Remembering Elvis Presley: Covering The King Spotify Playlist

Today marks the 39th anniversary of the death of legendary musician Elvis Presley at the young age of just 42. Undeniably among the most influential musicians in the history popular music, The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll earned his title by capturing the attention of music fans across the world as he helped popularize the new genre rooted in blues, R&B and country. Elvis was only credited with writing a handful of songs in his career, but his recordings of many compositions became instant hits, prompting numerous additional arrangements by other musicians. The Spotify Playlist below collects several of those other artists playing songs The King helped establish as classics.

Among the songs Elvis was given songwriting credit for were “Heartbreak Hotel” covered in the playlist by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell, along with “Love Me Tender” covered by B.B. King, “Don’t Be Cruel” recorded on Merle Haggard’s tribute LP, “Return To Sender” tracked by Welsh rocker Dave Edmunds and “All Shook Up,” which was issued by Paul McCartney. McCartney’s The Beatles mate John Lennon’s live rendition of “Hound Dog” is featured, as are live recordings of “Blue Suede Shoes” by Jimi Hendrix, “That’s Alright, Mama” by Jerry Garcia & Merl Saunders and a pair of takes on “Suspicious Minds” – by My Morning Jacket to open the set and by Phish to close it out.

There’s also a cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Bob Dylan and a version of “Mystery Train” by The Band. Jeff Beck rips up “Jailhouse Rock” with Rod Stewart and ZZ Top give “Viva Las Vegas” a spin alongside a performance of the deep cut “Wooden Heart” by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. Stream the 15-track collection below: