Elvis_Presley_singles_discography

Elvis Presley singles discography

Elvis Presley singles discography

Add article description

The singles discography of Elvis Presley began in 1954 with the release of his first commercial single, "That's All Right". Following his regional success with Sun Records, Presley was signed to RCA Victor on November 20, 1955. Presley's first single with RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel", was a worldwide hit, reaching the No. 1 position in four countries and the top 10 in many other countries. Other hit singles from the 1950s include "Don't Be Cruel", "Hound Dog", "Love Me Tender", "Too Much", "All Shook Up", "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear", "Jailhouse Rock", "Don't", "Hard Headed Woman" and "A Big Hunk o' Love". On March 24, 1958, Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, and was stationed in Germany. He left active duty on March 5, 1960.

Quick Facts Singles, Posthumous singles ...

Following his return to civilian life, Presley released his first new single, "Stuck on You", which was a No. 1 hit in the United States and reached the top 10 in ten other countries around the world. The follow-up single, "It's Now or Never", was another worldwide hit, peaking no lower than No. 2 in 13 countries. 1960 and 1961 saw the release of two more U.S. No. 1 hits, "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "Surrender". Beginning in late 1961 the majority of Presley's singles were released to promote his films and their associated soundtrack albums. Non-movie songs were regularly coupled with movie songs during this period. In one instance, the movie Tickle Me, all songs were actually from older non movie albums. Hit singles from this period include "Can't Help Falling in Love", "Return to Sender", "Bossa Nova Baby" , "Devil In Disguise", and "Kissin' Cousins". As Presley's success with singles from his movie soundtracks began to diminish in the late 1960s, he released "If I Can Dream", from his 1968 NBC-TV special, Elvis. The success of the song and television special brought about a resurgence of interest in Presley and his recordings, bringing him two top 10 hits in 1969, "In the Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds".

In the 1970s, Presley's chart success began to diminish. He had only three U.S. Billboard top 10 singles during the decade, "Don't Cry Daddy", a live recording of "The Wonder of You" and "Burning Love." He did place multiple songs in the top 10 of the Easy Listening and Country Music charts, including several reaching number 1. Other top 40 hits from the 1970s include "Kentucky Rain", "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me", "Separate Ways", "Steamroller Blues", "My Boy", "Hurt", "Moody Blue" and "Way Down".

Following Presley's death on August 16, 1977, new posthumous singles have been released in addition to many of his original singles being reissued around the world. The first single to be issued following Presley's death was a live recording of "My Way", taken from the soundtrack of his final television special, Elvis in Concert. In 1978 another live recording was issued as a single, "Unchained Melody". In 2002, a remix of "A Little Less Conversation" by DJ Junkie XL was released to promote the compilation album ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits. It was a worldwide hit and returned Presley to the top 10 in many countries around the world. In 2003, a remix of "Rubberneckin' by DJ Paul Oakenfold was released to promote the compilation album ELVIS: 2nd to None. It reached the top 10 in a few countries but overall was not as successful as its predecessor.

Presley has 54 singles certified by the Recording Industry Association of America totaling 50 million in sales. In 2012, Presley was ranked second best selling singles artist in the United Kingdom with 21.6 million singles sold.[1] Music historian Joel Whitburn ranked Presley as the number 1 charting singles artist of all time in the US.[2]

Singles

1950s

The US chart positions prior to "One Night"/"I Got Stung" are pre-Billboard Hot 100, although they used the previous existing Billboard singles chart that got discontinued for the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958.

More information Title (A-side/B-side), Year ...

1960s

More information Title (A-side/B-side), Year ...

1970s

More information Title (A-side/B-side), Year ...

Posthumous singles

More information Title (A-side/B-side), Year ...

Charted reissued singles

More information Title, Year ...

Billboard Year-End performances

More information Year, Song ...

Other charted songs

More information Title, Year ...

