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 it has a rich history and several interesting facts associated with it:
Songwriter Collaboration: The song was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. They wrote it specifically for Elvis Presley's 1961 film, "Blue Hawaii."
Inspired by Classical Music: The melody of "Can't Help Falling in Love" is based on the 18th-century French song "Plaisir d'amour" by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. Elvis's version added new lyrics and a distinctive arrangement.
Instant Hit: Upon its release in 1961, the song became an instant hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also topped the Easy Listening chart and remained on the charts for 14 weeks.
Wedding Song: "Can't Help Falling in Love" has become a popular choice for weddings due to its romantic and heartfelt lyrics. Many couples have chosen it as their first dance song.
Elvis's Live Performances: Elvis often performed this song during his live concerts. His rendition of "Can't Help Falling in Love" became a staple of his live shows and was often used as the closing number.
Cover Versions: Over the years, countless artists have covered this song in various languages and musical styles. Notable artists who have covered it include UB40, Andrea Bocelli, and Ingrid Michaelson.
Preservation in Pop Culture: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in pop culture. It has been used in movies like "Crazy Rich Asians" (2018) and TV series like "Ally McBeal."
Grammy Hall of Fame: In 1999, Elvis Presley's version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its enduring cultural and musical significance.
International Appeal: Elvis's rendition of the song transcended borders and was well-received internationally. It reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and also achieved chart success in various other countries.
Legacy: "Can't Help Falling in Love" is considered one of Elvis Presley's signature songs and is often remembered as a timeless classic. It continues to be loved by fans of all ages and is a testament to Elvis's enduring influence on music.
These facts showcase the enduring popularity and cultural significance of "Can't Help Falling in Love" and its lasting impact on the music industry and romantic ballads.