A smooth and heartfelt ballad, 1958’s Don’t blends romance and deep emotion, becoming one of Elvis’ early chart-topping hits. Elvis is seen here proving that The King was a master of all beyond rock and roll.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are the duo behind the song’s lyrics, also behind hits like Jailhouse Rock and Hound Dog. Don’t pleads for love, expressing vulnerability as Elvis reflects tones of the hesitation that romance brings with it, only further emphasized by the soft and powerful vocals’ raw nature.
Elvis Presley, The Jordanaires – Don’t (Official Audio)
The arrangement is effective, and features simple guitar strums with subtle percussion. The song is further aided by backing vocals from The Jordanaires whose vocals suggest warmth and compliment the song’s emotional depth.
Don’t was a massive success upon release topping the Billboard Top 100 and solidifying Elvis as an artist who transcended boundaries. This song revealed a softer side to Elvis, which is further cemented by classics like Can’t Help Falling In Love.
Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling in Love (Lyrics)
Don’t is still a fan favorite, and regularly appears on lists of Elvis’ greatest songs, whose timeless quality makes the song touch hearts to this day. Old-school die-hard fan or a new listener discovering his music, this song will stick with you.
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