Elvis Presley's Iconic Hit: The Story Behind 'Don't Be Cruel
Elvis Presley's iconic track "Don't Be Cruel" made chart history as the biggest-selling single of his career. The song's A-side became a hit after his performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, with enthusiastic reactions from the audience. Despite facing protests accusing him of losing touch with his true self, Presley took creative control in the studio during the recording process.
In 1965, Presley's rise to fame was solidified with the release of "Don't Be Cruel" as the A-side single, accompanied by "Hound Dog" as the B-side. The song topped the Pop, Country, and R&B charts, remaining at No. 1 on the pop chart for 11 weeks and selling four million copies in just six months. This success marked a significant milestone in Presley's career.
While "Hound Dog" may be more associated with Presley's energetic style, "Don't Be Cruel" showcased his rhythmic talent and charismatic performance. It was the first song offered to Presley by Hill & Range representative Freddy Bienstock, and it marked the beginning of Presley's studio control. He insisted on multiple re-recordings until the band met his standards, exceeding the producer's usual limits.
During the recording sessions, fans protested outside the studio, demanding "The Real Elvis" following a controversial performance on The Steve Allen Show. Despite external criticism, Presley continued to incorporate "Don't Be Cruel" into his live performances and television appearances. He even admired Jackie Wilson's rendition of the song, acknowledging Wilson's superior performance during a Las Vegas show.
Presley's admiration for Wilson's version of "Don't Be Cruel" was evident during a jam session with the "Million Dollar Quartet" in Sun Studios, where he imitated Wilson's style. Despite his own success with the song, Presley recognized Wilson's talent and praised his rendition. The enduring popularity of "Don't Be Cruel" solidified its place as a timeless classic in Presley's repertoire.