Introduction
“Return to Sender” is one of Elvis Presley’s most enduring hits, released on October 2, 1962, as part of the soundtrack for the film Girls! Girls! Girls! . Written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, the song marked a return to the rock and roll style that had propelled Presley’s early success.
Recorded on March 27, 1962, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, the track features a lively arrangement with prominent saxophone lines, a departure from the guitar-driven sound typical of Presley’s music. The recording session was notable for its efficiency; Presley completed the song in just two takes, delivering a performance that captured the energetic spirit of his earlier works.
Commercially, “Return to Sender” achieved significant success. In the United States, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the R&B chart. In the United Kingdom, the song topped the charts for three weeks, becoming the UK’s Christmas number one in 1962.
The song’s success was further cemented when it was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units in the U.S. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about unrequited love have ensured its place as a classic in Elvis Presley’s extensive catalog.