Introduction
“Today, Tomorrow and Forever” is a poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, featured in the 1964 MGM film Viva Las Vegas. The song was written by Bernie Baum, Florence Kaye, and Bill Giant, with its melody inspired by Franz Liszt’s classical piano piece “Liebestraum” .
Elvis recorded two versions of the song on July 11, 1963, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood: a solo rendition for the film’s soundtrack and a duet with co-star Ann-Margret. The solo version was used in the movie and released on the accompanying soundtrack EP . The duet version remained unreleased for decades, eventually surfacing in 2002 on the four-CD compilation album Elvis: Today, Tomorrow and Forever, which featured previously unreleased songs from throughout his career .
In the film, Elvis and Ann-Margret’s on-screen chemistry is palpable, and their duet adds a layer of intimacy to the song. However, the song’s release history reflects the era’s commercial decisions. The duet version was withheld from the public for years, likely due to the desire to maintain Elvis’s solo image . Despite this, the duet’s eventual release allowed fans to experience the full depth of the artists’ collaboration.
“Today, Tomorrow and Forever” stands out as a testament to Elvis’s versatility and emotional depth as a performer. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and the timeless quality of its melody, which continues to resonate with audiences today.