Burning Love – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Burning Love” is one of Elvis Presley’s most celebrated tracks, showcasing his enduring appeal in the rock and pop music world of the 1970s. Written by Dennis Linde, the song was first recorded by Arthur Alexander before Elvis’s version became a massive hit in 1972. Recorded during a tumultuous time in Elvis’s life—shortly after his separation from Priscilla Presley—the track marked his return to rock music after years of focusing on ballads and other genres.

The recording session was notable for its energy, with producer Felton Jarvis encouraging Elvis to embrace the song’s fiery rock-and-roll spirit. The song featured the iconic TCB Band and backing vocals by The Stamps Quartet, adding depth and dynamism. Jarvis’s insistence on capturing Elvis’s best performance paid off, as “Burning Love” quickly climbed the charts, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became Elvis’s most significant U.S. hit since “Suspicious Minds” in 1969 and his last to break into the Top 10.

The track’s infectious energy and memorable “hunka hunka burning love” hook made it an instant classic and a live performance favorite for Elvis. However, it also represented a bittersweet milestone in his career, as it was among his final major pop successes before his untimely death in 1977. Over the years, “Burning Love” has been celebrated as a testament to Elvis’s unparalleled charisma and vocal prowess, maintaining its place as one of his most iconic songs.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Burning Love”