The truth behind the Love Me Tender song

The iconic title song Love Me Tender wasn’t originally an Elvis original! The melody is based on the Civil War-era ballad “Aura Lee,” a romantic tune popular in the 1860s. While the lyrics are credited to Vera Matson (though the actual lyricist was her husband, Ken Darby), the reworked version became an instant hit.

Elvis debuted Love Me Tender on The Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956, weeks before the movie’s release. The performance caused such a frenzy that RCA received over a million advance orders for the single, making it a gold record even before it officially hit shelves.

The song was #1 on the charts for five weeks. Elvis was still singing it 20 years later in concert, proving that Love Me Tender was more than just a hit — it was a timeless classic that stayed with him throughout his career.

Elvis became obsessed with Debra Paget

Debra Paget was extremely beautiful in her prime and charmed millions of Americans when she starred in Elvis Presley’s film debut. The talented actress was ”touched by the hand of God,” according to legendary director Cecil B DeMille.

Apparently, even the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ became obsessed with her.

Debra Paget was a 22-year-old established Hollywood star when she stepped onto the set of Love Me Tender. Back then, she was probably the most beautiful actress of the Hollywood Golden age. And that is saying something.