Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, is renowned for his iconic voice, snarling lip, and magnetic stage presence. While he penned a few of his own tunes, he predominantly performed songs written for him or ones he had a profound affection for.
This unique ability allowed him to cover a diverse range of songs, surprising many with his powerful renditions. Let’s explore seven lesser-known songs that Elvis Presley covered and made his own.
1. “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson, a legend among songwriters, crafted the heartfelt ballad “Always On My Mind.” Elvis Presley’s rendition of this song tugs at the heartstrings with its swelling emotions and remorseful expressions of love. The Outlaw Cowboy originally penned this touching piece, and Elvis added his own magic, making it an unforgettable classic.
2. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Paul Simon
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a timeless masterpiece written by the legendary Paul Simon. Elvis Presley’s powerful and emotive voice gave this song a unique touch, perfectly capturing the feelings of triumph and sadness simultaneously. His rendition showcased his versatility in handling delicate and intricate songs.
3. “Run On (God’s Gonna Cut You Down)” by Johnny Cash
Elvis Presley masterfully covered “Run On (God’s Gonna Cut You Down),” a song that gained fame through Johnny Cash’s American Recordings series. However, this powerful track has its roots as a traditional American folk song, initially recorded by the Heavenly Gospel Singers in 1937. Elvis’ rendition of this captivating song proved his ability to infuse timeless classics with his distinct style.
4. “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino
“Blueberry Hill” is a beloved classic by Fats Domino, and Elvis Presley breathed new life into this joyous and nostalgic tune. His energetic delivery and charisma brought a fresh perspective to the song, making it a must-listen for fans of both Elvis and the original.
5. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
The hauntingly beautiful “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers received a soul-stirring rendition from Elvis Presley. His voice conveyed a sense of longing and passion, adding a unique layer of depth to an already emotionally charged song.
6. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s iconic anthem “My Way” found its way into Elvis Presley’s repertoire, and he performed it with unmatched charisma and style. While Sinatra’s version remains legendary, Elvis brought his own flavor to the song, making it a memorable part of his live performances.
7. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” is an undisputed classic, and Elvis Presley took on the challenge of covering this iconic track. Though distinct from the Beatles’ original, Elvis’ rendition captured the essence of the song and showcased his ability to make it uniquely his own.
These lesser-known covers by Elvis Presley serve as a testament to his incredible talent and versatility as an artist. Each rendition stands as a heartfelt homage to the original artists while bearing Elvis’ signature style.
8. “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles
Written by Ray Charles, “What’d I Say” was perfect for dancing and became a hit in the Black clubs that Charles frequented early in his career. Elvis took this energetic track and added his own flair, infusing it with his signature vocals and accentuated piano chords. The result was an infectious and vibrant rendition that kept the energy up and the hips swinging.
9. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
Elvis Presley is not only synonymous with his pop hits but also with his holiday classics. “White Christmas,” famously sung by Bing Crosby, received the Elvis treatment, and it has since become a staple for many during the festive season. Elvis brought his own touch to this timeless song, spreading warmth and holiday cheer with his soulful rendition.
10. “Yesterday” by the Beatles
As one of the most famous songs of the 20th Century, “Yesterday” penned by Paul McCartney, is a classic in its own right. Elvis, with his unique vocal prowess, gave this iconic track his own spin, transforming it into a fantastic sonic treat that delighted fans worldwide. His emotive delivery added a new dimension to the already heartwarming lyrics and melody.
11. “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” by The Righteous Brothers
“You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” is known for having one of the best refrains in popular music. When Elvis Presley sang it, his deep, throaty voice elevated the song to new heights. Imagining him performing this track on a grand Vegas stage for thousands of adoring fans gives an insight into the power and emotion he brought to every performance.
12. “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins
“Blue Suede Shoes” was a hit by Carl Perkins, but when Elvis Presley covered it, the song reached even greater heights. Elvis made the phrase “Don’t step on my blue suede shoes” iconic and turned the track into an anthem for rebellious youth. His version became an instant classic and remains one of his most recognizable songs.
13. “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Elvis took on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” and gave it his own rock ‘n’ roll twist. The combination of his powerful vocals and the song’s infectious rhythm created an electrifying performance that showcased his dynamic stage presence. Elvis proved once again that he could make any song uniquely his own.
14. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” was a soulful ballad by Simon & Garfunkel, but when Elvis lent his voice to it, the song became a soul-stirring masterpiece. His rendition added a sense of comfort and hope to the heartfelt lyrics, and fans were captivated by his ability to connect emotionally with the audience.
15. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” was a timeless classic, and when Elvis covered it, he embraced the song’s message of individuality and resilience. With his charismatic voice, Elvis made the song an anthem of self-expression, resonating with fans and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
16. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Elvis Presley’s gospel-infused rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” showcased his spiritual side and touched the hearts of many. The song’s message of hope and solidarity took on a whole new meaning when delivered with Elvis’s unmatched vocal prowess.
17. “Fever” by Little Willie John
“Fever” by Little Willie John became a sultry and seductive tune in the hands of Elvis Presley. His velvet-smooth voice added depth and sensuality to the song, making it a memorable and captivating performance.
18. “In the Ghetto” by Mac Davis
“In the Ghetto” was a socially conscious song that resonated deeply with audiences. When Elvis sang it, the song’s message about poverty and social issues gained even more significance, and it became one of his most poignant performances.
19. “Let It Be Me” by The Everly Brothers
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Let It Be Me” showcased his ability to convey raw emotions through music. The heartfelt lyrics and his soulful voice combined to create a touching and tender performance.
20. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King
Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend” found new meaning when sung by Elvis Presley. His heartfelt delivery and genuine warmth brought the song to life, making it an enduring testament to friendship and support.
21. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” resonated with audiences, and Elvis’s rendition of the song was equally moving. His heartfelt performance brought comfort and solace to listeners, making the song a timeless classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s ability to take popular songs and make them his own speaks to his extraordinary talent and artistry. Through his covers, he brought new dimensions to these songs, making them immortal in the hearts of his fans. His diverse range and emotional depth allowed him to transcend genres and eras, solidifying his place as one of the greatest musical icons of all time.
FAQs
Did Elvis Presley write any of the covered songs himself?
No, Elvis Presley covered songs written by other artists, infusing them with his unique style.
Which song did Elvis Presley cover that became a hit on the charts?
One of the songs Elvis covered that became a hit on the charts was “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins.
Where can I listen to Elvis Presley’s covers of these songs?
You can find Elvis Presley’s covered songs on various music streaming platforms and his albums dedicated to gospel and live performances.