Introduction
“Surrender” is a notable song in Elvis Presley’s discography, released as a single on February 7, 1961. The track is an adaptation of the 1902 Neapolitan ballad “Torna a Surriento” (“Come Back to Sorrento”), composed by Ernesto and Giambattista de Curtis. The English lyrics for “Surrender” were crafted by the prolific songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who collaborated with Presley on numerous hits.
Presley’s rendition of “Surrender” showcases his ability to blend operatic Italian folk influences with rock and roll, resulting in a dramatic and compelling performance. The recording session took place on October 30, 1960, featuring contributions from The Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham on backing vocals, Scotty Moore on electric guitar, Hank Garland on acoustic guitar, Bob Moore on double bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, Buddy Harman on percussion, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Boots Randolph on saxophone.
Upon its release, “Surrender” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart in 1961. This accomplishment contributed to Presley’s record for the most consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at that time. The song became one of his best-selling singles, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the music industry.
The B-side of the “Surrender” single featured “Lonely Man,” a song initially intended for the soundtrack of Presley’s film “Wild in the Country.” Although “Lonely Man” was ultimately excluded from the movie, it gained recognition as part of the single release.
Over the years, “Surrender” has been covered by various artists, including Michael Bublé, The Residents, and Il Volo, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence across different musical genres.
In summary, “Surrender” exemplifies Elvis Presley’s versatility and his talent for interpreting and popularizing international music styles, leaving a lasting impact on the global music scene.