Introduction
“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is a poignant ballad penned in 1937 by songwriters Fred Fisher, William Raskin, and Billy Hill. The song gained initial popularity through a 1941 rendition by The Ink Spots, whose emotive performance resonated with audiences of the era.
Elvis Presley’s association with this song marks a significant chapter in his early musical journey. In July 1953, a young Presley entered the Memphis Recording Service, the home of Sun Records, and paid $3.98 to record a two-sided acetate as a belated birthday gift for his mother. On one side, he recorded “My Happiness,” and on the other, “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.” This moment is often regarded as Presley’s first foray into professional recording.
Presley’s affinity for the song endured. On December 4, 1956, during the impromptu “Million Dollar Quartet” session at Sun Records, he revisited the track, sharing vocals with fellow musicians Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.
The following year, on January 13, 1957, Presley recorded a polished studio version at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. This rendition featured contributions from guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black, drummer D.J. Fontana, pianist Gordon Stoker, and vocal harmonies by The Jordanaires. Released as the B-side to the chart-topping “All Shook Up,” the song further cemented its place in Presley’s discography.
The enduring appeal of “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” lies in its timeless exploration of love and betrayal. Presley’s heartfelt interpretations, spanning from his initial acetate to subsequent recordings, showcase his deep connection to the song and highlight its significance in his early career.