Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. [Public domain]
We had originally wanted to publish a top ten 1950s Elvis Presley songs article. After working on it for a while and trying to choose just ten, we realized that we faced an impossible task The 1950s was by far Elvis Presley’s most important decade. Even though most of the music he released in the 1950s was in the second half of the decade the material being released was so iconic and groundbreaking that we could not pick just 10. For a deeper look into the start of Elvis Presley’s career in the 1950s, please refer to our cornerstone article The Story of Classic Rock.
# 25 – Paralyzed
Released on Elvis’s second album entitled Elvis in 1956. The closing song on side two. Written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley.
# 24 – Let’s Have A Party
The classic rock song “Let’s Have A Party,” also known as “Party,” was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1957. The song was written by Jessie Mae Robinson. The song has been covered by many artists including The Beatles’ Paul McCartney. Singer Wanda Jackson had a number-one hit with the song in the United Kingdom in 1958. Led Zeppelin covered the song during some of their live shows in the 1970s.
# 23 – Money Honey
“Money Honey,” was the closing song on the first Elvis Presley album released in 1956 entitled Elvis Presley.
# 22 – Milkcow Blues Boogie
This is one of Elvis Presley’s earliest recordings. The song was released as a single in 1954. It later was released on the album A Date With Elvis in 1959.
# 21 – Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
Elvis Presley’s “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me),” is the first of two Elvis Presley Christmas recordings on this 1950’s Elvis Presley songs list. This classic Christmas song was composed by Aaron Schroeder and Claude Demetrius. The song was released in 1957 and issued on the Elvis’ Christmas Album.
# 20 –Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
One of our favorite rocking 1950s Elvis Presley songs entitled “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck,” was released as a single in 1958. The song was also released on the 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records, Vol. 2. The song was written by Bert Carroll and Russell Moody.
# 19 – Hard Headed Woman
“Hard Headed Woman,” was released as a single in 1958. The song appeared on the King Creole
soundtrack album. The song was composed by Claude Demetrius. In a long line of Elvis Presley songs from the 1950s that hit number one, “Hard Headed Woman,” was Elvis Presley’s eleventh number-one single.
# 18 –I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
This classic Elvis Presley song was released in 1956. It was Elvis Presley’s second number-one single. The song was eventually issued on the album Elvis’ Golden Records
in 1957. The song was composed by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff.
# 17 – Don’t
Released as a single in 1958. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song appeared on the 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records, Vol. 2.
# 16 – Rip It Up
Released on Elvis’s second album entitled Elvis in 1956. The closing song on side two. Written by Robert Blackwell and John Marascalco.
# 15 – Treat Me Nice
Recorded for the film Jailhouse Rock
in 1957. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
# 14 – A Big Hunk o’ Love
Released as a single in 1959. The song was written by Aaron Schroeder and Sidney Wyche. The song was originally released on the 1959 album 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong: Elvis’ Gold Records, Vol. 2.
# 13 – Good Rockin Tonight
Elvis Presley’s second single for Sun Records. Released September 22, 1954. The song was written by Roy Brown in 1947.
# 12 – All Shook Up
The song “All Shook Up,” was released as a single in 1957. It was Elvis Presley’s seventh number one single. It also appeared on the album Elvis’ Golden Records which was originally released in 1957. The song was written by Otis Blackwell.
# 11 – Blue Christmas
Released on Elvis’s third album entitled Elvis’ Christmas Album
in 1957. Blue Christmas was the fifth song on side one. Written by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson. Sixty years later, it’s still one of the most iconic Christmas recordings of all time.
# 10 – That’s All Right
We open up our top 10 section of our essential 25 Elvis Presley songs article with the song that started in all. “That’s All Right,” was the song that turned the head of Sam Phillips in the recording studio at Sun Records. From that moment on, the legend of Elvis Presley had been born.
