Throwing back to the week of November 14, 1956, we find Elvis Presley atop the Billboard singles chart with one of his most enduring hits, ‘Love Me Tender.’

This serene ballad is based on a Civil War-era song called ‘Aura Lee’ (listen to it here) with new lyrics provided by songwriter Ken Darby. For contractual reasons, Darby wasn’t credited on the track and the lyrics were attributed to his wife, Vera Matson, along with Presley (who received 50% credit on all of his songs, regardless of his input).

Darby was impressed with Presley’s interpretation of ‘Love Me Tender,’ but not above a playful jab. When asked why his wife was credited alongside Presley on the track, he replied “because she didn’t write it either.”

‘Love Me Tender’ was Presley’s fifth #1 hit and spent five weeks atop the chart. All five of those #1s were released in 1956, putting Elvis one short of The Beatles’ record of six chart-toppers in a calendar year.

Old songs. Great memories.
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