About the song
“Don’t Be Cruel” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s unparalleled influence on the music industry. Written by Otis Blackwell in 1956, this song quickly became a significant milestone in Presley’s career. It was the first song that Hill & Range, Presley’s song publishers, brought to him, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration. Blackwell, recognizing Presley’s immense potential, agreed to a co-writing credit and shared royalties, despite having sold the song initially for a mere $25.
The recording session for “Don’t Be Cruel” on July 2, 1956, at RCA Victor Studios in New York City, was nothing short of legendary. Presley, known for his meticulous approach, demanded 28 takes before he was satisfied with the final version. This session also produced the iconic tracks “Hound Dog” and “Any Way You Want Me.” The recording featured an impressive lineup with Scotty Moore on lead guitar, Bill Black on double bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, Shorty Long on piano, and the Jordanaires providing backing vocals. Though RCA’s Stephen H. Sholes received the producing credit, it was Presley who took the reins, reworking arrangements and ensuring the song met his high standards.
Released on July 13, 1956, backed with “Hound Dog,” the single quickly climbed the charts. “Hound Dog” initially reached #2 on the Pop charts, but “Don’t Be Cruel” soon overtook it, achieving #1 on the Pop, Country, and R’n’B charts. This remarkable achievement set a new standard, with both songs holding the #1 position on the Pop chart for an unprecedented 11 weeks. By the end of 1956, “Don’t Be Cruel” had sold over four million copies, earning Billboard’s No. 2 song for the year.
Presley’s performances of “Don’t Be Cruel” on The Ed Sullivan Show in September 1956 and January 1957 further cemented its place in music history. Although it remained a B-side in the UK, it posthumously became a hit, reaching number 24 on the UK Singles Chart in 1978, a year after Presley’s death.
“Don’t Be Cruel” went on to become Presley’s biggest-selling single recorded in 1956, with sales surpassing six million by 1961. It remained a staple in his live performances until his death in 1977, often paired with other hits like “Jailhouse Rock” or “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.” Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and listed at #197 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004, “Don’t Be Cruel” remains an enduring classic, embodying the spirit and talent of Elvis Presley.
Video
Lyrics
You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said
Please, let’s forget my past
The future looks bright ahead
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
I don’t want no other love
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of, mmh
Don’t stop thinking of me
Don’t make me feel this way
Come on over here and love me
You know what I want you to say
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Why should we be apart?
I really love you baby, cross my heart
Let’s walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do
Then you’ll know you’ll have me
And I’ll know that I’ll have you
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
I don’t want no other love
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
I don’t want no other love
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of