Introduction
Released on July 5, 1960, “It’s Now or Never” stands as one of Elvis Presley’s most successful and enduring singles. This song showcases Presley’s versatility and ability to transcend his rock and roll roots, embracing a more operatic and international sound. The melody is adapted from the classic Neapolitan song “‘O Sole Mio,” composed in 1898 by Eduardo di Capua. Presley’s inspiration for this adaptation came during his military service in Germany, where he encountered Tony Martin’s 1949 rendition titled “There’s No Tomorrow.” Captivated by the melody, Presley sought to create his own version with new English lyrics. He communicated this desire to his music publisher, Freddy Bienstock, who then commissioned songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold to craft the lyrics for “It’s Now or Never.” Remarkably, they completed the lyrics in approximately 30 minutes. The recording session took place at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 3, 1960, with producer Steve Sholes overseeing the process. The session featured notable musicians, including guitarist Scotty Moore and pianist Floyd Cramer, contributing to the song’s rich and emotive arrangement. Upon its release, “It’s Now or Never” achieved monumental success. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, beginning on August 15, 1960. In the United Kingdom, the song’s release was delayed due to copyright issues, but it still debuted at number one, maintaining that position for eight weeks and becoming the UK’s Christmas number one for 1960. Globally, the single sold over 20 million copies, making it Presley’s best-selling single and one of the best-selling singles of all time. “It’s Now or Never” not only solidified Elvis Presley’s status as an international music icon but also demonstrated his ability to blend different musical genres, creating a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.