Introduction
In early 1963, Elvis Presley headed into the Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood to craft the soundtrack for his fifth Paramount travelogue, Fun in Acapulco. On January 22, he recorded a captivating Latin‑flavored track titled “Marguerita”, penned by rock‑pop composer Don Robertson. The song was then released that November on the Fun in Acapulco album, which quickly climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard album charts . A vibrant accompaniment to Elvis’s onscreen adventures in Mexico, “Marguerita” features rich instrumentation—acoustic guitars, mandolin, brass—backed by vocal harmonies from The Jordanaires and The Amigos, giving it a breezy tropical flair that perfectly suited the film’s sun‑drenched storyline..
The song’s lyrics paint a picture of sizzling attraction: Elvis croons with charm and swagger, confessing that this enchanting “Marguerita” has captured his heart, turning him “into a captive” with “just one burning glance.” It’s a romantic escape, set to a light, rhythmic melody that blends pop and Latin influences—evidence of Elvis and his team’s intention to give the Acapulco LP a more spirited, brass‑driven sound, drawing inspiration from trends of the era such as Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass .
Though overshadowed by the soundtrack’s breakout hit “Bossa Nova Baby,” “Marguerita” stands as a delightful hidden gem in Elvis’s ‘60s catalog. It showcases his ability to adapt his legendary voice to different styles, infusing a playful, exotic energy into his music. The track’s festive vibe and affectionate lyrics left a subtle cultural imprint—so much so that it even inspired a Hindi reinterpretation in the late 1960s
Over the years, “Marguerita” has been rediscovered by devoted Elvis fans and collectors, particularly those drawn to the depth and diversity of his film soundtrack work. Today, it remains a standout moment from Fun in Acapulco—charming, upbeat, and radiating that signature Sun‑Vegas charisma that made Elvis an enduring icon.