About The Song
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a legendary rock and roll song recorded by Elvis Presley and written by Otis Blackwell in 1956. It was the B-side to the single “Hound Dog,” and both songs became massive hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This accomplishment made it the first double-sided number-one single in history, solidifying its place in music history.
The song is a heartfelt plea from a man to his love interest. He expresses his loneliness and longing for her presence. He begs her not to be cruel and to come back to him.
The song was originally written for Clyde McPhatter, but he declined it. Elvis performed “Don’t Be Cruel” on his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956, further propelling his meteoric rise to fame. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, Billy Swan, and The Judds, a testament to its enduring popularity.