Introduction
“I Love You Because” is a heartfelt song penned by Leon Payne in 1949. Elvis Presley recorded his rendition during his inaugural Sun Studio sessions on July 4 and 5, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee. Although producer Sam Phillips appreciated the track, he deemed it unsuitable for Elvis’s debut single, “That’s All Right.” Consequently, “I Love You Because” was included on Elvis’s 1956 debut album, “Elvis Presley.” Notably, after this studio recording, Elvis never performed the song again.
In August 2012, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Elvis’s passing, his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, recorded a duet version of “I Love You Because,” blending her vocals with her father’s original recording. This project, suggested by renowned producer T-Bone Burnett, was initially intended for a private audience of 25,000 fans at the 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. However, due to the overwhelming positive reception, Lisa Marie agreed to release the video publicly.
The accompanying video is a deeply personal project for Lisa Marie, featuring her four children—Finley, Harper, Benjamin, and Riley—alongside archival footage of Elvis. This visual narrative serves to introduce her children as the continuation of her father’s legacy, intertwining family memories with the timeless melody.
The duet premiered on October 18, 2012, on CMT and CMT.com, with the single becoming available for digital purchase on October 16, 2012. The full video was subsequently released on iTunes on October 25, 2012. This collaboration not only pays tribute to Elvis’s enduring influence but also bridges generations, showcasing the deep familial bonds and the timeless nature of the music.
This rendition of “I Love You Because” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and the personal connection his music continues to foster within his family and among fans worldwide.