Elvis Presley’s Favorite Songs: A Look Into the King’s Musical Tastes

Elvis Presley, also known as the King of Rock and Roll, had an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. With his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and dynamic performances, Presley left an indelible mark on the music industry. While he is best known for his iconic hits such as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis had a wide range of musical influences and favorite songs that shaped his unique style. In this blog post, we will dive into Elvis Presley’s favorite songs, exploring the genres, artists, and songs that inspired the King himself.

Early Musical Influences

Before delving into Elvis Presley’s favorite songs, it is essential to understand the musical landscape that shaped his early years. Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres, including gospel, country, blues, and rhythm and blues. These genres became the foundation of his musical style and influenced his song choices throughout his career.

Gospel Music

Gospel music played a significant role in Elvis Presley’s life from a young age. As a member of the First Assembly of God church, he was exposed to the powerful harmonies and emotional depth of gospel music. Some of his favorite gospel songs include:

“How Great Thou Art” by Stuart K. Hine
“Peace in the Valley” by Thomas A. Dorsey
“Amazing Grace” by John Newton

Presley’s love for gospel music can be seen in his renditions of these songs, where he infuses his unique vocal style with the heartfelt emotion and spiritual fervor of the genre.

Country Music

Country music was another significant influence on Elvis Presley’s musical journey. He grew up listening to artists like Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, and Roy Acuff. These artists inspired Presley’s love for storytelling through songs and his ability to connect with his audience on a deep level. Some of his favorite country songs include:

“Blue Moon of Kentucky” by Bill Monroe
“Your Cheatin’ Heart” by Hank Williams
“I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)” by Hank Williams

Presley’s country favorites showcased his ability to blend country, rock, and blues elements, creating a unique sound that appealed to a wide audience.

Blues and Rhythm and Blues

The raw energy and soulful vocals of blues and rhythm and blues played a significant role in shaping Elvis Presley’s musical style. He was heavily influenced by artists like Arthur Crudup, Big Mama Thornton, and Little Richard. Some of his favorite blues and rhythm and blues songs include:

“That’s All Right” by Arthur Crudup
“Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton
“Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard

Presley’s love for these genres is evident in his powerful vocal performances and his ability to capture the essence of rhythm and blues in his rock and roll hits.

Elvis Presley’s Favorite Songs

Now that we have explored the genres and artists that influenced Elvis Presley, let’s dive into some of his favorite songs. These songs provided the foundation for his musical career and showcased his versatility as an artist.

“Mystery Train” by Junior Parker

“Mystery Train” was one of Elvis Presley’s favorite songs, and he often performed it during his live shows. Originally recorded by Junior Parker in 1953, Presley’s rendition of the song added his unique rockabilly twist. The combination of Presley’s energetic vocals and Scotty Moore’s iconic guitar riffs created a timeless classic that resonated with audiences worldwide.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

Despite being known for his rock and roll hits, Elvis Presley had a deep appreciation for ballads and soulful songs. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel was one of his favorite songs, and he often performed it during his live shows in the 1970s. Presley’s powerful interpretation of the song showcased his ability to convey emotion and connect with his audience on a profound level.

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” was another favorite song of Elvis Presley. He often performed it during his live shows, and it became an anthem of sorts for him. Presley’s rendition of the song showcased his commanding stage presence and his ability to make a song his own. His version of “My Way” remains one of his most iconic performances to this day.

“Suspicious Minds” by Mark James

Written by Mark James, “Suspicious Minds” became one of Elvis Presley’s signature songs. The song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a chart-topping hit. Presley’s powerful vocals and passionate delivery elevated the song to new heights and solidified its place in his repertoire of favorite songs.