Introduction
“It’s Now or Never,” released by Elvis Presley in 1960, stands as one of his most successful singles, with over 20 million copies sold worldwide.
The song draws its melody from the Italian classic “‘O Sole Mio,” composed by Eduardo di Capua. The English lyrics were crafted by songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold. Presley was inspired to adapt this melody after hearing Tony Martin’s 1949 rendition titled “There’s No Tomorrow.”
While stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army in the late 1950s, Presley expressed his desire to record a version of the song. His music publisher, Freddy Bienstock, enlisted Schroeder and Gold to write new lyrics, which they completed in approximately 30 minutes. The result was “It’s Now or Never,” recorded on April 3, 1960, at RCA Studio B in Nashville.
Upon its release on July 5, 1960, the song achieved remarkable chart success. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and reached number seven on the R&B charts. In the United Kingdom, it held the number one position for eight weeks in 1960 and returned to the top spot for an additional week in 2005 following a reissue. This enduring popularity underscores the song’s timeless appeal.
“It’s Now or Never” showcases Presley’s versatility as a vocalist, blending operatic influences with his signature rock and roll style. The song’s romantic lyrics and melodic arrangement have made it a favorite for generations, solidifying its place in music history as one of Presley’s most iconic performances.