Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presleyis Netflix’s newest musical documentary, examining Elvis’s tumultuous career and highlighting some of the songs he performed in his famous 1968 comeback special. The1968 Elvis comeback specialwas a pivotal moment in his career, seeing him return to the stage after years of working in the film industry at the request of his manager,Colonel Tom Parker. Feeling dissatisfied with the lack of artistry in his movies, the special was a return to form for the iconic singer.
Though some ofElvis Presley’s best movies, such asViva Las Vegas, are considered classics, Elvis is known best in pop culture history for his influence on music. The 2022 biopic,Elvis, examines the toxic relationship between the star and Tom Parker, who pushed him toward his more commercial appeal. With great music from bands likeThe BeatlesandThe Rolling Stonesdominating the industry, the 1968 special was a make-or-break moment for Elvis, and he put on a legendary show.
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Where Could I Go But To The Lord?
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20Trouble (1958)
Album: King Creole
“Trouble” is an Elvis Presley blues song from the 1958 filmKing Creole, which Elvis cited as the favorite role he played in his acting career. The song was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and was later covered by various other musical artists. He opened with the song as a way to remind audiences of his sexy, provocative image.
19Guitar Man (1967)
Album: Guitar Man
The song “Guitar Man” wasoriginally released by artist Jerry Reed, who wrote and recorded the song as a country hit. Shortly after, Elvis recorded a version of the song, with Reed playing guitar, and re-released it in January 1968. “Guitar Man” isn’t one of Presley’s most famous songs, but it helped enforce the idea of “Trouble” in their combined medley in the 1968 special, highlighting a moodier side of the artist.
18Lawdy Miss Clawdy (1952)
Album: Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Single)
“Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is a songoriginally written and recorded by New Orleans artist Lloyd Priceand is highlighted as one of the influences on Elvis Presley’s career. The song was one of the top R&B releases of the year, and is on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.”
Elvis Presley’s Relationship With The Beatles Explained
Elvis Presley and The Beatles are two of the most popular and influential forces in the history of music, but their relationship was surprising.
17Baby What You Want Me to Do (1959)
Album: Baby What You Want Me to Do (Single)
“Baby What You Want Me To Do” is ablues song written and recorded by Jimmy Reed in 1959. Elvis Presley’s performance of this song in the'68 Comeback Specialwas a notable reminder of his roots in blues and R&B music. The song was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2004.
16Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
Album: Heartbreak Hotel (Single)
“Heartbreak Hotel” is an Elvis Presley original released as a single in 1956. The song was written by Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durden and was recorded with Presley’s band, the Blue Moon Boys. Iconic musicians like George Harrison, John Lennon, Keith Richards, and Robert Plant have all cited “Heartbreak Hotel” as an influential song in their lives.
15Hound Dog (1953)
Album: Hound Dog (Single)
“Hound Dog” is a blues song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which wasoriginally recorded by Big Mama Thornton. Elvis Presley’s 1956 rendition is perhaps the most well-known version of the song, which has been recorded over 250 times. InRolling Stone’s2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, “Hound Dog” was ranked 318.
14All Shook Up (1957)
Album: All Shook Up (Single)
“All Shook Up” is a song composed by Otis Blackwell and originally performed by Elvis Presley. In April 1957, the song topped the United States Top 100 music billboard. OnRolling Stone’s2004 edition of their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, “All Shook Up” was ranked 352.
13Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961)
Album: Blue Hawaii
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss and was recorded by Elvis Presley in 1961. The song is part of the movie and albumBlue Hawaiiand is still one of Presley’s most popular and well-known songs. It was subsequently covered by many iconic musical artists, including Bob Dylan.
12Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Album: Jailhouse Rock
“Jailhouse Rock” is another classic Elvis Presley song, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for the 1957 film of the same name.Rolling Stone’slist of the500 Greatest Songs of All Time included “Jailhouse Rock” at number 67, and it’s still regarded as one of Presley’s most iconic works.
How Long Elvis Presley Was In The Army
Netflix’s Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley revisits the 1968 Special that revived his career, and his two years in the army.
11Love Me Tender (1956)
Album: Love Me Tender
“Love Me Tender” is a song written by Ken Darby and originally recorded by Elvis Presley. The song was written for the 1956 film of the same name, which was released one month after Elvis performed the song onThe Ed Sullivan.Aside from its original movie, “Love Me Tender” has been used in dozens of films, fromDie Hard 2toWild at HearttoThe Princess Diaries 2.
