Elvis Presley—the name instantly brings to mind swinging hips, glittery jumpsuits, and, of course, an unforgettable voice.
But did the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll write any of those iconic songs?
That’s the big question. Today, we’re diving into the details of who actually penned those famous tracks. You might be surprised by how much Elvis didn’t do when it came to songwriting. Let’s get into it.
Iconic Elvis Songs – Who Wrote Them?
While Elvis was an incredible performer, he didn’t spend a lot of time putting pen to paper.
His role was to take songs and make them better—to perform them in a way that turned good songs into unforgettable hits. Below, we’ll explore some of the best-known Elvis tracks, breaking down who really wrote them and whether Elvis got any credit.
Heartbreak Hotel
“Heartbreak Hotel” might be one of Elvis’s most recognized tracks, but he didn’t write it.
This rock ‘n’ roll classic was penned by Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, and with a little help from Elvis himself in terms of arrangement. However, that help didn’t translate into an official writing credit. Mae Axton was actually a high school teacher who co-wrote the song after reading about a lonely man who jumped out of a hotel window.
The rest is history.
Hound Dog
Elvis’s version of “Hound Dog” might be the one that everyone remembers, but it was originally recorded by Big Mama Thornton.
The song was written by the powerhouse duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
They weren’t thrilled about Elvis covering it at first, but they came around once they saw those royalty checks. Elvis, though? He had no part in the original lyrics or melody—just that unforgettable swagger.
Love Me Tender
“Love Me Tender” is another example where Elvis didn’t contribute to the songwriting process.
This beautiful ballad was adapted from an 1861 tune called “Aura Lee.” The updated lyrics for Elvis’s rendition were written by Ken Darby, who decided to give the credit to his wife, Vera Matson, out of respect. Elvis was given a co-credit, but let’s be real—he didn’t actually write a word of it.
Jailhouse Rock
“Jailhouse Rock” is pure classic rock ‘n’ roll, but Elvis wasn’t the mastermind behind it.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are once again the real heroes here. They wrote the song specifically for Elvis, as part of the soundtrack for the movie of the same name.
The catchy lyrics and rhythm made it one of his biggest hits, but Elvis was purely the voice behind the mic.
Suspicious Minds
“Suspicious Minds” was written by Mark James, not Elvis. James originally recorded the song himself, but it went nowhere. Then Elvis got hold of it, and boom—it became a massive hit. Elvis brought the emotion and the performance, but the words and melody were all Mark James.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
This one might come as a shock, but “Can’t Help Falling in Love” wasn’t written by Elvis either.
The songwriters were Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. They based the melody on a French love song called “Plaisir d’amour.” Elvis gets all the credit for making it the timeless love anthem that it is today, but he wasn’t behind the lyrics or the music.
Blue Suede Shoes
“Blue Suede Shoes” was actually written by Carl Perkins.
Perkins was a rockabilly star in his own right and recorded the original version of the song. Elvis’s rendition became popular, but he didn’t write any part of it. Instead, he brought his signature style and energy, giving the song a fresh lease on life.
All Shook Up
“All Shook Up” was written by Otis Blackwell.
Blackwell was a prolific songwriter who penned numerous hits for Elvis, including this one. The story goes that Elvis came up with the idea for the title after hearing someone use the phrase.
That contribution earned him a co-writing credit, but the bulk of the work was all Blackwell.
Return to Sender
“Return to Sender” was another hit penned by the powerhouse duo Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott.
The song became famous for its catchy lyrics and Elvis’s spirited delivery, but he had no hand in writing it. Blackwell and Scott knew how to write a tune that was tailor-made for Elvis’s style.
Viva Las Vegas
“Viva Las Vegas” is synonymous with Elvis’s high-energy persona, but it wasn’t written by him.
The songwriters behind this Vegas anthem were Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who wrote many of Elvis’s hits. They crafted the perfect party vibe, and Elvis delivered it with all the flair and charm you’d expect.
A Little Less Conversation
“A Little Less Conversation” was written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange.
Elvis didn’t write it, but he sure made it iconic.
