Introduction:
“This Is My Heaven” is a song performed by Elvis Presley for his 1966 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style. The track was penned by the songwriting trio of Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye, who frequently collaborated with Presley during the 1960s. The recording sessions took place at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, with the instrumental tracks laid down on July 27, 1965, and Elvis’s vocals added on August 2, 1965.
In the film, Elvis portrays Rick Richards, a helicopter pilot who starts a charter service in Hawaii. “This Is My Heaven” reflects the idyllic and romantic themes of the movie, capturing the serene beauty of the Hawaiian setting. The song’s lyrics express a deep sense of contentment and bliss, aligning with the film’s portrayal of paradise.
Musically, the track features contributions from notable musicians, including guitarists Barney Kessel, Scotty Moore, and Charlie McCoy; bassists Ray Siegel and Keith Mitchell; drummers D.J. Fontana, Hal Blaine, Milton Holland, and Victor Feldman; pianist Larry Muhoberac; and steel guitarist Bernal Lewis. The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, enhancing the song’s rich, harmonious sound.
Upon its release, “This Is My Heaven” was part of the Paradise, Hawaiian Style soundtrack album, which reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. While the song itself did not achieve significant commercial success as a standalone single, it remains a notable piece within Elvis’s extensive catalog, exemplifying his ability to convey emotion through his performances.
Critically, the song has been described as a “beautiful ballad” that showcases Elvis’s versatility as a vocalist. Although the film and its soundtrack received mixed reviews, tracks like “This Is My Heaven” are appreciated by fans for their melodic charm and the glimpse they offer into Elvis’s mid-1960s artistic endeavors.
Today, “This Is My Heaven” is available on various music streaming platforms, allowing new audiences to experience this serene and heartfelt performance by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.