthusiasm when he performed it during his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, cementing its place as one of elvis’s biggest hits.
3. “Hound Dog” (1956)
Elvis Presley had already secured his first number one hit with “Heartbreak Hotel,” but it was the raw energy and cultural impact of “Hound Dog” that truly captured the attention of music fans around the world and generated significant buzz. He had performed the song on national television multiple times, first on the Milton Berle Show (a performance that sparked considerable public outcry from concerned citizens regarding its provocative nature), and then on the Steve Allen show. However, it was the short, explosive clip of his performance during his highly anticipated first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show that catapulted him into unprecedented superstar status. (Notably, Ed Sullivan himself was recovering from a car accident and did not host that particular evening). The History Channel has since ranked his September 9, 1956 appearance as one of the “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America.” “Hound Dog” was historically the first of seven total Elvis Presley songs to be officially inducted into the prestigious Grammy Hall of Fame, receiving this honor in 1988.
2. “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
This iconic song, instantly recognizable from its distinct and memorable intro, served as the title track for the Elvis Presley movie bearing the same name. Not only did the song reach the highly coveted number one position on the music charts, but the film itself also performed strongly at the box office. The movie’s signature musical number, featuring the song, is renowned for its energetic and well-choreographed sequence depicting prison inmates seemingly enjoying the music so much that the thought of escape becomes irrelevant – they simply wanted to “rock.” Elvis Presley himself reportedly contributed to some of the choreography for this famous scene.
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 stands as one of Elvis Presley’s all-time most popular and beloved songs, earning it the number one spot on our list. With its tender lyrics promising unwavering love and eternal devotion, the song maintains a powerful connection with music fans across the globe and has accumulated hundreds of millions of streams, a testament to its lasting emotional impact. Elvis originally recorded this classic for the soundtrack of his film Blue Hawaii and later adopted it as a poignant and much-anticipated show closer for his live concert performances. It consistently connected with and captivated the audience every single time.
Bottom Line
Elvis Presley possessed a combination of vocal talent and stage presence that was utterly unique, unlike anyone before him or since. This was paired with an exceptional gift for selecting songs that perfectly showcased both abilities. Musicians who worked with him often recall his process of meticulously going through stacks of demo recordings, carefully discarding song after song, until he discovered those rare gems that genuinely suited his distinctive style and emotional delivery best.
These Top 20 elvis’s biggest hits represent just a snapshot of the vast and rich music catalog that comprises his monumental musical legacy. They serve as undeniable proof that he was, and forever will remain, truly the King of Rock and Roll.
