Elvis Presley's classic songs have been covered many times over the years by other artists. They approached the material respectfully and inventively, bringing their own unique vocal gifts and insights to the process. It's truly fascinating to listen to, for example, Keith Urban doing "Burning Love" or Dolly Parton trying her hand at "In the Ghetto." I can't help but think that the King of Rock 'n' Roll would have heartily approved. What follows are four instances of singers bringing their bountiful country flair to memorable Elvis standards.
Videos by Wide Open Country
'In The Ghetto' by Dolly Parton
Elvis recorded this powerful, Mac Davis-written song in 1969. The gritty way he performed it, you knew that this man understood the fiercely corrosive effect of life in the ghetto -the hopelessness, limited upward mobility, and the aching grind of simply trying to survive. He put his whole being into getting the meaning of the song across to audiences. When Dolly Parton does it, her lilting voice is lovely, but some of the intense realism of Elvis's masterful version is diminished. Still, what her cover may be lacking in emotional depth, it makes up for in sheer gentle beauty.
'Burning Love' by Keith Urban
The hip-swinging, pulsating anthem to sexy swagger was ideal for Elvis. He always did it slightly tongue-in-cheek. When he performed it wearing his trademark white, spangled jumpsuit in Vegas, well, it was a perfect swoony Elvis moment. Keith Urban seems at first blush not to be quite the right person for this song. I was totally, utterly wrong. He throws himself into it full-force, sizzling guitar-playing and all. The blissful expressions of the females in the audience attest to Urban's effectiveness. I loved it and plan to listen again...and again!
'Can't Help Falling In Love' by Kacey Musgraves
This is truly an immortal Elvis Presley signature classic. The beautiful, passionate lyrics and subtly swaying music just invite couples to get on a dance floor and strut their stuff to the slow rhythm. Kacey Musgraves recorded it for the acclaimed 2022 Elvis biopic. It's from the soundtrack of Elvis's 1961 flick, Blue Hawaii. Musgraves' satiny voice adds just the right note of sensuality to the song. The delicate piano accompaniment is elegant and a bit hauntingly elegiac. Bravo!
'Funny How Time Slips Away' by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson actually wrote this song. Nelson had a prolific week way back when, crafting a trio of smashes during that hectic seven-day stretch - "Crazy," "Night Life," and "Funny How Time Slips Away," per American Songwriter. Per the outlet, "Presley later recorded 'Funny How Time Slips Away' for his 13th album Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old). Elvis Country, which featured the lead single 'I Really Don't Want to Know' and 'There Goes My Everything,' peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200." Obviously, Elvis' and Nelson's vocal styles are very different. But Nelson does the song with his usual folksy, relatable, winning manner that people have come to love and appreciate. No one is more authentic than this beloved outlaw.
