Introduction
“No More” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, first featured in his 1961 film and its accompanying soundtrack album, “Blue Hawaii.” The song is an adaptation of the 19th-century Spanish composition “La Paloma,” written by Sebastián Iradier around 1863 after his visit to Cuba. The original melody of “La Paloma” has been widely popular and adapted in various cultures over the years.
In “No More,” lyricists Don Robertson and Hal Blair crafted English lyrics to complement Iradier’s melody, blending the traditional Spanish tune with contemporary sensibilities. The recording sessions for “Blue Hawaii” took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood on March 21, 22, and 23, 1961. The soundtrack, including “No More,” showcases Elvis’s versatility in adapting and performing songs across different genres and styles.
A lesser-known version of “No More” was recorded by Elvis on January 14, 1973, in Honolulu. This session aimed to capture additional content for the U.S. version of the live concert TV special “Aloha from Hawaii.” Notably, these tracks were recorded after the live audience had departed, rendering them studio recordings rather than live performances. The 1973 rendition of “No More” was not included in the original broadcast of the special.
This 1973 version remained unreleased until it appeared on the posthumous compilation album “Mahalo from Elvis” in 1978. The album’s first side consists of five previously unissued tracks recorded during the 1973 Honolulu session, while the second side features songs from various Presley movie soundtracks from the 1960s. “Mahalo from Elvis” was assembled by Pickwick Records in arrangement with RCA Records, which leased Pickwick the rights to reissue certain recordings by Presley and other RCA artists.
The 1973 version of “No More” offers fans a unique opportunity to experience Elvis revisiting a song from earlier in his career, providing insight into his artistic evolution and enduring connection to the material.