Elvis Songs In The 50s
For the Acoustic

A Big Hunk o' Love and it was released as a single on June 23, 1959and became one of his popular hits. The song was written by Aaron Schroeder and Sid Wyche.

The single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of Elvis' chart-topping hits. "A Big Hunk o' Love" is an uptempo rock and roll song with a driving rhythm. It showcases Elvis' energetic and powerful vocal delivery.
The B-side of the single was "My Wish Came True," another song that was recorded during the same session.

"A Big Hunk o' Love" was often included in Elvis' live performances, allowing him to showcase his dynamic stage presence.

A Fool Such as I was originally written by Bill Trader and recorded by Elvis during his early career. The track was recorded on June 10, 1958, during a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee and was later released as a single on March 10, 1959. The single became a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The B-side of the single was "I Need Your Love Tonight," another song that was recorded during the same session.

"A Fool Such as I" is a mid-tempo ballad that showcases Elvis' emotive vocal style. The song features a blend of rock and roll and country elements.

While the song was initially released as a single, it was later included on compilation albums and reissues of Elvis' music. It can be found on various Elvis Presley collections.

"A Fool Such as I" remains one of Elvis' well-known songs from the late 1950s and is often associated with his signature sound during that era.

All Shook Up became one of his biggest hits. The song was written by Otis Blackwell and Elvis Presley and was released as a single in 1957. It spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Elvis's first number one hit in the United States.

The song features Elvis's signature rock 'n' roll style and catchy lyrics, making it an iconic track in his discography. "All Shook Up" is often associated with the excitement and frenzy surrounding Elvis Presley's early career, and it remains a classic and popular song to this day.

The track by Elvis Presley was not originally included on one of his studio albums. It was released as a standalone single in 1957. However, due to its popularity, the song was later included on several compilation albums and greatest hits collections.

The first Elvis Presley album that featured "All Shook Up" was the compilation album titled "Elvis' Golden Records," released in 1958. This album gathered many of his hit singles up to that point, and "All Shook Up" was among the standout tracks included.

Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be) was written by Aaron Schroeder and Cliff Owens and recorded by Elvis during his early career.

The track was released as a single on September 8, 1956. The single performed well on the charts, reaching No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is a ballad that features Elvis' smooth and emotive vocal delivery. It showcases his ability to convey emotion through his singing.

Elvis recorded "Anyway You Want Me" on April 10, 1956, at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was part of his prolific early recording career.

"Anyway You Want Me" is often associated with Elvis' early rock and roll style and his impact on popular music and can be found on several compilation albums of Elvis's early hit songs.

Blue Moon of Kentucky is a bluegrass song written by Bill Monroe. Presley's version was recorded in 1954 for his first single on the Sun Records label, which helped to launch his career.

Presley's version of "Blue Moon of Kentucky" features his distinctive vocal style, which combines elements of country, blues, and rock and roll. The song also features a prominent rhythm guitar, a driving bass line, and a lively beat that reflects the song's bluegrass roots.

One notable aspect of Presley's version of the song is the way he alters the melody and rhythm of the original, creating a unique interpretation of the song that still retains its essential character. The song became a hit for Presley and remains one of his most beloved recordings, and it has been covered by numerous other artists over the years.

The track was later included on his self-titled debut album, "Elvis Presley", which was released in 1956. The album also includes other classic Presley tracks such as "That's All Right", "Heartbreak Hotel", and "Hound Dog".

This old tune has a rockabilly vibe playing the A, D or D7 and the E chords. You can also throw in the A7 and E7 chords where you see fit. If you play the A chord up n the 5th fret you can use the B string a bit to help with that rockabilly rhythm sound.

For rhythm I'm playing a root down up down up down up in a fast shuffle pattern and blending a few hammer-ons here and there.

I've added in two separate lead sections but you can cut it back to just one if you want to.

Blue Suede Shoes is a Carl Perkins number from 1955 and was recorded by Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Elvis did his version for his debut album in 1956.

Elvis never had a #1 as Perkins did with his version. Elvis's version peaked at #20. Strangely enough Elvis almost had a #1 with this song on the US country charts, where it reached #2. Go figure! The song was also a #2 in The Netherlands and a top ten in Canada, Sweden, Australia and the UK.

The track appears on his debut studio album which was released on Mar 13th, 1956. The album was recorded in Nashville over a two day period in Jan of 1956.

Carl Perkins had recorded his version a few months earlier in Dec 1955 and recorded his version a few days after writing the song. He managed a #2 hit on the national chart and a #1 on the Memphis chart.  It was recorded by Sam Phillips at Sun studio and he suggested the line go man go be changed to go cat go, which Perkins agreed to do. Later on Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran did their versions but they never had a #1 hit either.

Don't Be Cruel was one of Elvis Presley's most iconic and well-known songs. Elvis recorded "Don't Be Cruel" on July 2, 1956, at RCA Studios in New York City. It was released as a single on July 13, 1956.
The single became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for eleven weeks. It also reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.

"Don't Be Cruel" is an uptempo rock and roll song with a catchy rhythm and a blend of R&B and country influences. It features Elvis' dynamic and energetic vocal delivery.

