Introduction
“Young and Beautiful” is a tender ballad penned by songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Abner Silver and immortalized by Elvis Presley in 1957. This song holds a special place in Presley’s early career: it served as the closing number for his iconic second film, Jailhouse Rock, and was featured on the accompanying EP released by RCA Victor in October of that year .
The recording session took place on April 30, 1957, at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood. At this point, Elvis was riding the wave of his meteoric rise, following the massive success of his self-titled debut album and his first soundtrack effort with Love Me Tender. The gentle, reflective tone of “Young and Beautiful” provided a poignant contrast to the film’s electric rock-and-roll soundtrack .
As the final song in Jailhouse Rock, “Young and Beautiful” underscored the film’s romantic resolution, with Elvis’s warm, introspective vocal performance highlighting a more vulnerable side of his artistry. The lyrics—contemplating youth, beauty, and impermanence—echo the themes of longing and youthful idealism that defined both the film and much of Presley’s early work.
Rather than being released as a standalone hit single, the song appeared exclusively on the Jailhouse Rock EP (EPA‑4114), which debuted in October 1957. Despite its lack of single status, the song garnered attention due to its association with the hit motion picture and Presley’s enduring popularity .
In the decades since its release, “Young and Beautiful” has retained its charm among Elvis fans and aficionados of 1950s pop culture. It remains a showcase of his versatility—able to pivot from rock rebellion to heartfelt balladry within the space of a single film soundtrack. The song captures a moment when Presley was not only a cultural phenomenon, but also an artist capable of genuine emotional expression.