Top 10 Songs by Elvis Presley

As a little girl, growing up with my grandparents, my musical roots may have been a bit before my time. My home life was infused with classics like Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, and of course Elvis Presley. My grandmother just loved Elvis, and her affection was so over the top that it was unavoidably contagious. Although he died one year after my birth, I grew up on Elvis Presley's music, and developed a tremendous appreciation for his innovation and his priceless contribution to music. After such an influential career that left an undeniable impact on the entire industry, choosing his ten best songs is a daunting task, to say the least. In no particular order, I share with you, the very best of Elvis Presley!

"That's All Right (Mama)" - In 1954, Elvis Presley burst onto the scene with this, his first single. Often credited to Elvis, the song was originally performed in blues by Arthur Crudup. With a slight jitter in his fresh, young voice, the king-to-be was at his very best, raw and unassuming. "That's All Right" was the song that put Elvis on the map and just like that, a legend was born.

"Mansion Over the Hilltop" - Elvis was known for his deep religious beliefs. Over the course of his career, Elvis recorded various albums dedicated to gospel music. Some of his greatest, most passionate vocals can be found on his gospel recordings. I'll never forget the first time I heard "Mansion Over the Hilltop". My grandfather passed away in April of 2005. My aunts and I were sitting with my grandmother, planning the last minute details of his funeral service. They were puzzling over the song that my grandparents had both wanted played in the church, as no one could remember the title. It was "Mansion". As it played in the church the next day, tears fell from my eyes, not just for the loss I was feeling on a personal level, but the beauty of the song penetrated my soul. It was so fitting to everything my grandparents were. Though performed by many, the depth of the lyrics combine perfectly with the soulful voice of Elvis Presley for a perfect match.

"A Little Less Conversation" - Originally released in 1968, this song has found its greatest success with its resurrection in 2002. Personally, I am not a fan of the modern version, or the "JXL Remix", as it is known. Then again, I can't claim to be much a fan of anything that includes the word "remix" in the title. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and "A Little Less Coversation" certainly ain't broke! While the remix appears to be geared toward the addition of a dance groove, the original had a rockin' rhythm of its own that urged even the wallflowers to shake it loose. In fact, "Conversation" demonstrated that Elvis's style of rock could evolve with the industry and expectations. It was an edgier Elvis than that of the 50's, and it showed that he had no intention of fading away.

"In The Ghetto" - Even with such extreme wealth and success, Elvis never forgot or abandoned his humble roots. Throughout his career, it was not uncommon to find Elvis making sizable charitable donations, including his signature pink Cadillacs. "In the Ghetto" is a song that Elvis conveyed with sincere intensity and sympathetic sentiment. True then as it is today, the song reminds us that we are a product of our environment, and without the proper nurturing and encouragement, we have no hope to rise above it. We are all responsible for the state of our society and the creation of a better tomorrow.

"Promised Land" - This song was released by Elvis as a cover ten years after the Chuck Berry original. Elvis had the soul of a rhythm and blues great, and he did justice to not only "Promised Land", but another famed Berry classic, "Johnny B. Goode". Elvis delivers lightning-fast lyrics that tell the toe-tap worthy tale of a poor boy leaving his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia on a haphazard journey to the "promised land" of Los Angeles, California.

"Suspicious Minds" - Elvis was an exceptional showman. He could always be counted on for an entertaining, flamboyant live performance. Certain songs stood out in their live version more than others. One such tune is "Suspicious Minds". The choreography and physical dramatics that accompanied the live performance of the song made it a lively, fun Elvis stand out. (Although my personal favoritism for this song leads me to considerit a stand out on its musical merit alone.)

"Always On My Mind" - Covered by everyone from Alvin and the Chipmunks to Fantasia Barrino, "Always On My Mind" achieved its greatest success through Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley. I must admit that I love both versions and it is difficult to choose a favorite between the two. This is quite possibly the most heartfelt, tear-jerking song in the history of music. I, for one, cannot recall ever hearing it without bursting into heaving sobs. While some may see this as a drawback, I consider it a sign of a true masterpiece.

"Love Me Tender" - Tender is the key word here. Never has a love song been sung with more tenderness and pure, unbridled love. A perfect example of "The King's" charisma and his magical ability to make the girls swoon. Female fans would flock to the stage for a tender touch of royalty whenever the song were performed live. Today, long after he has left us, Elvis's alluring vocals still embrace us and surround us in tender comfort through "Love Me Tender". Remarkably, the song went gold before it was even officially released as a single, following a live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show.

"An American Trilogy" - Ever the patriot, Elvis was often praised for acknowledging the service of America's military troops. Audiences and performer alike were humbly moved to tears during Elvis's heart-stopping rendition of "An American Trilogy". A medley of "Dixie", "All My Trials" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic", "Trilogy" is easily the most emotional and profound recording of Elvis's career.

"Jailhouse Rock" - Elvis was never known for high quality cinema, and unfortunately some of the accompanying soundtracks were just as disappointing. One exception to the rule is the movie "Jailhouse Rock", and the song by the same name. Every source of sound combines to form one of the greatest rock n' roll songs of all time. A heavy, lively bass line blends with the animation of sprightly guitar plucking - all laying the framework for the rousing dynamic of Elvis's "Midas touch". The visions of a young Elvis strutting his stuff in standard-issue prisoner stripes are the ribbons that tie this pretty little package together.