Love Me Tender • 1956

One of Presley’s most beloved ballads had roots in America’s Civil War. The tune borrowed the plaintive melody of “Aura Lee,” which had become popular during that period in American history. Elvis sang the song in his film debut, also called Love Me Tender, in which he played the sibling of three Confederate soldiers. “Tender” is one of the few Elvis hits in that era that didn’t feature his regular band. Instead, it showcased the Ken Darby Singers, led by the man who wrote the lyrics.