Introduction
“Return to Sender” is a song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and featured in the 1962 film “Girls! Girls! Girls!”. The song was written by the renowned songwriting duo Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, who had previously crafted hits like “Don’t Be Cruel” and “All Shook Up” for Presley. The inspiration for “Return to Sender” came from a returned piece of mail; a demo sent by Scott and Blackwell was returned with the postal markings “Return to sender! No such person! No such zone!”
Recorded on March 27, 1962, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, the session saw Presley accompanied by his regular band members, including Scotty Moore on guitar and D.J. Fontana on drums, along with Boots Randolph on saxophone. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo and blend of pop and rock and roll elements, with Randolph’s saxophone playing a prominent role in the chorus—a decision influenced by Presley himself.
Upon its release on October 2, 1962, “Return to Sender” achieved significant commercial success. In the United States, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, just behind The Four Seasons’ “Big Girls Don’t Cry.” The song also topped the UK Singles Chart, becoming the UK’s Christmas number one in 1962, and was the first Christmas number one in the Irish Singles Chart. The single was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales exceeding one million units in the U.S.
Critically, “Return to Sender” was praised for its engaging melody and lyrical storytelling. Thomas Ward of AllMusic highlighted Presley’s energetic vocal performance and the song’s polished production. The track has endured as one of Presley’s classic hits, reflecting his ability to blend storytelling with musicality seamlessly.
“Return to Sender” remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s impact on popular music, showcasing his versatility and the collaborative genius of Scott and Blackwell.