Introduction
“Unchained Melody” and “All Shook Up” are two iconic songs associated with Elvis Presley, each with a unique origin and history.
Unchained Melody
Originally composed in 1955 by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret, “Unchained Melody” was created as the theme for the prison film Unchained. The song’s poignant lyrics express a deep yearning for a loved one, resonating with the film’s narrative of a prisoner’s longing for freedom and reunion. Over time, “Unchained Melody” has become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century, with over 1,500 versions by more than 670 artists in multiple languages.
The most renowned rendition was by The Righteous Brothers in 1965, featuring Bobby Hatfield’s emotive vocals. This version gained renewed popularity when it was featured in the 1990 film Ghost, introducing the song to a new generation. Elvis Presley’s association with “Unchained Melody” came later in his career. On June 21, 1977, during a performance in Rapid City, South Dakota, Elvis delivered a powerful live rendition of the song. This performance was recorded for his final television special, just two months before his passing, and is often hailed as one of the last great moments of his career.
All Shook Up
“All Shook Up” is a lively track that became one of Elvis Presley’s most significant hits. Written by Otis Blackwell in 1956, the song’s inception is attributed to an incident where Blackwell was inspired by the phrase “all shook up” after a bottle of Pepsi was shaken. Elvis himself claimed that the idea came from a dream he had, after which he discussed it with a friend who helped pen the song. Elvis recorded “All Shook Up” on January 12, 1957, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. The track features backing vocals from The Jordanaires’ first tenor, Gordon Stoker. Upon its release, the song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 and maintaining that position for nine consecutive weeks. It also became Elvis’s first No. 1 hit on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for seven weeks. By the end of 1957, “All Shook Up” was recognized as Billboard’s Year-End number one song.
Both “Unchained Melody” and “All Shook Up” showcase Elvis Presley’s versatility as an artist, highlighting his ability to interpret soulful ballads and deliver energetic rock and roll performances. These songs remain enduring classics in his extensive musical legacy.