RIAA certifications

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) began to certify gold albums and singles in 1958,[33] and Elvis Presley's first RIAA award, a gold single for "Hard Headed Woman", was certified on August 11, 1958.[34] In August 1992, he was awarded with 110 gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums and singles, the largest presentation of gold and platinum record awards in history.[35] According to Presley's record label, RCA, he is the best selling artist of all time, with sales over 1 billion records worldwide in all formats (600 million in the United States alone).[36][37]

The RIAA does not certify sales of less than 500,000 units for albums and singles.[38] Elvis has had numerous albums and singles which have sold hundreds of thousands of units each but have not reached the 500,000 threshold. Taken together, these could add up to millions in total sales that are not recognized by the RIAA.

RIAA sales certifications are not automatic. The record company must pay a fee and request an audit from the RIAA in order to certify sales. During Elvis' life, RCA submitted few of Elvis' recordings for RIAA certification. Instead of paying for RIAA certification, RCA and other companies would simply award their own "Gold Record" to artists based on their internal sales figures. As a consequence, some of Elvis' early sales information has been lost. RCA and BMG have researched archives and old files in an effort to reconstruct Elvis' sales figures. This has led to Elvis receiving numerous RIAA certifications posthumously.[39]

More information Title, Year ...

Notes

  1. The B-sides listed are for the US releases of the singles except where not applicable. Various other songs were released as B-sides to the main A-sides in other countries.
  2. "That's All Right" / "Blue Moon of Kentucky" single was re-released in 2004 and reached number 1 on the Billboard Singles Sales chart.[14]
  3. "That's All Right" reached 28 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart; at this time, Billboard published a Top 15 Country Singles chart while Music Vendor published a top 50 chart.[15]
  4. "Blue Moon of Kentucky" reached 34 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.
  5. "I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine" was released in the US in 1954 but did not chart until 1956. It was also not released in the UK until 1956.
  6. "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" reached 33 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.[15]
  7. "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" did not chart in the UK until 1958.
  8. "Mystery Train" did not chart in the UK until 1957.
  9. The single stayed at number 1 on the Billboard Single Sales and Jukebox charts for a total of 11 weeks; for the first 5 weeks "Hound Dog" was listed as the A-side and the last 6 weeks "Don't Be Cruel" was listed as the A-side.[17]
  10. "Blue Suede Shoes" was listed at number 2 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.[15]
  11. "Just Because" reached number 53 on the Music Vendor singles chart.[18]
  12. "Just Because" reached number 54 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.[15]
  13. "Any Way You Want Me" reached 21 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.
  14. "Rip It Up" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and several other countries.
  15. "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" reached 19 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.
  16. "Paralyzed" was released on an EP in the US, and as a single in the UK.
  17. "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" reached number 51 on the Music Vendor Country singles chart.
  18. "Party" was not released as a single in the US, but was in the UK and several other European countries.
  19. "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and several other European countries.
  20. Due to airplay of the songs from the album, Music Vendor listed the "Elvis Christmas Album" at number 49 on their Singles Chart in December 1957.[18]
  21. "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" reached number 1 on the Cashbox Country Singles charts.[19]
  22. "Doncha' Think It's Time" reached 25 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.
  23. "Don't Ask Me Why" reached 29 on the Cash Box Country and 24 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.
  24. "King Creole" was released as an extended play (EP) in the US, and as a single in the UK and several other European countries.
  25. "King Creole" reached number 20 on Cash Box and 14 on Music Vendor singles charts,[18] and number 1 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  26. "King Creole" reached number 12 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.[15]
  27. "I Got Stung" reached 13 on the Cash Box Country and 12 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.
  28. "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I" reached number 1 on the Music Vendor Singles chart.[18]
  29. "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I" reached number 5 on the Cash Box and number 2 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.[21][15]
  30. "I Need Your Love Tonight" reached 23 on the Cash Box Country and 4 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.
