Introduction:
“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is a poignant ballad that holds a significant place in the annals of music history, particularly in the career of Elvis Presley. Originally penned in 1937 by songwriters Fred Fisher, William Raskin, and Billy Hill, the song was first recorded by Shep Fields and His Rippling Rhythm Orchestra that same year. It gained further prominence with a 1941 rendition by The Ink Spots, whose emotive delivery resonated with audiences of the time.
Elvis Presley’s association with “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is both historic and deeply personal. On July 18, 1953, a young Elvis, then just 18 years old, walked into the Memphis Recording Service, the home of Sun Records, and paid $3.98 to record a two-sided acetate. This recording featured “My Happiness” on the A-side and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” on the B-side. This session is often romanticized as a gift for his mother, Gladys, though some accounts suggest Elvis was keen to hear how he sounded on record and possibly catch the attention of Sun founder Sam Phillips. Marion Keisker, Sam Phillips’ assistant, was present during this session and is credited with recognizing Elvis’s potential early on.
Elvis revisited the song during the famed “Million Dollar Quartet” jam session on December 4, 1956, at Sun Studio. This impromptu gathering included legends like Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. During this session, Elvis performed “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” reflecting on its significance as one of his earliest recordings.
The definitive studio version of the song was recorded on January 13, 1957, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. This rendition featured Elvis’s soulful vocals accompanied by Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, Gordon Stoker on piano, and backing vocals by The Jordanaires. Released as the B-side to the upbeat “All Shook Up” on March 22, 1957, the single showcased Elvis’s versatility, juxtaposing a lively rock and roll track with a heartfelt ballad. While “All Shook Up” dominated the charts, “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” also received attention, peaking at number 58 on the Billboard Top 100.
Musically, “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is characterized by its melancholic melody and emotive lyrics, typical of the ballad genre. The song delves into themes of love, betrayal, and heartache, with Elvis delivering a poignant spoken-word segment that adds depth to the narrative. This style would later be echoed in his 1960 hit “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Over the years, the song has been included in several compilations, notably “Elvis’ Golden Records” released in March 1958, which compiled his hit singles from 1956 and 1957. This album is often regarded as one of the first greatest hits collections in rock and roll history.
In summary, “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is more than just a song in Elvis Presley’s discography; it is a testament to his early beginnings, his musical influences, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his performances. Its journey from a 1937 composition to a cherished Elvis recording underscores its enduring appeal and the timeless nature of its themes.