Introduction:
“Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” is a rock and roll song performed by Elvis Presley, released as a single on April 7, 1958. Written by Bert Carroll and Russell Moody, the track marked a notable moment in Presley’s career, as it ended his streak of ten consecutive number-one hits on the American pop charts, peaking at number two. However, it achieved the top position on the American R&B charts, becoming his sixth number-one hit in that genre.
The recording session took place on February 1, 1958, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California. The session was reportedly strained, with Elvis and his band requiring twenty-two takes to achieve the final version of “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck.” This period also marked the end of bassist Bill Black’s participation in Presley’s recordings, signaling a shift in Elvis’s musical partnerships.
The song’s lyrics reflect the 1950s teenage custom of a girl wearing her boyfriend’s ring on a chain around her neck, symbolizing a steady relationship. This practice was a public declaration of commitment among young couples during that era.
Upon its release, “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” received significant commercial success. In addition to its number two peak on the American pop charts and number one on the R&B charts, it reached number three on both the UK Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The personnel on the track included Elvis Presley on lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and piano; Scotty Moore on lead guitar; Bill Black on bass guitar; D.J. Fontana on drums; Dudley Brooks on piano; and backing vocals by The Jordanaires.
In 1992, American country music singer Ricky Van Shelton covered “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” for the soundtrack of the movie “Honeymoon in Vegas.” Shelton’s version was also included on his album “Greatest Hits Plus” and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
“Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” remains a significant entry in Elvis Presley’s discography, exemplifying his impact on 1950s rock and roll and his ability to capture the cultural sentiments of the time.