Introduction:
“Flaming Star” is a song recorded by Elvis Presley for his 1960 Western film of the same name. Written by Sid Wayne and Sherman Edwards, the track was recorded on October 7, 1960, at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, California.
Initially, the film’s title was “Black Star,” and Presley recorded a song with that name. However, the title was later changed to “Flaming Star,” prompting a re-recording of the theme song with the new title but retaining the original melody and lyrics.
In February 1961, “Flaming Star” was released as the lead track on the extended play (EP) record titled “Elvis by Request: Flaming Star and 3 Other Great Songs.” The EP achieved commercial success, with the song “Flaming Star” reaching number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The film “Flaming Star” featured Presley in a more dramatic role compared to his previous musical films, aligning with his desire to be recognized as a serious actor. The movie’s soundtrack was notably sparse, featuring only two songs, including the title track, to maintain its serious tone.
“Flaming Star” has been included in various compilations over the years, notably the 1968 album “Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star and Others,” which was later reissued as “Elvis Sings Flaming Star” in 1969. This album marked one of Presley’s early entries into the budget LP market and achieved commercial success, peaking at number 96 on the Billboard 200 and eventually being certified Platinum by the RIAA.
The song remains a notable entry in Presley’s discography, reflecting his versatility as an artist capable of crossing over between musical genres and film roles. Its association with the film highlights a period in Presley’s career where he sought to expand his artistic expression beyond his established image as a musical entertainer.