Introduction
“Burning Love,” released by Elvis Presley in 1972, stands as one of his most notable hits from the latter part of his career. Written by Dennis Linde, a relatively obscure songwriter at the time, the song was initially recorded by Arthur Alexander earlier that year. However, it was Presley’s rendition that propelled “Burning Love” to international acclaim.
Recorded on March 28, 1972, at RCA’s Hollywood studios, the track showcased a return to Presley’s rock and roll roots, a departure from the ballads that had dominated his recent releases. The energetic arrangement featured Linde himself on electric guitar, delivering the distinctive opening riff and contributing to the song’s dynamic sound.
Upon its release as a single on August 1, 1972, with “It’s a Matter of Time” as the B-side, “Burning Love” quickly climbed the charts. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Presley’s 40th and final Top Ten hit in the United States. Notably, it was kept from the number 1 spot by Chuck Berry’s novelty song “My Ding-a-Ling.”
Despite its commercial success, Presley reportedly had reservations about the song, feeling it didn’t align with his musical preferences at the time. Nevertheless, he included “Burning Love” in his live performances, notably featuring it in the concert film “Elvis on Tour,” where he referred to a lyric sheet during the performance due to the song’s newness. He also performed it during the globally broadcast “Aloha from Hawaii” concert in 1973.
Over the years, “Burning Love” has maintained its popularity, featuring in various films, television shows, and even video games, underscoring its enduring appeal. The song’s success also elevated Dennis Linde’s status as a songwriter, leading to further collaborations with prominent artists.