Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time for good reason. Nearly 50 years after his untimely death, Presley is still beloved by millions of fans around the world. More impressively, he has fans of all ages, ranging from elders to teenagers. Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic only escalated his popularity in the 2020s.
Elvis Presley first recorded a song in July 1953 at the historic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. The song was entitled "My Happiness" and he made the recording as a gift for his beloved mother, Gladys Presley. Little did the young 18-year-old know that music was to be his destiny.
The 1950s were an incredible decade for Presley. Within three years of his first recording, he became a global superstar. Some of his best work stems from his early years as an entertainer, songs such as "Don't Be Cruel". "All Shook Up", and "Heartbreak Hotel." As daunting of a task as it is, especially for a dieheart Elvis Presley fan, I am going to highlight ten of Presley's greatest songs from the decade that started it all.
Elvis Presley's top 10 greatest songs from the 1950s ranked
Before we dive into Elvis Presley's best work from the 1950s, let me be transparent and share that my rankings are based solely on personal opinion. I have been a devout Presley fan since I was a child and Elvis's 1950s catalog is perhaps my favorite of his career.
10. "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck"
A catchy tune, "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" exemplifies a young, rebellious Elvis Presley. Released in 1958, the song is upbeat and fully characteristic of early rock n' roll. The song's message? Elvis wants a girl to wear his ring around her neck as a sign that they are going steady, or in today's terminology, are officially exclusive.
9. "Treat Me Nice"
Elvis Presley was not only a singing sensation, but a highly profitable film star in the 1950s and 1960s. "Treat Me Nice" came from one of his most iconic films, 1957's "Jailhouse Rock." Another track that demonstrates Elvis's rebellious 1950s persona, "Treat Me Nice" is an unforgettable staple.
8. "That's All Right"
Most Elvis fans would criticize me for putting the song that started it all in 8th place. Yes, "That's All Right" was Elvis's first hit for Sun Records in 1954. The song helped him launch his singing career. The simple reason why "That's All Right" is not at the top of the list is because there are many 1950s Elvis songs I enjoy more. I like to give credit where credit is due, and that's why it's in my Top 10.
7. "Blue Suede Shoes"
"Blue Suede Shoes" is an iconic early rock n' roll song. Elvis made it huge in 1956, however, it was originally recorded by its writer and rockabilly legend, Carl Perkins, in 1955. An incredibly popular Elvis song, it's deserving of a spot in my Top 10, but Carl's version is just as good. Maybe even better, and that's hard for me to say as a devout Elvis fan.
6. "Jailhouse Rock"
"Jailhouse Rock" was not only a major hit for Elvis but also the highlight of one of Presley's most iconic pre-Army film roles. This song epitomizes early rock n' roll and has become one of Elvis's best-known songs from the 1950s. Deservingly so. It covers all the bases and is a catchy song that makes you want to get up and shake your hips just like Elvis did.
5. "Heartbreak Hotel"
"Heartbreak Hotel" was one of Elvis's earliest hits for RCA and played a pivotal role in helping him become a global superstar. RCA's national influence meant that Elvis's records could be better distributed. As a result, millions of records were sold. More so, "Heartbreak Hotel" has remained a fan favorite among those young and old.
4. "Hound Dog"
"Hound Dog" is a 1950s rock n' roll staple. When one thinks of 50s rock, "Hound Dog" could very well be at the top of their list. The song is so much fun. It just puts me in a good mood. "Hound Dog" was a complicated song for Elvis, however. It was a massive hit, but due to his controversial reputation, he was forced to perform "Hound Dog" dressed in a tuxedo to a real hound on The Steve Allen Show in July 1956, according to Grunge. Totally out of character for the rebellious rocker and he was known to hate that performance.
3. "All Shook Up"
One of my absolute personal favorites. "All Shook Up", which was released in 1957, is a jam. Totally Elvis, and totally 1950s rock n' roll, "All Shook Up" is more enjoyable every time I listen to it. When it plays on SiriusXM's Elvis Radio, I get a big smile on my face. It's that good.
2. "I Need Your Love Tonight"
While not one of Elvis's most popular 1950s tracks, it is one of my favorites from his entire career. Best way to describe it? It's a banger! When I want to get pumped up, I listen to "I Need Your Love Tonight." It's rebellious Elvis at his peak. This is a song I have on repeat and listen to often. I love it so much, that I would go as far as to say that it is in my Top 5 favorite Elvis songs of all time.
1. "Don't Be Cruel"
In my humble opinion, Elvis's best 1950s song is easily "Don't Be Cruel". It's catchy, it was a massive hit, and it is a joy to listen to. Released in 1956, Elvis was enjoying an incredible high in the industry and was on top of the world. "Don't Be Cruel", while just another hit that furthered his career, has left a profound and lasting legacy. The song remains a beloved favorite among fans today and represents his 1950s work well. Every listen is an absolute pleasure.