# 9 – Love Me
We continue with our 25 essential 1950s Elvis Presley songs with the great track “Love Me.” the song was released on Elvis Presley’s second album entitled Elvis in 1956. The song was composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
# 8 – Ready Teddy
This one may be the most underrated Elvis Presley song of them all. “Ready Teddy,” was released on the second RCA Elvis Presley album entitled Elvis.
This one rocks hard. The song was composed by John Marascalco and Robert Blackwell. Elvis Presley performed “Ready Teddy,” during his first televised Ed Sullivan appearance. The song had already been covered by Little Richard. Buddy Holly would also record a version of “Ready Teddy,”
# 7 – Love Me Tender
Elvis Presley’s single “Love Me Tender,” was his most popular ballad of the 1950’s. The song was released in 1956. It was the first of six straight number one singles. The melody of the song “Love Me Tender,” was adapted from the Civil War song entitled “Aura Lee.” Elvis Presley’s performance of the song “Love Me Tender,” broke the hearts of many females around the world for many years.
# 6 – Don’t Be Cruel
“Don’t Be Cruel,” was another big-time Elvis Presley song composed by Otis Blackwell. The song went straight to number one in 1956. Along with most of these top 10 Elvis Presley songs “Don’t Be Cruel,” is one of the most popular Elvis Presley songs of all time.
# 5 – Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes,” is an interesting song in the Elvis Presley catalog. The song was composed and recorded originally in 1955 by Carl Perkins. “Blue Suede Shoes,” was a hit for Carl Perkins reaching all the way to the number two position on the Billboard Hot 100. A year later, Elvis Presley recorded it for his first RCA album. While the song was not a big hit at the time for Elvis Presley reaching only the number 24 position on the Billboard Hot 100, it did become one of his most popular performance numbers. Overtime, it remains one of the biggest Elvis Presley songs of the 1950s.
# 4 – Trying To Get To You
The great Elvis Presley song “Trying To Get To You,” is probably the least known Elvis Presley song in this top 10 section. Nonetheless, it was one of his best recordings. The song was released on the first Elvis Presley album in 1955. “Trying To Get To You,” was written by Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton. It was not released as a single from the album. However, Elvis Presley knew how great the song was. He released two live versions of the song later on in his career. This one is the sleeper of the list. Make sure you check this one out if you’ve never heard it before.
# 3 – Heartbreak Hotel
As we approach the end of our 25 Essential 1950s Elvis Presley songs list, the next three listed are pretty much Elvis Presley’s biggest hits from the 1950s. The song “Heartbreak Hotel,” was released at the start of 1956. The song was written by Tommy Durden and Mae Boren. It would be the first of four straight number-one singles that Elvis Presley enjoyed in 1956. The song would be eventually released on the album Elvis’ Golden Records In 1957. Many famous rock stars and bands have performed the song live in concert, or recorded studio versions including Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen and many more.
# 2 – Hound Dog
It’s difficult to separate these last two 1950’s Elvis Presley songs on this list because of the importance that these particular recordings played on the development of rock and roll. “Hound Dog,” was the biggest hit Elvis Presley ever had in his entire career. It has sold more records than any other Elvis Presley single song. “Hound Dog,” hit number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1956 and stayed there for 11 straight weeks. It has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the past 50 years. “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” are pretty much interchangeable as far as the importance and significance these two songs played on Elvis Presley’s career and everything else that came after.
# 1 – Jailhouse Rock
“Jailhouse Rock,” is both one of rock and roll’s and the world of movies greatest moments. Elvis Presley’s performance of “Jailhouse Rock,” in the film of the same name was a legendary moment in cinematic history. “Jailhouse Rock,” hit number one on just about every type of Billboard Music chart listed in 1957. On the Billboard Mainstream Top 100 it stayed at number one for seven weeks. It stands as one of the most inspirational rock and roll songs ever released. Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” was a pivotal moment Classic Rock History.
Updated June 6, 2023
25 Essential 1950’s Elvis Presley Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
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