Did You Know?
Elvis Presley’s renowned track, “Don’t Be Cruel,” is a poignant love song infused with a touch of playfulness. It commences with Elvis imploring his beloved to at least call him if she intends to leave him all alone. As the song progresses, he goes from this plea to proposing marriage, assuring her of his eternal love. His deep affection for her leads him to believe that he deserves her love and kindness. He utters the heartfelt words, “Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true,” hoping to sway her heart.
The gifted songwriter behind this piece is Otis Blackwell, responsible for many of Elvis’s hit songs. In addition to “Don’t Be Cruel,” Blackwell penned other classics for Elvis, including “Return To Sender,” “All Shook Up,” and “One Broken Heart for Sale.” He also wrote “Fever,” famously performed by Peggy Lee, and “Great Balls of Fire” for Jerry Lee Lewis. Tragically, Blackwell passed away in 2002 at the age of 70.
On Christmas Eve in 1955, Otis Blackwell found himself on the chilly streets of New York City, standing outside the Brill Building, trying to keep warm while attempting to sell his songs. It was a tough night for Blackwell, with rain falling and the soles of his shoes leaking. Fortunately, his friend Leroy Kirkland passed by and inquired if he had any songs to sell. Otis confirmed, and over the following week, he managed to sell six songs, including “Don’t Be Cruel,” to Shalimar Music, a publishing company, for a mere $25 each.
Blackwell recorded demos of these songs, and Shalimar Music presented them to Elvis. On July 2, 1956, Elvis recorded “Hound Dog” at RCA Studios in New York City. While searching for a B-side for the single, Elvis and his team stumbled upon “Don’t Be Cruel.” Elvis decided to record it, and after about 20 minutes of practice, they recorded the song. Elvis remained faithful to Blackwell’s original demo. Upon completion, it became evident that “Don’t Be Cruel” deserved more than just B-side status, so it was released as an A-side along with “Hound Dog.”
Although Elvis wasn’t yet the mega-star he would become, he had already achieved two #1 hits: “Heartbreak Hotel” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.” This was a significant payday for Blackwell as he earned royalties from the song, although he had to split them with Elvis. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, insisted on Elvis receiving half of the song’s publishing rights for any song he recorded.
Upon release, “Don’t Be Cruel” was issued as a single alongside “Hound Dog.” Remarkably, it holds the distinction of being the only single in history with both sides reaching #1 in the US. According to Joel Whitburn, an authority on music chart rankings, “Hound Dog” was initially listed as the lead #1 song due to its immediate popularity. However, as “Don’t Be Cruel” gained more airplay, the two titles swapped positions as the #1 song. Consequently, both songs are considered #1 hits, and the record received a platinum designation from the RIAA.
Remarkably, three distinct cover versions of “Don’t Be Cruel” made their mark on the US charts:
Elvis’s bass player, Bill Black, released an instrumental rendition in 1960, which reached #11.
R&B singer Barbara Lynn presented a mellow, horn-infused version in 1963, achieving a chart position at #93.
The rock band Cheap Trick soared to #4 with their cover in 1988.
Additionally, The Judds performed a popular cover in 1987, reaching #10 on the Country chart.
The single was released on July 13, 1956, a mere 11 days after it was recorded. Surprisingly, it only took a month to climb to #1 in America, securing the top spot on August 18. This rapid ascent was extraordinary for the time, given the slow nationwide distribution channels. It served as a clear indicator that Elvis was poised for stardom. Indeed, throughout the remainder of 1956, Elvis’s songs dominated the airwaves, and he made numerous television appearances, including appearances on major variety shows. Additionally, he starred in his first movie that year, titled “Love Me Tender.”
Finally, it’s worth noting that “Don’t Be Cruel” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. The Judds, with vocal support from The Jordanaires, recorded their rendition of the song on their 1987 “Heartland” album, achieving a peak position of #10 on the Country chart.
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Lyrics Song
You know I can be found,
Sitting home all alone,
If you can’t come around,
At least please telephone.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said,
Please, let’s forget my past,
The future looks bright ahead,
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.Don’t stop thinking of me,
Don’t make me feel this way,
Come on over here and love me,
You know what I want you to say.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
Why should we be apart?
I really love you baby, cross my heart.Let’s walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do,
Then you’ll know you’ll have me,
And I’ll know that I’ll have you,
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.