Introduction
“Surrender,” recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960 and released as a single in 1961, is a notable adaptation of the 1902 Neapolitan ballad “Torna a Surriento” (“Come Back to Sorrento”) by Giambattista and Ernesto de Curtis. The English lyrics were crafted by the renowned songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who transformed the original Italian melody into a passionate love song that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The recording session took place on October 30, 1960, at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Elvis was accompanied by a group of talented musicians, including Scotty Moore and Hank Garland on guitars, Bob Moore on double bass, D.J. Fontana and Buddy Harman on drums, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Boots Randolph on saxophone. The vocal harmonies were provided by The Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham, adding depth to the track.
Upon its release on February 7, 1961, with “Lonely Man” as the B-side, “Surrender” quickly climbed the charts. It secured the number one spot on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of Elvis’s best-selling singles. The song’s success contributed to Elvis holding the record for the most consecutive number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 until 1966.
The influence of “Surrender” extended beyond its initial release. Notably, the song shares a similar melody with the iconic James Bond theme, highlighting its enduring impact on popular culture.
Over the years, “Surrender” has been covered by various artists, including Michael Bublé, The Residents, and Il Volo, each bringing their unique interpretation to this classic piece.
In summary, “Surrender” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility and his ability to bridge diverse musical traditions, transforming a traditional Italian ballad into a rock and roll hit that continues to captivate listeners.