Elvis Presley, praised as The King of Rock and Roll, released the single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ on 27th January 1956 which promptly became his first million-seller.The same year marked the release of his debut studio album Elvis Presley.
But, it was not until the 5th of May 1956, when both the single and the album topped US Billboard’s chart and remained in the Top 100 for six months.
Despite a rather horrid story that lies behind the lyrics (song was inspired by a newspaper article about a lonely man who comitted suicide jumping out of a hotel window), ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ has since become an iconic hit, adored by young people who got tired of over-sentimental pop songs. It fuses rhythm and blues with great, rock n’ roll beat, all accompanied by Presley’s unique vocals.
Listen to this soulful track below.