  31. "A Big Hunk o' Love" reached number 36 on the Cash Box and number 6 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.[21][15]
  32. "My Wish Came True" reached 43 on the Cash Box Country and 11 on the Music Vendor Country Singles charts.
  33. "It's Now or Never" reached 21 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.[15]
  34. "Surrender" reached 23 on the Music Vendor Country Singles chart.[15]
  35. "Wooden Heart" was not released as a single in the US and did not chart there until 1964 when it was released as the B-side for "Blue Christmas". However, it was first released as a single in 1961 in numerous other countries.
  36. "No More" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in various other countries.
  37. "Return to Sender" reached number 1 on the Cashbox and Music Vendor singles charts.[18]
  38. "Mexico" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in several European countries and elsewhere.
  39. "Fun in Alcapulco" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in certain countries including Australia and Japan.
  40. "Blue Christmas" reached number 18 on the Gavin airplay chart in 1964 and 1 on the Billboard Rock Streaming Songs chart in 2018 and first reached the Billboard top 40 in 2019, peaking in 2024 at number 18.[24][25]
  41. "Blue Christmas" reached number 1 on the Billboard Christmas Singles Chart in 1964 and 1973.[26]
  42. "Blue Christmas" reached number 55 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart in 1998.
  43. "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" reached number 99 on the Record World singles chart,[18] and 39 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  44. "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" reached number 2 on the Billboard Christmas Singles Chart in 1966.[26]
  45. "You Gotta Stop" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK.
  46. "Hi-Heel Sneakers" reached 69 on the Cash Box and 78 on the Record World singles charts.
  47. "You'll Never Walk Alone" reached number 73 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart in 1982.
  48. "In the Ghetto" reached number 1 on the Cashbox and Record World singles charts.[18]
  49. "I Just Can't Help Believin'" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and various other countries.
  50. "Burning Love" reached number 1 on the Cashbox singles chart.[18]
  51. "Burning Love" reached number 23 on the Cash Box Country singles chart.
  52. "Separate Ways" reached number 30 on the Cash Box and 19 on the Record World Country singles charts.
  53. "Polk Salad Annie" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and various other European countries.
  54. "Take Good Care of Her" reached number 8 on the Record World Country singles chart.
  55. "Green Green Grass of Home" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and several others countries.
  56. "My Way" reached number 1 on the Cashbox Country Singles chart.[28]
  57. "Softy, as I Leave You" reached number 6 on the Record World Country singles chart.
  58. "It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in other countries.
  59. This live version of "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and various other countries.
  60. "Baby, I Don't Care" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK.
  61. "I Can Help" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the UK and several other countries.
  62. This version of "Mean Woman Blues" was not released in the US, but was released in the UK and several other countries.
  63. "A Little Less Conversation" reached 26 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart[22] and number 1 on the Single Sales chart.[29]
  64. "Rubbernekin" reached number 1 on the Single Sales and Hot Dance Single Sales charts.[30]
  65. "Pocketful of Rainbows" was not released as a single in the US, but was released in the Netherlands in 2011.
  66. "Peace in the Valley" reached number 33 on the Music Vendor Country singles chart.
  67. "Lover Doll" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 2 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  68. "Trouble" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 4 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  69. "Crawfish" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 5 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  70. "Young Dreams" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 9 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  71. "Fever" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 28 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  72. "Such a Night" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 24 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]
  73. "G.I. Blues" was not released as a single in the US but reached number 5 on the Gavin airplay chart.[20]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Lauren, Kreisler (June 4, 2012). "The Official Singles Charts' biggest selling artists of all time revealed!". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  2. [2]
    Whitburn, Joel (2019). Top Pop Singles 1955–2018. Record Research. p. 729. ISBN 978-0-89820-233-5.
  3. [3]
    Whitburn, Joel (2009). Top Pop Singles 1955–2008. Record Research. pp. 774–777. ISBN 9780898201802.
  4. [4]
    Whitburn, Joel (2005). Top Country Songs: 1944 to 2005. Record Research. pp. 297–300. ISBN 978-0-89820-165-9.
  5. [5]
