From the file of songs that seemed like they must have gone to number 1 but didn’t, I’d include Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”  The song, which was featured in the film Blue Hawaii, came up just short, peaking at number 2 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart exactly 50 years ago today.

While Elvis didn’t top the charts with the song, 21 and 1/2 years later British reggae band UB40 did, when their remake spent seven weeks at number 1.

There are countless ways to characterize Elvis Presley’s success in pop music. His 17 number one singles, his 79 weeks at number one, his string of hits from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s, his enduring iconic status, and so much more make it both impossible to do his career justice in a short manner and unnecessary to have to do so, since most of us already know how significant he’s been in American popular music history.

Today marks the anniversary of the day that might be characterized as the day that started it all. Exactly 55 years ago today, Elvis hit the top of the charts for the very first time, as “Heartbreak Hotal” ascended to number 1 for the first week of an eight-week run.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWDcot2YezA

I admit that I am an Elvis fan. Every year the estate of Elvis Presley releases either an enhanced version of a prior album or lost footage (concert / studio sessions). However, this mashup or aka remix of Burning Love will knock your socks off. You will not find this on any official Elvis CD, but here’s an idea for the Elvis Presley estate to release a complete CD of remixes.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWg2vLEyRZc

Tunesmate is compiling a list of the best duets. Does the Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley make the list?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_ylPlzdVJ8

Elvis Presley had his first hit “Heartbreak Hotel” back in 1956 today. Is “The King” still alive in a trailer park in Missouri? When was the first time you heard this tune?