Introduction
“I Forgot to Remember to Forget” is a country and rockabilly song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1955. Written by Charlie Feathers and Stan Kesler, it was released as a single by Sun Records on August 20, 1955, with “Mystery Train” as its B-side. This track marked a significant milestone in Presley’s career, becoming his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard country charts on February 25, 1956, and remaining there for two weeks. It also spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard C&W Most Played in Juke Boxes chart and remained on the country charts for an impressive 39 weeks .
The recording took place at Sun Studio in Memphis on July 11, 1955, featuring Elvis Presley on vocals and guitar, Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and Johnny Bernero on drums. The song’s arrangement showcased a blend of traditional country elements with rockabilly flair, characterized by a Nashville steel guitar sound and a distinctive clip-clop rhythm. Elvis’s vocal delivery added a brooding quality to the track, which was a departure from his usual style at the time .
“I Forgot to Remember to Forget” was the fifth and final single Elvis released under Sun Records before transitioning to RCA Records. Its success played a pivotal role in establishing Elvis as a prominent figure in the country music scene. The song’s influence extended beyond its initial release, with notable covers by artists such as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and The Beatles, who recorded it for the BBC radio show “From Us To You” in 1964 .
This song remains a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility and enduring impact on the music industry.