Introduction
“One Broken Heart for Sale” is a poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, featured in the 1963 MGM film It Happened at the World’s Fair. Released as a single by RCA Victor on January 29, 1963, it reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became certified Gold by the RIAA in 1992 .
The song was penned by the prolific songwriting duo Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, known for crafting several of Presley’s hits, including “Don’t Be Cruel” and “All Shook Up” . Recorded on September 22, 1962, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, the track was produced to evoke the emotional atmosphere of the film’s setting, the Seattle World’s Fair .
Despite its commercial success, “One Broken Heart for Sale” marked a departure from Presley’s usual chart-topping hits. It was the first regularly scheduled Elvis single not to reach the Top 10 in the United States . The single’s performance may have been affected by its abbreviated length and the lack of post-production enhancements, which were uncommon for Presley’s releases .
Nonetheless, the song remains a testament to Presley’s enduring appeal and the timeless quality of his music. Its inclusion in the film’s soundtrack and subsequent success underscore its place in the rich tapestry of Elvis Presley’s musical legacy.