Elvis' Birthday

Today is Elvis Presley’s birthday. “The King” was born on this day in 1935 in Tupelo, Miss.

Some of his BEST early songs were:

1. “Jailhouse Rock”

Not only is it one of Elvis’ greatest songs, the movie by the same name is the best film of the 33 he appeared in. Elvis actually choreographed all the dancers in the title song sequence.

2. “Heartbreak Hotel”

Elvis’ first No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 was co-written by Mae Boren Axton, a prolific Nashville songwriter who is credited with getting Elvis signed to RCA Records. She passed her songwriting DNA on to her son, Hoyt Axton, who wrote “Joy to the World” for Three Dog Night.

3. “Hound Dog”

More than 40 million people watched Elvis perform this song on “The Milton Berle Show” on June 5, 1956. Controversy ensued over Elvis’ gyrations during the song and prompted the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis.”

4. “All Shook Up”

This is one of the few songs Elvis actually helped write. Well, even co-write may be too generous. The genesis of the song varies but according to Elvis in a 1957 interview, he had a bad dream and was “all shook up” when he awakened. He called a pal with the phrase and the song was ready the next morning.

5. “Love Me Tender”

This is one of Elvis’ most romantic ballads and was adapted from a Civil War ballad, “Aura Lee,” written in 1861.

A BIT OF TRIVIA:  My first marriage was on January 8 - and that marriage encompasses songs numbered 1 through 4 above!!