About the Song
Love Me Tender is a song written by Ken Darby and originally released in 1956 as the title track of Elvis Presley’s first film, Love Me Tender. The song is a ballad, with lyrics that express the singer’s love for his sweetheart. It has become one of Presley’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists.
The song’s melody is based on the traditional American folk song “Aura Lee”, which was first published in 1861. Darby wrote the lyrics for “Love Me Tender” in 1956, while he was working as a publicist for 20th Century Fox. The song was originally intended to be sung by another actor in the film, but Presley was eventually given the opportunity to record it.
Presley’s recording of “Love Me Tender” was released in September 1956, and it quickly became a hit. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remained in the top ten for 11 weeks. It also sold over two million copies in its first month of release.
“Love Me Tender” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody and Presley’s heartfelt vocals. The song has been called a “classic” and a “masterpiece,” and it has been credited with helping to launch Presley’s career as a movie star.
The song has been covered by many other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Andrea Bocelli. It has also been used in several films and television shows, including The Shawshank Redemption and Moulin Rouge!.
“Love Me Tender” is a timeless ballad that continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a song about love, loss, and longing, and it speaks to the universal human experience. Elvis Presley’s recording of the song is a classic, and it is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was originally written for a different movie, but it was eventually used in Love Me Tender.
- Elvis Presley was not the first choice to sing the song, but he eventually convinced the director to let him record it.
- The song was a huge hit, and it helped to launch Elvis Presley’s career as a movie star.
- “Love Me Tender” has been covered by many other artists, including Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Andrea Bocelli.
- The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including The Shawshank Redemption and Moulin Rouge!.