    Whitburn, Joel (2006). The Billboard Book of Top 40 R&B and Hip-Hop Hits. Billboard Books. ISBN 978-0-8230-8283-4.
  6. [6]
    Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book Pty Ltd, Turramurra, N.S.W. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.
  7. [7]
    "Discografie Elvis Presley - ultratop.be". www.ultratop.be. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  8. [8]
    Canadian singles chart. Prior to June 1964, peaks are on the CHUM Chart. Peaks afterwards are on the RPM chart:
    • For CHUM Chart peaks see: "CHUM Charts". chumtribute.com. The CHUM Tribute Site. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
    • For RPM chart peaks see: "Results: RPM Weekly". www.bac-lac.gc.ca. July 17, 2013. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  9. [9]
    "Suche - Offizielle Deutsche Charts". www.offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  10. [10]
    "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". irishcharts.ie. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  11. [11]
    "Discografie Elvis Presley - dutchcharts.nl". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  12. [12]
    "norwegiancharts.com - Discography Elvis Presley". norwegiancharts.com. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  13. [13]
    "Elvis Presley | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. May 17, 1956. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
  14. [14]
    "That's All Right #1 on Billboard Sales Charts". Official Elvis Fan Club. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  15. [15]
    Whitburn, Joel (2015). Hit Country Records 1954–1982. Record Research. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-89820-215-1.
  16. [16]
    "Milkcow Blues Boogie". Elvis The Music. Retrieved March 29, 2019.
  17. [17]
    Whitburn, Joel (2010). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. Billboard Books. ISBN 978-0-8230-8554-5.
  18. [18]
    Whitburn, Joel (2015). The Comparison Book Billboard/Cash Box/Record World 1954–1982. Sheridan Books. ISBN 978-0-89820-213-7.
  19. [19]
    "Cashbox Magazine Archive May 17, 1958" (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  20. [20]
    Whitburn, Joel (2022). The Gavin Report 1958–2000. Record Research. ISBN 978-0-89820-241-0.
  21. [21]
    "CASH BOX COUNTRY SINGLES The '50s Charts". Retrieved August 31, 2021.
  22. [22]
    Whitburn, Joel (1993). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961–1993. Record Research. p. 220.
  23. [23]
    Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  24. [24]
    Trust, Gary (January 2, 2024). "With 'Blue Christmas,' Elvis Presley Charts in the Hot 100's Top 20 for the First Time Since 1977". Billboard. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  25. [25]
    "Elvis Presley Chart History". Billboard.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  26. [26]
    Whitburn, Joel (2004). Christmas in the Charts 1920–2004. Record Research. ISBN 0-89820-161-6.
  27. [27]
    "australian-charts.com - Australian charts portal". australian-charts.com. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  28. [28]
    "Cashbox Magazine Archive January 21, 1978" (PDF). Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  29. [29]
    "The King Is Undead: Elvis's Enduring Appeal". WashingtonPost.com. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  30. [30]
    "Rubberneckin' In The Charts". ElvisNews.com. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  31. [31]
    "Blue Christmas - Single". Apple Music. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  32. [32]
    "irishcharts.com - Discography Elvis Presley". irish-charts.com. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  33. [33]
    "History of the Awards". RIAA.org. Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on March 16, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  34. [34]
    Search of http://www.riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?content_selector=gold-platinum-searchable-database#%5B%5D
  35. [35]
    "Top Tallies: Artist Tallies" (PHP). Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  36. [36]
    Reaves, Jessica (August 15, 2002). "Person of the Week: Elvis Presley". Time. Archived from the original on August 20, 2002. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  37. [37]
    Collins, Dan (August 7, 2002). "How Big Was The King?". CBS News/Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 23, 2009. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  38. [38]
    "RIAA Gold and Platinum". Riaa.com. March 16, 1999. Archived from the original on December 10, 2010. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  39. [39]
    "RIAA Elvis Presley Certifications". Riaa.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2010.
  40. [40]
    "RIAA – Elvis Presley". RIAA. Retrieved August 18, 2018.

Further reading

  • Guralnick, Peter and Jorgensen, Ernst (1999). Elvis: Day By Day – The Definitive Record of His Life and Music. New York: Ballantine Books. ISBN 0-345-42089-6
  • Jorgensen, Ernst (1998). Elvis Presley: A Life In Music – The Complete Recording Sessions. New York: St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0-312-18572-3
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Elvis_Presley_singles_discography, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.