The Top 30 Songs of Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, 1950s — Elvis Presley shakes it up onstage in 1955. Bettmann/Getty Images

You don't become "The King of Rock 'n' Roll" without your share of No. 1 songs. Here are 30 of Elvis Presley's chart-topping songs.

1. "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956)

Released on Jan. 27, 1956, this heart-wrenching tune was inspired by a suicide note printed in The Miami Herald. The tune didn't catch the public's attention until Elvis started appearing on television in the months following its release.

2. "Don't Be Cruel" (1956)

This was the first song that Elvis self-produced. And what a job he did! Not only did he rack up his second No. 1 in three months; he also created a whole new style for himself — one characterized by a free, casual sound.

3. "Hound Dog" (1956)

This song was a blues classic long before anyone had heard of Elvis Presley. But it was the King's July 1956 TV appearances, in which he crooned to a real pup, that propelled it to the top of the pop charts. The machine-gun-like drumming of D. J. Fontana perfectly complemented Elvis' edgy vocals.

4. "Love Me Tender" (1956)

This song's tune came from a Civil War ballad called "Aura Lee." The lyrics were written for Elvis' first movie, also called "Love Me Tender." The movie — a depiction of the notorious Reno Brothers Gang — was forgettable; the song was anything but!

5. "Too Much" (1957)

Released Jan. 4, 1957, "Too Much" brought to the forefront the talents of Elvis' supporting players, especially guitarist Scotty Moore. And, of course, the King sounds great, too!

6. "All Shook Up" (1957)

You can't help but dance to this great tune. Released in March 1957, it epitomizes the rock 'n' roll sound that energized teens all over the world. Listen for the sound of Elvis slapping his guitar.

7. "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" (1957)

Teddy bear sales went through the roof with this June 1957 hit. The song's popularity also helped get people into theaters to see Elvis' second movie, "Loving You."

8. "Jailhouse Rock" (1957)

"Jailhouse Rock" marked Elvis' third foray into film and gave him another No. 1 song. Even if the song hadn't been a hit, the movie's dance sequence alone would have made it memorable.

9. "Don't" (1958)

This ballad, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, brilliantly conveyed the teen angst felt by the majority of Elvis' fan base. Elvis put his heart and soul into the lyrics, connecting on a personal level with listeners, and it was one of his personal favorites.

10. "Hard Headed Woman" (1958)

Released June 10, 1958, this hit came out of the movie "King Creole," which would be the last movie for Elvis until 1960, after his discharge from the army.

Top Songs of Elvis Presley, 11-20

Elvis, Joan Blackman, Blue Hawaii — Joan Blackman and Elvis Presley starred in "Blue Hawaii," the 1961 movie where Elvis performed "Can't Help Falling in Love." Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

11. "One Night" (1958)

"One Night" was a hit for New Orleans blues musician Smiley Lewis just two years before Elvis covered it. The lyrics and overall sound were softened to appeal to a white teen audience.

12. "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I" (1959)

Elvis liked this Hank Snow song so much that he covered it, adding his own special flavor. In fact, many people regard it as their favorite Elvis tune.

13. "A Big Hunk o' Love" (1959)

This song came from the only recording session that Elvis made while in the army. That session was also his first without his original backing band.

14. "Stuck on You" (1960)

Fans wondering if a post-army Elvis still had it could rest assured with the release of this easy-listening track. Yet, this Elvis was different — more mature and sophisticated.

15. "It's Now or Never" (1960)

Elvis' musical maturity is fully showcased in this ballad. Elvis had worked on developing his vocal range while in the army and the operatic notes in this song demonstrate this new ability.

16. "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" (1960)

This old Al Jolson hit from 1927 just happened to be a favorite of the wife of Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker. In fact, it was the only song that Parker specifically asked Elvis to sing.

17. "Surrender" (1961)

This hit was an adaptation of the Italian-Neapolitan ballad "Torna a Surriento," a hit song for Dean Martin, one of Elvis' inspirations.

18. "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" (1961)

Released Aug. 8, 1961, this fun tune came from the writing team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The single was paired with "Little Sister," its mirror opposite in terms of style and mood.

19. "Can't Help Falling in Love" (1961)

This much-loved tune, which appeared in the movie "Blue Hawaii," was actually based on an 18th-century French ballad. In the 1970s, Elvis often used the song as the closing number for his shows, including his final concert in June 1977.

20. "Good Luck Charm" (1962)

A lightweight, feel-good song that struck a chord, this tune epitomized the sound popular with teens of the early 1960s.

Top Songs of Elvis Presley, 21-30

Elvis in white jumpsuit — Elvis Presley, in his trademark white jumpsuit, performs on stage in 1975. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

21. "She's Not You" (1962)

A beautiful ballad that Elvis sang with deep conviction, this song has the power to move and inspire.

22. "Return to Sender" (1962)

Not intended for a movie soundtrack, "Return to Sender" was so well-received following its Oct. 2, 1962, release that it soon found its way into "Girls! Girls! Girls!" Elvis sings with great intensity and enthusiasm, making for a very catchy three minutes.

23. "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" (1963)

After venturing into lightweight pop tunes, Elvis returned to his rock 'n' roll roots with this one — giving an intense, emotional performance.

24. "Wooden Heart" (1964)

Directly inspired by Elvis' army stint in Germany, this tune was adapted from a German children's song and was featured in Elvis' first post-army movie, "G.I. Blues."

25. "Crying in the Chapel" (1965)

Elvis was passionate about singing gospel and in 1960 he got the opportunity to record an entire gospel album. "Crying in the Chapel" was recorded during that session but would not be released for another five years. A huge hit, it was definitely worth the wait.

26. "In the Ghetto" (1969)

After a four-year drought without a No. 1 hit, Elvis was back with "In the Ghetto," his most socially responsible song. The haunting lyrics come together with Elvis' passionate expression to create an experience that will move the coldest of hearts.

27. "Suspicious Minds" (1969)

Released Aug. 26, 1969, this song has a similar feel to "In the Ghetto," which was recorded during the same session in Memphis. Both songs highlighted the now well-established maturity and emotional control that Elvis brought to his work.

28. "The Wonder of You" (1970)

By April 1970, Elvis was performing in Las Vegas and "The Wonder of You" was the first hit to emerge from that phase of his career. After 14 years of No. 1s, he continued to push his vocal range, revealing new facets of his amazing gift.

29. "Burning Love" (1972)

"Burning Love" emerged during a very difficult period in Elvis' life. He lacked motivation and his producer had to work hard to get him to record it. When he did record, he put the full measure of his angst into his music.

30. "Way Down" (1977)

Just a few months before he died, Elvis dragged himself into the studio for what would prove to be his final recording session. When the King died, this song was climbing the charts. His tragic death undoubtedly gave it a boost.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Helen Davies, Marjorie Dorfman, Mary Fons, Deborah Hawkins, Martin Hintz, Linnea Lundgren, David Priess, Julia Clark Robinson, Paul Seaburn, Heidi Stevens, and Steve Theunissen