Introduction:
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is a poignant ballad penned in 1926 by lyricist Roy Turk and composer Lou Handman. The song’s structure features three verses followed by a spoken bridge, with the latter drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” notably the line “All the world’s a stage.”
The earliest recordings emerged in 1927, with Charles Hart’s rendition being the first. That same year, Vaughn De Leath’s version achieved significant success, peaking at number four on the charts. Other notable recordings from this period include those by Henry Burr and the duo of Jerry Macy and John Ryan.
In 1950, the Blue Barron Orchestra’s interpretation reached the top twenty on Billboard’s Pop Singles chart, reflecting the song’s enduring appeal.
Elvis Presley’s association with “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” began upon his return from military service in 1960. At the suggestion of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker—whose wife, Marie Mott, favored the song—Presley recorded it during an overnight session on April 4, 1960. Despite initial reservations from RCA Victor executives about its alignment with Presley’s evolving style, the single was released on November 1, 1960.
The release was met with immediate acclaim. In the United States, it swiftly ascended to the top of Billboard’s Pop Singles chart and secured the number three spot on the R&B chart. Internationally, it mirrored this success by topping the UK Singles Chart. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Presley’s rendition as a Gold Record in 1983, acknowledging over one million copies sold, and later upgraded it to 2× Platinum in 1992, signifying two million sales.
Presley’s emotive delivery and the song’s timeless lyrics have cemented “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” as a classic in popular music. Its influence is evident in the numerous artists who have covered it over the decades, including Donny Osmond and Merle Haggard, each bringing their unique interpretation to this enduring piece.