Introduction:
“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is a ballad made famous by Elvis Presley, with a rich history that traces back to the late 1930s. Originally written by Fred Fisher, William Raskin, and George Brown, the song was first recorded by The Ink Spots in 1941. It was a slow, melancholy piece, characteristic of the popular music style of the time, drawing influences from jazz and blues traditions.
Elvis Presley, often hailed as the “King of Rock and Roll,” recorded the song twice in his early career. The first notable recording came in 1953, during his teenage years. At that time, Presley was just beginning his musical journey and recorded the song at the Memphis Recording Service for the Sun Records label. He had paid $4 to create a private recording of “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” as a gift for his mother. Although this recording never saw a formal release, it marked a pivotal moment in his early career, helping to establish connections with Sun Records’ founder, Sam Phillips. This interaction later led to Elvis’ groundbreaking career in the music industry.
The more famous rendition of the song, however, came in 1957, when Elvis recorded it at RCA Studios in Nashville. Released on March 22, 1957, as the B-side to the hit single “All Shook Up,” this version of “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” became widely popular. It was later included in several compilations of his work, such as the 1958 album “Elvis’ Golden Records”, which captured many of his chart-topping singles.
Musically, this song falls under the pop and ballad genre, distinct from Elvis’ more upbeat rock and roll hits. It’s a deeply emotional song, and Presley’s soulful voice added layers of tenderness to its sorrowful lyrics, resonating with fans who connected with its theme of heartbreak.
The song achieved considerable commercial success, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, thanks largely to its pairing with “All Shook Up.” Even though it wasn’t as upbeat or revolutionary as many of Elvis’ other works, it stood out as a demonstration of his ability to convey emotional depth and versatility across genres.
“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” remains an important part of Elvis Presley’s legacy, offering fans a glimpse of his early influences and his more introspective side as an artist.