The B-side of the single was "Hound Dog," another song that became a massive hit for Elvis.

"Don't Be Cruel" is often regarded as one of the pivotal songs in rock and roll history. It's celebrated for its contribution to the evolution of the genre and its impact on popular music.

The song's popularity contributed to Elvis' rapid rise to stardom, and it played a significant role in shaping his image as a dynamic and charismatic performer. "Don't Be Cruel" is one of Elvis Presley's signature songs, recognized for its impact on rock and roll and its enduring popularity.

With this song I like to use a drop D tuning so I can incorporate some walking bass into the rhythm using the four chords, D, G, Em and A.

The rhythm on this song is a down down up down up down up and repeat as you play some of the walking bass notes, which I fully explain in the full lesson tutorial.

There is no lead work in this song, just straight rhythm.

Good Rockin Tonight is a song written by Roy Brown back in 1947 who had a #13 with that initial release and two years later released is again with a #11. In 1954 Elvis took a shot with his version and used I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine as the B-side.

Elvis Presley's version of "Good Rockin' Tonight" features a fast-paced rhythm and a mix of rhythm and blues and rockabilly styles, characterized by his distinctive vocal style and energetic performance. The song showcases his dynamic voice and his ability to blend different musical genres into his unique sound.

"Good Rockin' Tonight" was recorded by Elvis Presley at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, and was released as his second single in September 1954. The song gained popularity among young audiences and helped establish Elvis as a rising star in the music industry but his version did not chart.

The track helped propel Elvis Presley's career and contributed to the rise of rock and roll as a popular music genre in the 1950s. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Elvis Presley's version remains a seminal recording in the history of rock and roll music.

Elvis's version is from the album A Date With Elvis.

Heartbreak Hotel is one of Elvis Presley's most iconic and influential songs. It was released as a single in 1956 and quickly became a massive hit, solidifying Elvis's status as a rock and roll pioneer. It was later included on his self-titled debut album, "Elvis Presley."

The song was written by Mae Boren Axton, a schoolteacher and songwriter, along with Tommy Durden and Elvis's guitarist, Scotty Moore. The inspiration for the song came from a newspaper article about a man who had committed suicide and left a note that read, "I walk a lonely street."

"Heartbreak Hotel" is often considered a defining moment in the history of rock and roll. It combines elements of blues, country, and gospel, creating a unique sound that was both groundbreaking and commercially successful. Elvis's deep, resonant vocals, combined with the haunting lyrics and a memorable guitar riff, captured the attention of listeners and helped propel the song to the top of the charts.

The song was an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart. It also topped the country and R&B charts, showcasing Elvis's ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The song's success marked the beginning of Elvis's extraordinary career and established him as a leading figure in popular music.

"Heartbreak Hotel" remains one of Elvis Presley's most recognizable and beloved songs, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

I choose to play this song with a drop D tuning but that is always optional. Using the lower D gives a deeper bass sound to the song. This also changes the G chord structure to two top strings on the 5th. I'm playing mainly just down-strokes for the rhythm in the typical rock and roll kinda vibe.

There are only three chords here and they are D, G, A but you can throw in an A7 and a D7 as you see fit as you move from the A and D chord positions.

There is a bit of picking and some bass playing in this one but not too difficult except to say it's a quick move to get up the ne

I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine was the b-side to Good Rockin Tonight back in 1954

It was written by Mack David, and it was originally released by Dean Martin in 1950. However, Elvis Presley also recorded a cover version of the song, which was included on his 1954 album "Elvis At Presley."

"I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine" is an upbeat and lively rock and roll song that showcases Elvis Presley's energetic vocal style and his ability to infuse his performances with youthful exuberance. The lyrics of the song express a carefree attitude towards life and love, as the protagonist declares that he doesn't mind if the sun doesn't shine, as long as he has his sweetheart by his side.

Elvis's rendition is characterized by his signature rockabilly sound, with his distinctive voice and the backing of a tight band featuring guitars, drums, and a piano. The song captures the raw energy and excitement of early rock and roll, which was a defining genre in Elvis Presley's early career.

This song did chart at #74 in the US.

I Forgot to Remember to Forget by Elvis Presley was originally released as a single and was not initially included on any of his studio albums. The single was released by Sun Records in 1955 and featured the song on the A-side, with "Mystery Train" on the B-side.

However, after Elvis's signing with RCA Victor in 1956, the song was later included on several compilation albums that feature his early recordings. One notable album that includes "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" is "Elvis' Golden Records" (released in 1958), which is a compilation of Elvis's hit singles up to that point.

It's important to note that throughout his career, several compilation albums have been released, featuring a selection of Elvis's songs from various periods. These compilations often differ in track listings and can vary based on the region and the specific release. Therefore, the availability of "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" on specific albums may vary.

I Want You, I Need You, I Love You was released as a single in 1956 by RCA Victor. The song was written by Maurice Mysels and Ira Kosloff and became one of Elvis's early hits.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" showcases Elvis's romantic crooning style and features a combination of rock and roll and ballad elements. The song's heartfelt lyrics and Elvis's passionate delivery resonated with audiences, contributing to its success.

