Introduction
“One Broken Heart for Sale” is a song by Elvis Presley, released on January 29, 1963, as part of the soundtrack for the film “It Happened at the World’s Fair.”
The track was penned by the accomplished songwriting duo Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, both of whom had previously collaborated with Presley on hits like “Return to Sender.”
The recording session took place on September 22, 1962, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. Elvis was accompanied by a group of seasoned musicians, including guitarists Scotty Moore, Billy Strange, and Tiny Timbrell; bassist Ray Siegel; drummers D.J. Fontana and Frank Carlson; pianists Don Robertson and Dudley Brooks; organist Dudley Brooks; saxophonist and clarinetist Clifford Scott; and backing vocalists The Mello Men.
Upon its release, “One Broken Heart for Sale” achieved moderate success. It reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking one of the rare occasions during that period when an Elvis single did not break into the Top 10.
In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 12, reflecting a similar reception.
The song’s performance was influenced by several factors. Notably, the released version was a minute shorter than its original length of 2:25, possibly due to mechanical error or commercial considerations. Additionally, the track lacked the post-production enhancements typically applied to studio recordings, resulting in a “flat” sound more suited for cinematic adaptation than radio play. These issues likely contributed to its relatively lower chart position compared to Presley’s earlier hits.
“One Broken Heart for Sale” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, aligning with the pop sensibilities of the early 1960s. The lyrics depict a narrator attempting to sell his broken heart after a romantic rejection, a theme that resonates with the universal experience of unrequited love. Despite its modest chart performance, the song remains a notable entry in Elvis Presley’s extensive catalog, reflecting his versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles during his career.