Introduction
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” is one of Elvis Presley’s most cherished songs, renowned for its romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics. Released on November 21, 1961, the song was featured in Presley’s album “Blue Hawaii,” which served as the soundtrack for his film of the same name.
The song was penned by songwriters Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. Its melody draws inspiration from “Plaisir d’amour,” a French love song composed in 1784 by Jean-Paul-Égide Martini. Interestingly, the original version was written from a woman’s perspective, titled “Can’t Help Falling in Love with Him,” which explains certain lyrical choices that don’t rhyme with “you.”
Upon its release, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” achieved significant commercial success. In the United States, it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and secured the No. 1 spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for six weeks. In the United Kingdom, the song topped the charts, maintaining the No. 1 position for four weeks. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) later certified the single as Platinum, indicating over one million copies sold.
Beyond its initial success, the song became a staple in Presley’s live performances. Notably, it was the closing number in his 1973 global telecast, “Aloha from Hawaii.” Tragically, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the last song Presley performed live during his final concert in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977.
The enduring appeal of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is evident through its numerous covers by artists across various genres and generations. Notable renditions include those by UB40, whose reggae-infused version topped charts in the 1990s, and a recent cover by Kacey Musgraves for a film about Elvis Presley in 2022.
charm continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a classic in the annals of music history.