Love Me Tender (song)
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| "Love Me Tender" | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Single by Elvis Presley | ||
| B-side(s) | "Any Way You Want Me" | |
| Released | September 1956 | |
| Format | 7" single | |
| Recorded | August 24, 1956 | |
| Length | 2:41 | |
| Label | RCA Records | |
| Writer(s) | Vera Matson, Elvis Presley (credited); George R. Poulton, Ken Darby (uncredited) | |
| Producer(s) | Ernie Oelhrich, Thorne Norgar | |
| Chart positions | ||
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| Elvis Presley singles chronology | ||
| "Shake, Rattle and Roll" (1956) |
"Love Me Tender" (1956) |
"Too Much" (1957) |
| "Love Me Tender" | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Single by Richard Chamberlain | ||
| from the album Richard Chamberlain Sings | ||
| B-side(s) | "All I Do Is Dream of You" | |
| Released | 1962 | |
| Format | 7" single | |
| Label | MGM Records | |
| Writer(s) | Vera Matson, Elvis Presley | |
| Chart positions | ||
| Richard Chamberlain singles chronology | ||
| "Theme From Dr. Kildare (Three Stars Will Shine Tonight)" (1962) |
"Love Me Tender" (1962) |
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" / "Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo" (1963) |
"Love Me Tender" is a song sung by Elvis Presley, to the tune of "Aura Lee" (or "Aura Lea"), a sentimental Civil War ballad with music by George R. Poulton and words by W.W. Fosdick. "Aura Lee" was published in 1861 and this Civil War song later became popular with college glee clubs and barbershop quartets. It was also sung at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Presley originally performed it in the 1956 movie Love Me Tender.
The song is credited to Presley and Vera Matson due to royalty issues, but the lyric was written by Ken Darby (her husband). He also arranged the Civil War tune. When asked why he credited his wife along with Presley, Darby responded, "Because she didn't write it either." Darby also wrote the other three songs in Love Me Tender and it has been said that Elvis didn't like any of these songs, except the title tune.
[edit] Elvis Presley Recording
The song hit #1 on the Billboard charts the week ending November 3, 1956, remaining in the position for 5 weeks. It was also an achievement as "Love Me Tender" succeeded another Presley single, "Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel" at #1. This occurrence marked two important events in Billboard history. It was the first time an artist had occupied the Top 2 positions of the Hot 100, and more importantly, it was the first time an artist had replaced themselves at #1.* During this time, Elvis accomplished another record at the time; the longest consecutive stay at number one by a single artist, sixteen weeks, though this was tied by Boyz II Men in 1994 and stood for forty-eight years until being surpassed by R&B singer Usher in 2004 who spent 19 weeks at the top of the charts.
This version was ranked #437 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
- The Hot 100 was established in 1956. Prior to that time Billboard listed the Top 20 singles. In 1949, Frankie Laine was the first artist to occupy the Top 2 positions on Billboard's Top 20 chart, and the first artist to replace himself at number one when Mule Train knocked That Lucky Old Sun out of the top spot.
[edit] Other Recordings
- Richard Chamberlain had a hit with his version when it was released as a single in 1962.
- Also in 1962, The Lettermen released the song as a track on their album Jim, Tony, and Bob.
- Norah Jones covered the song with Adam Levy for the 2004 movie, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
- Scatman John released a version on the B-side of his 1996 single "Su Su Su Super Kirei".
- Frank Sinatra covered the song for his Trilogy: Past Present Future album in 1980.
- It was also covered by Mocedades.
- Mick Ronson recorded a version for his 1974 album Slaughter on Tenth Avenue.
| Preceded by: Don't Be Cruel |
Cash Box magazine best selling record chart #1 record October 27, 1956–November 24, 1956 |
Succeeded by: Singing the Blues |
