Today marks the thirty-third anniversary of Elvis’ death. I don’t know that I would consider myself an epic fan…I did not even realise this date was approaching when I started this post, but I do like most of his music, and I have many fond childhood memories of my dad listening to Elvis…rock Elvis, country Elvis, even gospel Elvis, and plenty of lazy Saturday afternoons spent watching Elvis’ movies on television with him.
It was when I was idly listening to an 80′s stream that a song came on that prompted this post. As iconic as Elvis is, it should be no surprise how many artists cover one of his songs. Everyone from Tom Jones to Boy George has had a go, and there are many that I would have listed here if a better audio quality vid was available on YouTube, or if embedding was not disabled. Paring this list down to eleven was still a challenge, so if you think I missed something, please, leave a comment.
Not all of the songs listed below are Elvis originals, but I think you’ll agree that all of the songs covered by the artists in this list are considered Elvis standards. So without further ado, I give you the eleven best Elvis covers.
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"Can’t Help Falling in Love" first charted in 1961. Featured in Blue Hawaii, Keely Smith was on the charts singing this song at the same time as Elvis’ version. Elvis took it to #1 in 1962, and British reggae group UB40 enjoyed their own trip to #1 with their version in 1993. Their unique sound really makes this song stand out, and it is one of their most well-known songs today.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajp0Uaw4rqo
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This is the song that prompted this post, and one of my personal favourites of all of the King’s songs. "Suspicious Minds" was first recorded by co-author Mark James in 1968, but enjoyed little success. Elvis took it for a spin in 1969 and made it all the way to #1. In 1986, The Fine Young Cannibals covered it and made it to #8, and it’s my second favourite song by them. And while Phil Collins wrote a song especially for me, I just lurve the fancy foot work in this video too. I so miss the eighties!
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBjsWGw6SQM
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An Elvis original first recorded in 1968 for the movie "Live a Little, Love a Little," it only got as high as #69 on the Top 100. 34 years later, JXL remixed the song for a Nike commercial, and it was such a hit it made it to #1 in 20 countries. The upbeat mix and lyrics make this a go to song for me when I need a mental kick in the pants.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HIb7sf23CA
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Take one part pulp fiction novel, one part David Lynch mind trip, fold in two parts Nicholas Cage overacting as he does best, season to taste with some surprisingly good Elvis impersonations, and you get "Wild at Heart." Despite what we see in "The Family Man," Cage actually has a pretty decent singing voice, and the way he throws himself into the role without a hint of self-consciousness really sells it. Throughout the film Laura Dern’s character wants Cage’s character to sing her "Love Me Tender," which seems to be the ultimate expression of "I love you." Only at the end does he relent as the credits role. If you haven’t seen this flick, add it to your Netflix queue…you won’t be disappointed.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwfZyQeinTI
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In a 1999 appearance on Parkinson, Paul McCartney rocked the audience with this cover of All Shook Up. Elvis hit #1 with this song on the pop, country, and r&b charts in 1957, and the Beatles covered it in 1969, but Sir Paul is the only one who does the song justice time and again.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZd8R-cT2gA
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While no one can argue that this song is an Elvis standard, it was originally released by Brenda Lee and can also be considered a Willie Nelson classic. Elvis’ cover made it to #16 in 1972, Willie Nelson got to #1 on the country charts in 1982, and the Pet Shop Boys made it to #1 on the pop charts in 1987 after covering the song for an Elvis tribute show on ITV. Watch iconic British actor Joss Ackland in this video…his quote at the end comes from another PSB classic, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?".
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVgPstM6DPI
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Written by Otis Blackwell in 1956, he gave up half his royalties and a credited Elvis as a co-writer in order for the song to be recorded by the King. It was released as the B side to Hound Dog, and both songs went to #1; Don’t Be Cruel hit the top on the pop, R&B, and Country charts. The main bass riff of the song is also used as the background music in the Nintendo video game Donkey Kong. Cheap Trick covered the song on 1988′s Lap of Luxury album…urged by the studio to go more mainstream to boost their declining popularity. Their cover hit #2, and has one of the most distinctive sounds on this list.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://youtu.be/g4n0T5PiASU
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The Stray Cats kicked off the swing revival in the 1990s, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra is still popular today. Their cover of the song Elvis first covered for RCA in 1956 and sounds as good live as it does as a studio track. This vid is taken from a live show in Germany, and starts a couple of notes in, but still has a great sound and highlights how good this band is live. As they bring on Eddie Van Halen, BB King, David Gilmour, Les Paul, and others, the music just builds and builds. It’s a great performance.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3XZwzN4iMY
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If you have ever read one of my rants, you know I am a fan of Sam Kinison. A former revival evangelist and the son of Pentecostal preachers, Sam Kinison moved on to become one of the most unique stand up comedians or all time, with a unique presentation that has since been oft-imitated but never equaled. Here he is covering "Are You Lonesome Tonight" on "The Tonight Show."
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EclQVQGqnZ0
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No one can bring the voice like Meat Loaf can. This song was released by Elvis in 1957 and featured in his movie of the same name. Meat Loaf never released this as a single, but his performance during this Elvis Tribute show stands against more well known covers by the Blues Brothers, ZZ Top, and even Queen.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkrq94lZeCo
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Back when Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was first looking at life outside of the WWE, he was a guest on Saturday Night Live. Search YouTube for some great skits after you finish this post. Below, The People’s Champion makes his first cover of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" backed by Mick Foley and The Big Show. The audio is not the best on this clip, but I think you will agree the man can sing.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKuLtK7HKJ8
If you are so inclined, the complete list is embedded below in a playlist for your uninterrupted enjoyment.
Direct link for RSS and email subscribers…http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EF54DCAFFF3526D4
Knowing full well that I may have made some choices you would disagree with, sound off. Which do you love, which do you hate, and which would you have included?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Ahhh, what should not be left out is Nick Cave off course with his eerie version of “In the Ghetto”.
Oh hell yes! Great call. I’ve never seen/heard this before. Thanks for the comment and the link…I added it to the playlist!
Thanks again Joe.
Ed