The single reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart, becoming Elvis's second chart-topping hit after "Heartbreak Hotel." It solidified his position as a rising star and further established his popularity in the music industry.

"I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" was later included on Elvis's self-titled debut studio album, "Elvis Presley," which was released in 1956. The album featured a collection of his early hits, including this particular song.

I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone was written by Stan Kesler and William Taylor and was first released by Elvis in 1955. The song was recorded during Elvis's time with Sun Records. The track appeared on several compilation albums.

The song is an upbeat rockabilly track that showcases Elvis's energetic and charismatic style. The song reflects the theme of lost love and heartbreak, with Elvis lamenting the departure of his former partner.

The song was released as a single by Sun Records with "Baby Let's Play House" on the B-side. While it didn't achieve significant chart success, it became a fan favorite and has since been recognized as an early classic in Elvis's repertoire.

"I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" is often remembered for its catchy guitar riff and Elvis's dynamic vocal performance. It captures the essence of Elvis's early rock and roll sound and serves as a testament to his influential role in shaping the genre.

Money Honey was first recorded by blues artist Clyde McPhatter in 1953 with the newly formed group known as The Drifters. Elvis decided to recorded the song a few years later in 1956 for his debut album Elvis Presley. The song however was never released as a single.

Mystery Train can be found on the album "Elvis Presley" (also known as Elvis Presley's debut album or Elvis Presley Rock n' Roll No. 1). Mystery Train"was written by Junior Parker (aka Herman Parker Jr.) and Sam Phillips.

The track was released as a single in 1955, with the B-side featuring "I Forgot to Remember to Forget." While the song did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it gained popularity and became a significant influence on rockabilly and rock 'n' roll music.

"Mystery Train" is a blues-influenced song with lyrics that evoke a sense of melancholy and longing. The train metaphor is often interpreted as a symbol of life's journey and the uncertainty and mystery that accompany it.

Since "Mystery Train" was released before the era of music videos, no official music video exists for the song. 

When you play this song you'll be playing a bit of a rock-a-billy vibe on the E and A chords. On the E you can hammer-on the G string and then flatten the ring finger to play part of an A chord. When you alternate that back and forth while keeping the right hand moving up and down, you get a rock-a-billy type vibe on the E chords. When moving to the A chord, you can play B sting on the 8th fret and get a similar effect. Use a root down up down up down up and repeat strumming pattern.

There are only three/four chords in this song and they are E, A, A7 and B7.

The break in this song is just the chord pattern already discussed with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the rhythm hand by chopping up the rhythm a bit.

One Night With You was a 1956 song that was a hit for Smiley Lewis. Elvis had a larger success after he re-wrote some of the lyrics and got approval to record it from the record label.

His release was in 1958 and hit #1 in the UK and #4 in the US. This one can be found on the "50,000,000 Elvis Fans Cant Be Wrong" album.

Paralyzed was recorded by Elvis in 1956 for his album Elvis.

The song was never a single release.

So Glad You're Mine hails from Elvis's 2nd album released in 1956 called simply Elvis.

This song was never a single release.

Teddy Bear is a song recorded by Elvis Presley that was released as a single in 1957. It was written by Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe, and produced by Steve Sholes. The song is classified as rock and roll and doo-wop, with a playful and catchy melody.

"Teddy Bear" features Presley's distinctively smooth vocals and upbeat rhythm, and its lyrics are about a young man who expresses his desire to be his sweetheart's "teddy bear" and protect her. The song is often considered a lighthearted, fun, and innocent example of Presley's early rock and roll style.

"Teddy Bear" was a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, and also charting in other countries. It was Presley's seventh #1 hit in the U.S., and it further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the emerging rock and roll genre. The song was also included on Presley's second album, "Loving You," which was released in 1957.

The song reached #1 in the US and Canada and #3 in the UK.

That's All Right Mama was the first commercial single by  Elvis and is considered one of his breakthrough songs. The song was originally written and recorded by blues musician Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup in 1946.

Elvis's version of the song was recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, on July 5, 1954. It combined elements of blues, country, and rockabilly, creating a new and exciting sound that would become a cornerstone of rock and roll.

The single was released on July 19, 1954, and received positive reviews, helping to establish Elvis as a rising star in the music industry.

Treat Me Nice was a B-side song to the A-side single Jailhouse Rock which was release back in 1957.

The song also appeared in the Jailhouse Rock film.

Trying To Get To You is an early Elvis song that can be found on the album "Elvis Presley" (also known as Elvis Presley's debut album or Elvis Presley Rock n' Roll No. 1). It was written by Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton.

"Trying To Get To You" was released as a single in 1956. It reached number 33 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and number 6 on the Billboard Country Singles chart.

The track is an emotional and soulful song about the struggles and determination of trying to reach a loved one. It portrays a sense of urgency and longing for connection, reflecting the narrator's relentless efforts to be with the person they desire.

No official music video was produced for "Trying To Get To You" due to its release predating the era of music videos.

When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again was written in 1940 and first recorded in 1941 by the writers Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan.

Elvis recorded the song years later in 1956 for his album Elvis. The song was never released as a single.