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Elvis SongPedia: Love Letters

Love Letters




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Basic Stats

(Just the facts, ma'am!)

Written by: Edward Heyman, Victor Young

Recorded:
First Version:
May 26, 1966, RCA Studio B, Nashville
Released master is take 9.
Second Version: June 8, 1970, RCA Studio B, Nashville
Released master is take 5.

Single:w/ "Come What May", 47-8870, June 8, 1966
Also re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0657, February 1968

Highest U.S. Charts Positions:
#19 on Billboard's Hot 100
#19 on Cash Box Top 100
#38 on Billboard's Easy Listening chart

1st LP release:
First Version:
Elvis Gold Records, Volume 4 - February 1968
Second Version: Love Letters - May 1971

Click to download or buy
"Love Letters"
now from Amazon!



or download from iTunes:




For other versions, see
Lyrics and Downloads section below.



My Spin

(Just my opinion. Give us yours!)

In the recording studio, Elvis almost never revisited a song he'd already recorded and released. Besides the G.I. Blues-version of "Blue Suede Shoes" and the handful of songs that were re-recorded for the '68 Comeback Special, I can't think of another example besides "Love Letters". Oh yeah, "Don't Leave Me Now", 1957, but he hardly ever did this, OK?

Both recordings of "Love Letters" have something to recommend them, and the contrast between them showcases the difference in vocal style between the two singers, the '60s Elvis and the '70s Elvis. The first is a vocalist that caresses the melody gently and respectfully with precision, and the latter is a singer who brings to the song more feeling, projection and strength. For my money, both of these fellas can pretty much out-croon anybody. :)

I'll add some more later, but meanwhile check out the music and links.

Other Spins

(What did the critics and fans say?)


In "Love Letters", Presley revives the Ketty Lester hit of 1962. The result is a magnificent performance, featuring piano and organ, although it is difficult to accept this as a man's song... Presley recorded a second version of the Ketty Lester hit which he recorded brilliantly in 1966. The first version, so good in every way, is eclipsed by the later take.

Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley: A Study in Music, 1979




The Ketty Lester hit of 1962 revived, as it stands, by Elvis. Elvis' vocals are clear as a bell. Nice Floyd Cramer piano and vocals by the Imperials... Elvis cut another version in June of 1970... which substituted quiet strings for the organ and features a stronger, deeper vocal track.

Martin Torgoff, The Complete Elvis, 1982




Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Love Letters



Check out other opinions at Rate Your Music




"Love Letters" Links


"Love Letters" Lyrics and Downloads

Love letters straight from your heart
Keep us so near while apart
I'm not alone in the night
When I can have all the love you write

I memorize every line
I kiss the name that you sign
And darlin' then I read again right from the start
Love letters straight from your heart
Download the Karaoke Version!

Love Letters karaoke - Elvis PresleyLove Letters
Elvis Presley


Download or just listen to different versions by Elvis!

... or different versions by other artists!




What's YOUR Spin on "Love Letters"?
Do You Like the '60s Version or the '70s Version Best?

'60s!

'70s!

They're Both Great! I Memorize Every Line!

They Both Bore Me! Return to Sender!


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Study Up Some More!

Elvis song reference books on Amazon!

Ernst Jorgensen's complete chronicle of Elvis' recording sessions, with loads of detailed information about each session and each song.
This is the definitive encyclopedia on Elvis' life details, as well as all the background and trivia you need for all the songs, movies, and TV appearances. Authors are Fred L. Worth and Steve D. Tamerius.
The subtitle of Ace Collins' book says it all: "The stories behind Elvis' #1 hits"!
"Elvis The #1 Hits: The Secret History of the Classics". Another self-explanatory book title. :)