Introduction
“What Now My Love” is a poignant ballad that showcases Elvis Presley’s emotional depth and vocal prowess. Originally written in French as “Et Maintenant” by composer Gilbert Bécaud and lyricist Pierre Delanoë in 1961, the song was later adapted into English by Carl Sigman. The English version was first recorded by Jane Morgan in 1961, with subsequent notable renditions by Shirley Bassey, Sonny & Cher, and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass .
Elvis Presley introduced his version of “What Now My Love” during his historic “Aloha from Hawaii” concert on January 14, 1973. This performance was groundbreaking, as it was the first concert to be broadcast live via satellite, reaching over a billion viewers across 43 countries . Elvis’s rendition of the song was marked by its emotional intensity and vocal delivery, capturing the despair and longing expressed in the lyrics. The arrangement featured a lush orchestration, enhancing the song’s dramatic impact.
“What Now My Love” was later included in the album “Aloha from Hawaii: Via Satellite,” released in 1973. The song remains a testament to Elvis’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in his repertoire.