Who's behind the notes? Discover Elvis Presley: The Definitive Biography
"Can't Help Falling in Love" is one of Elvis Presley's most iconic songs, and here are some interesting facts about it:
Originally a Movie Song: The song was originally written for Elvis Presley's 1961 movie, "Blue Hawaii." It was intended to be a romantic ballad for a scene in which Elvis's character, Chadwick Gates, sings it to his love interest.
Wise Men Say: The opening line of the song, "Wise men say only fools rush in," is a variation of a traditional English ballad, "Can't Help Falling in Love," which dates back to the early 19th century.
Elvis's Signature Song: "Can't Help Falling in Love" became one of Elvis Presley's signature songs. He performed it in many of his concerts, and it's often associated with his enduring legacy.
Chart Success: The song was a commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and staying on the chart for 14 weeks. It also topped the UK Singles Chart.
Covered by Many Artists: Over the years, "Can't Help Falling in Love" has been covered by numerous artists from various genres. Notable renditions include those by UB40, Andrea Bocelli, and Twenty One Pilots.
Wedding Favorite: The song has become a popular choice for weddings due to its romantic and timeless lyrics. It's often used for the first dance between newlyweds.
Preservation in the Library of Congress: In 2018, "Can't Help Falling in Love" was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
Elvis's Last Concert: Elvis Presley performed "Can't Help Falling in Love" as the closing number in his final live concert on June 26, 1977, in Indianapolis, Indiana, just two months before his untimely death.
International Impact: The song's appeal extended far beyond the English-speaking world. It has been translated and covered in multiple languages, further solidifying its global popularity.
Songwriter Royalties: The song was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. These songwriters earned substantial royalties from the song's success, and it remains one of the most covered songs in music history.
"Can't Help Falling in Love" continues to be a beloved classic and a testament to Elvis Presley's enduring influence on music and culture.