The Story Behind “Always On My Mind” and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: An Elvis Presley Classic
Elvis Presley’s iconic ballad, “Always On My Mind,” stands as one of his most beloved and enduring songs. While famous for Elvis’s passionate delivery, its journey involves multiple writers, earlier recordings, and later orchestrations. The song’s timeless appeal has even led to interpretations featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Here’s the story behind this classic.
Elvis Presley, despite his legendary status as the King of Rock and Roll and a peerless performer, was not primarily a songwriter. This didn’t stop his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, from securing unearned songwriting credits for Elvis on many early hits, a practice that famously impacted collaborations with writers like Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. However, this wasn’t an issue for ‘Always On My Mind,’ as it was written and recorded by others before Elvis encountered it.
The songwriting credits for ‘Always On My Mind’ belong to Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James. Carson penned the core of the song rapidly, reportedly in just ten minutes at his kitchen table. Producers felt it needed a bridge during the recording process, which Christopher and James then contributed with the essential “tell me…” section. Explore more about elvis presley philharmonic orchestra songs to see the impact of orchestration on his work.
Who First Recorded ‘Always On My Mind’?
While Elvis’s version is the most famous, ‘Always On My Mind’ had earlier recordings. It was first offered to Fred Foster, who declined it. BJ Thomas made the first known recording in 1970, though this version remained unreleased until 1996 on his Collector’s Edition compilation.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail for Gwen McCrae's 1972 recording of You Were Always on My Mind
The first released version came from Gwen McCrae, titled ‘You Were Always on My Mind,’ hitting shelves on March 28, 1972. Brenda Lee also released a version in June ’72, but it only scraped into the Top 50 on the Country charts. This modest performance left the stage wide open for someone to record the definitive version of the song.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail for Brenda Lee's 1972 recording of Always On My Mind
Step forward, Elvis Aaron Presley, who recorded his take on March 29, 1972, at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California. His version was released on October 31, 1972, as the flip-side to ‘Separate Ways’.
What is ‘Always On My Mind’ About?
Lyrically, the song is a direct plea from a man regretting past neglect but assuring his partner she was ‘always on his mind,’ asking for a second chance to make things right. This theme perfectly aligned with Elvis’s life at the time; he recorded it just weeks after separating from his wife, Priscilla Presley, on February 23, 1972.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail featuring the title Always On My Mind
His personal turmoil during this period surely fueled his passionate and heartfelt vocal performance. Songwriter Wayne Carson later confirmed in an interview that, even though he wrote the song years earlier, Elvis was indeed singing ‘Always On My Mind’ about Priscilla. Elvis and Priscilla filed for divorce in August 1971, with the divorce being finalized in October 1973.
How Did ‘Always On My Mind’ Perform on the Charts?
In the US, ‘Separate Ways’/’Always On My Mind’ was listed as a double A-side single, with ‘Separate Ways’ typically getting the leading credit. ‘Separate Ways’ charted well on the Billboard Hot 100 and Country charts and achieved Gold status with over a million copies sold.
Over in the UK, ‘Always On My Mind’ was correctly considered the lead side and reached number nine on the charts. The song was also a hit across Europe and the rest of the world and is considered one of Elvis’s best 1970s recordings, often cited as potentially his last truly great single release during his lifetime. A 1997 re-release tied to a BT advert saw it chart again in the UK, reaching number 13.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra version of Elvis Presley's Always On My Mind
The song’s enduring legacy has led to numerous reinterpretations, including orchestral versions that resonate with fans. Explore another collaboration: burning love philharmonic.
Who Else Has Covered ‘Always On My Mind’?
After Elvis’s impactful recording, many other artists took on ‘Always On My Mind.’ Country singer John Wesley Ryles had a Top 20 Country hit with his cover. Willie Nelson achieved even greater success with his version in 1982. It topped the Country chart and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Platinum status and multiple prestigious awards like Grammys (including Song of the Year) and Country Music Association awards. Nelson’s take was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and he recorded a duet with Johnny Cash. The song’s enduring appeal continues, as seen in collaborations like in the ghetto with the royal philharmonic orchestra.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail for Willie Nelson's cover of Always On My Mind
Perhaps the most striking cover came from the English synth-pop duo The Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Their electronic reinterpretation, initially performed for an ITV special marking the tenth anniversary of Elvis’s death, was a huge international hit. Released as a single, it spent four weeks at number one in the UK, reached number four in the US, and is widely praised as one of the greatest cover versions ever recorded.
Screenshot of a YouTube video thumbnail for the Pet Shop Boys cover of Always On My Mind
The legacy of Elvis’s music, including orchestral reworkings with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Discover more with royal philharmonic orchestra amazing grace.
Conclusion
From its quick composition to its impactful delivery by Elvis Presley and subsequent chart-topping covers, ‘Always On My Mind’ remains a powerful and resonant song. Its connection to Elvis’s personal life adds another layer of depth, solidifying its place as a true classic in his extensive catalog and a touchstone in popular music history, continuing to be enjoyed by fans, including in its symphonic renditions with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
