Introduction
“Burning Love” stands as one of Elvis Presley’s most electrifying tracks, capturing the essence of early 1970s rock and roll. Written by Nashville songwriter Dennis Linde, the song was first recorded by Arthur Alexander in 1972. However, it was Presley’s rendition that catapulted “Burning Love” to international acclaim, marking his final Top 10 hit on the U.S. charts.
Linde, known for his reclusive nature and prolific songwriting career, penned “Burning Love” spontaneously. He had recently acquired a set of drums and, while experimenting in his home studio, the melody and lyrics came to him. Within 20 minutes, Linde had crafted the demo, playing and singing all parts himself. He credited part of the inspiration to his status as a newlywed, remarking that “‘Burning Love’ was a great newlywed title.”
Elvis Presley recorded his version on March 28, 1972, at RCA’s Hollywood studios. Initially hesitant to tackle a rock and roll number due to personal circumstances—having recently separated from his wife, Priscilla—Presley needed persuasion from his producer, Felton Jarvis, to give the song a try. After six takes, he delivered the passionate performance that fans cherish today.
Released as a single on August 1, 1972, with “It’s a Matter of Time” as the B-side, “Burning Love” quickly climbed the charts. By October 28, 1972, it had reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100, narrowly missing the top spot due to Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.” The track also secured the number one position on Cashbox’s Top 40 Charts for the week of November 11. Notably, this song became Presley’s 40th and final Top Ten hit on the Billboard US charts.
The song’s distinctive electric guitar riffs were overdubbed by Dennis Linde himself, adding a unique flair to the track. Presley showcased “Burning Love” in notable performances, including the concert film “Elvis on Tour,” where he referred to a lyric sheet as the song was still new to him, and the “Aloha from Hawaii” concert. Despite its popularity, he seldom included it in his live performances post-1972, with a brief revival in his 1975 setlists.
“Burning Love” was later featured on the album “Burning Love and Hits from His Movies, Volume 2,” released on November 1, 1972. Despite the album’s title, the song was the sole significant hit included. The track’s enduring appeal led to a new orchestral arrangement in 2015, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and released on the album “If I Can Dream.”
In essence, “Burning Love” encapsulates Elvis Presley’s enduring charisma and his ability to infuse raw energy into his music, solidifying its place as a classic in his illustrious catalog.