Elvis Presley – I’ll Remember You (1973)

Introduction:

By 1973, Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, had already cemented his place in music history. His career, launched in the 1950s with electrifying rockabilly hits, had taken him through numerous stylistic shifts and incredible success. However, by the early 1970s, his chart dominance had waned somewhat. It was in this context that “I’ll Remember You” emerged, a song that would become a surprising and powerful hit later in Presley’s career.

Released in 1973, “I’ll Remember You” is a ballad that showcased a different side of Presley’s musical persona. A departure from his high-energy rock and roll roots, the song is a sentimental and melancholic love song. The lyrics speak of devotion and the promise of lasting memories, sung with Presley’s unmistakable charm and charisma. The genre of the song leans towards Pop Rock, a more mainstream sound compared to his earlier rockabilly works.

The producer behind “I’ll Remember You” was Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley. Jarvis had a significant role in shaping Presley’s sound in the 1970s, overseeing many of his recordings during this period. “I’ll Remember You” was part of a concert special filmed in Hawaii titled “Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite”. This televised event, which featured Presley performing live via satellite broadcast, was a massive undertaking and a ratings smash. The success of the concert special undoubtedly helped propel “I’ll Remember You” into the spotlight.

Despite arriving at a time when Presley wasn’t topping the charts as frequently, “I’ll Remember You” proved to be a remarkable success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, a significant feat demonstrating its broad appeal. Furthermore, it cracked the Top 10 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its ability to resonate with both pop and Presley’s core fanbase. “I’ll Remember You” became a reminder of Presley’s enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences through his music.

The impact of “I’ll Remember You” extended beyond the charts. The song became a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions, solidifying its status as a heartfelt and timeless ballad. It also served as a testament to Presley’s ability to evolve as an artist, successfully venturing into a more sentimental style while retaining the magnetism that had captivated audiences for years. “I’ll Remember You” stands as a powerful testament to Presley’s enduring legacy, a song that continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Video:

Lyrics:

“I’ll Remember You”

I’ll remember you
Long after this endless summer has gone
I’ll be lonely oh so lonely
Living only to remember youI’ll remember too
Your voice as soft as the warm summer breeze
Your sweet laughter, mornings after
Ever after, I’ll remember you

To your arms someday I’ll return to stay
Till then I will remember too
Every bright star we made wishes upon
Love me always, promise always
Oh, you’ll remember too

I’ll remember you