The song didn’t gain much attention initially but found new life decades later when it was remixed for a Nike commercial, reminding everyone just how catchy an Elvis tune could be—even if he didn’t write it.
In the Ghetto
“In the Ghetto” was written by Mac Davis.
The poignant lyrics tell the story of the struggles faced by those living in poverty, a message that Elvis delivered with surprising empathy and emotion. Davis wrote the entire song, and Elvis’s vocal performance gave it the power that turned it into a hit.
It’s Now or Never
“It’s Now or Never” was based on the Italian classic “O Sole Mio,” and the English lyrics were written by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold. Elvis was inspired by the original melody during his army days in Germany and asked for an adaptation.
While Elvis didn’t write the lyrics, his vision helped shape the song into what it became.
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman back in 1926.
Elvis’s manager, Colonel Parker, suggested that Elvis record it because it was one of Parker’s wife’s favorite songs. Elvis put his own spin on it, but he didn’t write a single note or lyric.
How Many Songs Did Elvis Actually Write?
Brace yourself: the number is zero.
Elvis Presley didn’t actually write any of his songs. Despite his enormous influence and iconic status in the music industry, he didn’t sit down and craft lyrics or melodies himself. The few co-writing credits that bear his name were typically business moves, intended to give him a piece of the publishing pie rather than to acknowledge any significant creative input.
Elvis’s true talent lay in his unmatched ability to interpret and perform music.
He had an instinct for taking a song and making it uniquely his own—infusing it with charisma, energy, and passion.
This natural gift allowed him to transform simple tunes into iconic hits that still resonate today. The fact that he didn’t write his songs doesn’t diminish his legacy; if anything, it highlights his genius as an interpreter who could breathe life into someone else’s words and make them unforgettable.
Who Wrote the Most Elvis Songs?
| Songwriter | Number of Songs Written for Elvis |
|---|---|
| Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller | 20+ |
| Otis Blackwell | 10+ |
| Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman | 15+ |
| Mac Davis | 5 |
| Mark James | 1 |
| Carl Perkins | 1 |
| Aaron Schroeder & Wally Gold | 1 |
If anyone deserves a crown for writing Elvis’s biggest hits, it’s Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
This songwriting duo was responsible for a lot of the tracks that made Elvis famous, including “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” They knew how to write catchy hooks, and Elvis knew how to make those hooks legendary.
Why Did Elvis Not Write Songs?
Elvis was more interested in performing than writing.
He had a knack for taking someone else’s work and turning it into pure gold, but he wasn’t a songwriter. He also didn’t need to be—he had access to some of the best songwriters of the time, who were more than happy to have Elvis record their music.
Plus, let’s not forget that back then, it wasn’t uncommon for singers to focus solely on singing while songwriters worked behind the scenes.
Here are some other artists who don’t write their own music:
- Frank Sinatra
- Whitney Houston
- Elton John
- Celine Dion
- Rihanna
- Beyoncé
- Adele
- Justin Bieber
- Britney Spears
- Michael Bublé
Opinions are split over the authenticity of artists who perform but do not write their own songs. Here is a video on one musician’s take:
Could Elvis Presley Read and Write Music?
Nope. Elvis couldn’t read or write music. He learned songs by ear and had a remarkable ability to remember melodies and lyrics.
That just goes to show how powerful his natural talent was.
He didn’t need to read sheet music to create magic—he relied on his instincts, and it worked out pretty well for him.
This limitation didn’t hold Elvis back, as he surrounded himself with talented musicians and songwriters who helped bring his musical ideas to life. His ability to collaborate, combined with his natural charm and performance skills, allowed him to excel despite lacking formal music education.
Many artists and fans believe that this raw approach to music-making is what made his work feel so genuine and relatable.
Final Thoughts: Did Elvis Write Any Songs?
Elvis may not have been a songwriter, but he was the King of interpreting music like no one else.
His unmatched charisma, emotional delivery, and showmanship turned other people’s words into legendary anthems. In the end, Elvis’s true magic was his ability to take a song and make it unforgettable, proving that you don’t need to write the music to be an icon.
Elvis (and I) have now left the building…