Paul McCartney names his favourite Elvis Presley songs
Source: Express UK
July 4, 2025
Like the rest of his bandmates, McCartney grew up captivated by Presley's revolutionary sound and style. While each Beatle found inspiration in Elvis, McCartney's connection to his music remained deeply personal, and two specific songs stood out as his lifelong favourites.
The first track that made a lasting impression on McCartney was 'Heartbreak Hotel'. Released in 1956, the song turned Elvis into a global phenomenon and introduced rock and roll to an even wider audience.
For McCartney, hearing 'Heartbreak Hotel' for the first time was an unforgettable moment. 'It was electrifying. You heard people saying, 'I've never heard anything like that before, man', McCartney recalled in an interview with npr's Fresh Air.
'You hear on the radio Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel. It was like, 'Oh my God, what is that?' Now that we know it so well, you think, 'Oh, it's Elvis singing Heartbreak Hotel'. There will be listeners who can remember that moment when you heard that'.
Another Elvis song that holds a special place in McCartney's heart is 'All Shook Up'. The track isn't just a catchy rock and roll classic; it also has an unexpected memory attached to it. In an interview with Taylor Swift for Rolling Stone, McCartney recounted how 'All Shook Up' once helped him shake off a headache in his teenage years.
'I remember once, a friend of mine from Liverpool, we were teenagers, and we were going to a fairground. This girl was so beautiful. Everyone was following her - it was like a magical scene', McCartney recalled.
But the magical moment didn't last, as he soon found himself with a pounding headache. 'So we put on the Elvis song All Shook Up. By the end of that song, my headache had gone. I thought, you know, 'That's powerful'.
Paul McCartney at Elvis' grave, holding one of is personalised guitar picks that he is about to leave. Read the story.
Paul McCartney Remembers Elvis Presley
Paul McCartney visits Graceland
Paul McCartney talks about Elvis Presley backstage in Memphis
Paul McCartney sings 'Heartbreak Hotel' with Bill Blacks Upright Bass
Elvis Presley Meets the Beatles | August 27, 1965
Harmonic Convergence | The Beatles meet Elvis Presley
John Lennon and ... a box full of Elvis Presley singles
Priscilla Presley talks about Elvis meeting The Beatles
Elvis Presley helped spark the Beatles' 'Love'
Paul McCartney, Elvis, and Bill Black's Bass
Paul McCartney 'That's Alright Mama'
Paul McCartney | George Harrison | Ringo Starr 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky'
© Copyright 2025 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au
https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/paul-mccartney-names-his-favourite-elvis-presley-songs.shtml
No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
