“A complete analysis of the double A-side single that marked a turning point in Elvis Presley’s career”
Introduction
In 1956, Elvis Presley was already an unstoppable force in rock and roll. That year he released one of his most unforgettable singles: “Love Me Tender,” backed with “Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)”. This record not only solidified his image as a romantic idol but also showcased his softer, emotional side beyond raw rock energy. Below is a detailed look at the single’s creation, recording, impact, and lasting influence.
Single Information
- Title: Love Me Tender / Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)
- Artist: Elvis Presley
- Release Date: 1956 (some sources cite March 13, though most official records list October 1956)
- Label: RCA Victor
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic ballad, folk-influenced pop, rockabilly elements
- Length (Love Me Tender): approximately 2:41
- A-side / B-side: “Love Me Tender” was considered the main track, but “Any Way You Want Me” was also promoted as a double A-side in several markets.
Origins, Composition, and Context
Love Me Tender
The melody of “Love Me Tender” is based on the Civil War-era song “Aura Lea”, composed in 1861 by George R. Poulton with lyrics by W. W. Fosdick. Since the tune was in the public domain, Elvis and his collaborators could adapt it freely.
The song’s writing credits were officially given to “Vera Matson” (wife of Ken Darby) and Elvis Presley. In reality, the lyricist was Ken Darby, who chose to credit his wife to avoid contractual conflicts, while Elvis received co-credit under his management’s standard publishing deal led by Colonel Tom Parker.
Elvis contributed his personal touch to the arrangement — though he didn’t read music, he shaped the vocal phrasing and emotional tone that made the song unique.
“Love Me Tender” was recorded on August 24, 1956, at 20th Century Fox Studios in Hollywood, California. Instead of his usual touring band (Scotty Moore, Bill Black, D. J. Fontana), the session featured The Ken Darby Trio with Red Robinson (drums), Charles Prescott (bass), and Vita Mumolo (guitar), along with backing vocals by Jon Dodson.
Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)
This song was written by Aaron Schroeder and Cliff Owens.
It was recorded on July 2, 1956, at RCA’s New York studio, featuring Elvis on guitar with his regular band: Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), D. J. Fontana (drums), Shorty Long (piano), and The Jordanaires on backing vocals.
In many editions of the single, the song was marketed as a double A-side alongside “Love Me Tender.” On Billboard’s “Most Played in Jukeboxes” chart, both songs shared the same position.
The track was also included on Elvis’s self-titled debut album and became part of his essential early repertoire.
Release and Promotion
Elvis performed “Love Me Tender” for the first time on national television on The Ed Sullivan Show (September 9, 1956), generating massive anticipation.
RCA received hundreds of thousands — some say over a million — preorders before the record’s official release, guaranteeing instant success.
The single was released commercially in October 1956, though some early reports list March as an initial promotional date.
The success of the song led 20th Century Fox to rename the upcoming film The Reno Brothers as Love Me Tender, using the title to capitalize on the hit.
During early test screenings of the movie, audiences reacted poorly to Elvis’s character dying at the end. To soften the blow, the studio filmed an additional closing scene featuring Elvis singing the title song — a moment now considered iconic.
Chart Performance and Reception
- “Love Me Tender” reached #1 on both Billboard and Cashbox charts for five consecutive weeks.
- In the UK, it peaked at #11.
- It also reached #3 on the R&B chart.
- Together with “Any Way You Want Me,” it achieved high jukebox play rankings as a dual-hit single.
- Over time, “Love Me Tender” became one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved and frequently covered songs, appearing in countless compilations and best-of lists.
Lyrics and Meaning
“Love Me Tender” is a gentle romantic ballad, intimate and emotionally direct. The lyrics express devotion and longing: “Love me tender, love me sweet / Never let me go…”
Musically, the simplicity — lead voice, minimal arrangement, and soft accompaniment — allows Elvis’s heartfelt delivery to stand at the center. The combination of emotional sincerity and vocal warmth is what made the song timeless.
Meanwhile, “Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)” conveys complete devotion and surrender to love — “however you want me, that’s how I’ll be.” The thematic connection between both sides of the single strengthened Elvis’s romantic image.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
- A Signature Song
“Love Me Tender” became one of Elvis Presley’s most recognized songs and often served as the emotional closer in his live concerts. - Stylistic Transition
The ballad’s success proved Elvis could transcend the rockabilly sound and master tender, emotive material. - Cinematic and Cultural Influence
The link between the song and the Love Me Tender film helped establish Elvis as a multimedia superstar — both singer and actor. - Covers and Reinterpretations
Over the decades, countless artists from various genres have reimagined “Love Me Tender,” though few have matched the intimacy and sincerity of the original. - Marketing Innovation
The strategic pairing of a film release with a hit single became a model for future entertainment marketing. Elvis and RCA demonstrated how music and cinema could merge to amplify cultural impact.
Conclusion
The single “Love Me Tender / Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)” stands as a defining moment in Elvis Presley’s career. More than just a commercial hit, it was a creative and strategic turning point that expanded his artistic reach and reinforced his image as both a romantic and cultural icon. Decades later, its legacy endures — the gentle voice, the heartfelt delivery, and the eternal warmth of a song that continues to make hearts beat faster.
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