Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s “This Is My Heaven” is a notable track from his 1966 film “Paradise, Hawaiian Style.” Released on June 10, 1966, as part of the film’s soundtrack album, the song exemplifies the pop and easy-listening genres that characterized much of Presley’s work during this era. While not released as a standalone single, the soundtrack album achieved commercial success, reaching number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The song was penned by the prolific songwriting trio of Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye, who frequently collaborated with Presley throughout the 1960s. Their partnership yielded numerous tracks tailored for Elvis’s film projects, aiming to capture the thematic essence of each movie. In “This Is My Heaven,” the lyrics convey a deep sense of contentment and bliss, aligning seamlessly with the film’s portrayal of an idyllic Hawaiian paradise.
Recording sessions for the song took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. The instrumental tracks were laid down on July 27, 1965, with Presley’s vocals added on August 2, 1965. The recording featured a lineup of esteemed musicians, including guitarists Barney Kessel, Scotty Moore, and Charlie McCoy; bassists Ray Siegel and Keith Mitchell; drummers D.J. Fontana, Hal Blaine, Milton Holland, and Victor Feldman; pianist Larry Muhoberac; and steel guitarist Bernal Lewis. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, enriching the track’s harmonious and melodic depth.
“Paradise, Hawaiian Style” marked one of Presley’s numerous cinematic ventures during the mid-1960s, a period when his focus was predominantly on film projects accompanied by their respective soundtracks. The movie features Presley as Rick Richards, a helicopter pilot who embarks on a charter service in Hawaii. The film’s narrative, set against the picturesque Hawaiian landscape, provided a vibrant backdrop for the musical numbers, with “This Is My Heaven” encapsulating the romantic and serene ambiance of the islands.
Musically, “This Is My Heaven” is characterized by its gentle melody and soothing arrangement, reflecting the tranquil themes of the film. The song’s structure and instrumentation are indicative of the pop and easy-listening genres, with a Hawaiian flair that complements the movie’s setting. Presley’s vocal delivery is both heartfelt and relaxed, conveying the song’s themes of love and paradise.
Despite not being released as an individual single, “This Is My Heaven” contributes to the overall charm of the “Paradise, Hawaiian Style” soundtrack. The album’s performance on the Billboard 200 chart underscores Presley’s enduring popularity during a time when his cinematic endeavors were at the forefront of his career. While the film and its soundtrack received mixed critical reviews, tracks like “This Is My Heaven” have been appreciated by fans for their melodic appeal and the glimpse they offer into Presley’s artistic versatility during this phase of his career.
In retrospect, “This Is My Heaven” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to adapt his musical style to various thematic contexts, seamlessly blending his signature sound with the cultural and musical elements required by his film projects. The song remains a cherished piece among enthusiasts, highlighting a period in Presley’s career where his artistic expression extended beyond the concert stage into the cinematic realm, offering audiences a multifaceted experience of his talent.