About the song
Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel (Official Audio) is one of the most iconic and genre-defining songs in rock and roll history. Released on January 27, 1956, by RCA Records, it was Elvis Presley’s first single on the label and remains a standout track in his extraordinary career. Written by Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, and Elvis himself, the song was inspired by a newspaper article about a man’s suicide with a note reading, "I walk a lonely street." This melancholic concept is reflected in the haunting lyrics and sultry vocal delivery, which captivated audiences worldwide.
"Heartbreak Hotel" quickly became a massive commercial and critical success. It was Elvis’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, topping the chart for seven weeks. The song also dominated the Billboard Country and Western chart and peaked at number three on the Rhythm & Blues chart, illustrating Elvis’s crossover appeal to a diverse audience. By the end of 1956, Heartbreak Hotel had sold over one million copies and became a defining moment in the emerging rock and roll genre.
The song’s success was further recognized when Elvis Presley performed it on national television, including "The Ed Sullivan Show," solidifying his reputation as the "King of Rock and Roll." While "Heartbreak Hotel" did not win a Grammy Award during its time, its influence remains immense. In 1995, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, honoring its historical and cultural significance.
Featuring a bluesy melody, distinctive piano chords, and Elvis’s soulful voice, Heartbreak Hotel set a benchmark for rock and roll’s raw, emotional storytelling. To this day, it remains one of Presley’s most beloved songs and a hallmark of 1950s American music. This official audio is an essential listen for fans of Elvis Presley and rock history enthusiasts alike.
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