Introduction
“Don’t Be Cruel,” recorded by Elvis
Presley in 1956, stands as one of the defining songs of the early rock and roll era. Written by Otis Blackwell, the track showcases Presley’s dynamic vocal style and his ability to blend rhythm and blues with mainstream pop sensibilities.
The recording session for “Don’t Be Cruel” took place on July 2, 1956, at RCA Victor Studios in New York City. This session was particularly notable, as Presley also recorded “Hound Dog” on the same day. The musicians accompanying Presley included Scotty Moore on lead guitar, Bill Black on double bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, Shorty Long on piano, and backing vocals by the Jordanaires. Presley was deeply involved in the production process, selecting the song, reworking its arrangement on piano, and insisting on 28 takes before he was satisfied with the final version.
Upon its release on July 13, 1956, “Don’t Be Cruel,” backed with “Hound Dog,” achieved remarkable success. The single topped all three major charts of the time: Pop, Country, and R&B. Between them, both songs remained at number one on the Pop chart for a combined 11 weeks, tying the record for the longest stay at number one by a single record from late 1950 onward until 1992’s “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. By the end of 1956, “Don’t Be Cruel” had sold in excess of four million copies.
The song’s impact extended beyond its commercial success. It became a staple in Presley’s live performances and was featured during all three of his appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in September 1956 and January 1957. In 2002, “Don’t Be Cruel” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2004, it was listed at number 197 in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
“Don’t Be Cruel” remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s influence in shaping the landscape of popular music, blending genres and captivating audiences worldwide with his unique sound and style.