Nicknamed the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley left an indelible mark on popular culture that endures to this day and was an iconic figure in his era of music before his death on Aug. 16, 1977.
To honor him, 24/7 Tempo identified his most popular songs, based on album sales and Billboard performance. Many of these songs were released during his hot streak in the late 1950s. However, some of his most beloved recordings came out as late as the 1970s – a testament to his staying power as an artist.
10. “Stuck On You”
Release date: March 1, 1960
Certified copies: 1 million
“Stuck On You” was the first single released by Elvis upon returning to the U.S. after his time abroad in the Army. Elvis was so popular that RCA reportedly printed 1.4 million record sleeves for the release before the music was even recorded. The song hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks.
9. “Return To Sender”
Release date: Oct. 20, 1962
Certified copies: 1 million
Elvis recorded “Return to Sender” for his 1962 film “Girls! Girls! Girls!” The song spent 16 weeks on the Hot 100, peaking in the No. 2 position.
8. “It’s Now Or Never”
Release date: July 18, 1960
Certified copies: 1 million
Songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold borrowed the melody from the Italian song “O Sole Mio” for this 1960 hit. Elvis reportedly recorded the vocally challenging track in a single take. The song hit No. 1 on the Hot 100, where it stayed for five weeks.
7. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Release date: Nov. 14, 1960
Certified copies: 2 million
This romantic ballad hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 and stayed there for six weeks. The song was recorded following Elvis’s stint in the Army at the suggestion of his manager Col. Tom Parker. The track was reportedly a favorite of Parker’s wife.
6. “Heartbreak Hotel”
Release date: Jan. 1, 1956
Certified copies: 2 million
“Heartbreak Hotel” was Elvis’s first nationwide hit. Fans who have credited it with having life-changing effects include John Lennon, Keith Richards, and Elton John.
5. “All Shook Up”
Release date: March 1, 1957
Certified copies: 2 million
Songwriter Otis Blackwell, who also wrote “Don’t Be Cruel,” authored Elvis’s 1957 hit “All Shook Up.” According to Elvis authority Ernst Jorgensen, the song’s beat is the sound of the singer drumming on the back of a guitar.
4. “Teddy Bear”
Release date: June 1, 1957
Certified copies: 2 million
“(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” is often omitted from lists of Elvis’ greatest songs, yet it is one of his most commercially successful. The song was included on the soundtrack of his second movie – “Loving You” – and is one of four singles by the artist to be certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
3. “Jailhouse Rock”
Release date: Sept. 1, 1957
Certified copies: 2 million
“Jailhouse Rock” was penned by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the ’50s for Elvis’s upcoming movie, then titled “The Hard Way.” Following RCA’s decision to release the song as a single, the movie was retitled to “Jailhouse Rock,” and both were scheduled to be released on the same day.
2. “Love Me Tender”
Release date: Aug. 1, 1956
Certified copies: 3 million
The ballad “Love Me Tender” was performed by Elvis for his first movie, which went by the same name. The song borrows the tune from “Aura Lee” – a song which gained popularity during the Civil War – and features lyrics by Ken Darby, who was the music director for the film. Elvis’s recorded performance of the song was reportedly accomplished in two takes.
1. “Hound Dog”
Release date: July 1, 1956
Certified copies: 4 million
The King’s scandalous performance of “Hound Dog” on “The Milton Berle Show” in June 1956 is among his most iconic moments. Complete with hips swinging, the appearance cemented his status as a national sensation. The song is his best selling single in the United States.
