Elvis Presley – I Was the One
About the song
If you are a fan of Elvis Presley, you probably know his iconic song “Heartbreak Hotel”. But do you know the story behind its B-side, “I Was the One”? In this blog post, we will explore the history and meaning of this lesser-known but equally captivating song by the King of Rock and Roll.
“I Was the One” was written by Aaron Schroeder, Bill Peppers, Claude Demetrius and Hal Blair, and recorded by Elvis Presley at RCA’s Studios in Nashville on January 11, 1956. It was released as the B-side of the “Heartbreak Hotel” single in 1956, and was produced by Steve Sholes . The song is a ballad about a man who regrets losing his love to another, and claims that he was the one who taught her everything she knows. The song expresses the pain and jealousy of the narrator, who wonders who taught her to lie and break his heart.
The song was one of the first RCA releases of new material for Elvis, after he left Sun Records in late 1955. The single sold over 1,000,000 copies and reached number one on the Billboard pop chart. “I Was the One” also charted at number 19 on the Billboard country chart and number 25 on the Billboard rhythm and blues chart. The song showcased Elvis’ versatility as a singer, who could perform both rockabilly and ballads with equal skill and emotion.
The song also reflected Elvis’ own personal life, as he was involved in several romantic relationships at the time. He had met his future wife Priscilla Beaulieu in 1959, when she was only 14 years old. He also had affairs with actresses such as Ann-Margret, Nancy Sinatra and Cybill Shepherd. Some of his songs, such as “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “Suspicious Minds”, hinted at his insecurities and troubles in love.
“I Was the One” is a song that deserves more attention and appreciation from Elvis fans and music lovers alike. It is a song that reveals a vulnerable side of Elvis, who was not only a charismatic performer but also a human being with feelings and regrets. It is a song that speaks to anyone who has ever loved and lost.
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