Introduction
“That’s Someone You Never Forget” is a poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, co-written with his friend and bodyguard, Red West, in 1961. The song was first released as the closing track on Presley’s 1962 album Pot Luck and later issued as a single in 1967.
The inspiration for the song is deeply personal. Presley, profoundly affected by the death of his mother, Gladys Presley, in 1958, sought to honor her memory. The title, “That’s Someone You Never Forget,” originated from Presley himself, who proposed it to West as the song’s theme. Red West recalled that Elvis suggested, “How about coming up with a song with the title of ‘That’s Someone You Never Forget’?”
Musically, the track features a gentle melody that complements Presley’s heartfelt vocals. The arrangement is understated, allowing the emotion of the lyrics to resonate. Bruce Eder and Neal Umphred, in their review for Allmusic, described the song as “haunting, gospel-like,” noting it as one of Presley’s finest non-hit songs from that era.
While it may not have achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100, “That’s Someone You Never Forget” remains a testament to Presley’s ability to channel personal grief into a universally relatable expression of love and loss. The song continues to evoke reflection and emotion, solidifying its place as a timeless piece in Presley’s musical legacy.