Introduction:
I Can’t Stop Loving You, a heart-wrenching ballad, became a signature song for the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. While Presley wasn’t initially associated with ballads, his powerful delivery and the song’s emotional resonance propelled it to massive success upon its release in 1970.
Interestingly, I Can’t Stop Loving You wasn’t written with Presley in mind. The songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, known for crafting R&B and rock and roll hits for artists like The Coasters and Ike Turner, initially offered the song to soul singer Al Green. Green reportedly passed on the song, which ultimately landed in Presley’s hands.
Presley’s rendition was a departure from his usual high-energy rock and roll style. The song showcased his remarkable vocal versatility, his powerful voice perfectly conveying the yearning and desperation of the lyrics. I Can’t Stop Loving You was produced by ** Felton Jarvis**, who worked with Presley on numerous recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
I Can’t Stop Loving You became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. It earned gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying sales of over a million units. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of love, longing, and commitment. I Can’t Stop Loving You became a concert staple for Presley throughout the 1970s, and live renditions of the song are still celebrated by fans today. The song’s influence can be heard across genres, having been covered by a wide range of artists from country to pop to R&B.
I Can’t Stop Loving You solidified Presley’s status as a musical icon. The song’s emotional depth and powerful vocals demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences with ballads just as effectively as with his high-octane rock and roll anthems. Today, I Can’t Stop Loving You remains an enduring classic, a song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners worldwide.
Video:
Lyrics:
And I can’t stop loving you
I said, “I made up, made up my mind” To live in memory Of such an long lonesome timeI can’t stop wanting you
I said, “It’s useless to say” So I’ll just live my life In dreams of yesterdayNow those happy hours
All that we once knew They’re so long ago (so long ago) They still make, make me blueAh they say, “that time
It heals a broken heart”; oh yes, it does Ah, but time has stood still Since we’ve been apartAnd I can’t stop loving you
I said, “I made up, made up my mind” To live in memory Of such an long lonesome timeAnd I can’t stop wanting you
I said, “It’s useless to say” So I’ll just live my life In dreams of yesterday, oh yeah