Elvis Presley is considered one of the greatest song interpreters of all time. Though he didn’t pen his own music like many of his peers, he is nonetheless revered. He added so much personality and emotion into his renditions that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were reflections of Presley’s personal life. Not every artist has that kind of power. As evidence to that claim, check out four of Presley‘s best cover bouts, below.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Always On My Mind”
Willie Nelson made “Always On My Mind” famous, but Presley’s cover version is equally as beloved. Presley knows how to perform a love song. He did so in a way that made every listener feel as though he was speaking directly to them. His cover of this country classic has hypnotizing powers. We can’t blame any of those crazed fans in Presley’s heyday. We swoon too while hearing Presley’s tender vocals on “Always On My Mind”.
Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
“Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues”
Presley was a fan of the country/folk world. He made that fact clear in many ways, but his covers certainly reflected it. Take Presley’s cover of “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues” for example. This Danny O’Keefe original sees The King get a little twang in his voice. He has many great country efforts to his name, but we’re partial to this one.
Some caught a freight, some caught a plane
Find the sunshine, leave the rain
They said this town will waste your time
I guess they’re right, it’s wastin’ mine
Some gotta win, some gotta lose
Good time Charlie’s got the blues
“Yesterday”
Despite Presley’s qualms with the Beatles, he once covered one of their biggest hits, “Yesterday.” This Paul McCartney-penned track has been covered ad nauseam. From established acts to obscured musicians, this ballad is a mainstay. Presley has just one of many renditions of “Yesterday”, but it’s a powerful one at that.
Suddenly
I’m not half the man I used to be
There’s a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
[RELATED: The Saddest Song Ever Recorded, According to Elvis Presley]
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Presley always shined most on a robust ballad. Belts and high notes always showcased his voice best. Don’t agree? Take one listen to his cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and you’ll change your tune. His rich vocals are able to have free reign on a song like this. Though the softer moments in his discography are great as well, there is just something about Presley doing melodrama. We can’t get enough of it.
Sail on, silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
(Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
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