Additional Coverage:
- 1973 Outlaw Country Ballad, Later Recorded By Elvis Presley, Is Ranked One of the King’s ‘Best Country Songs’ (parade.com)
Elvis Presley, widely celebrated as the King of Rock and Roll, also had strong ties to country music throughout his illustrious career. Growing up influenced by country, gospel, and blues, Elvis frequently incorporated country songs into his repertoire, including a notable cover of Waylon Jennings’ 1973 hit “You Asked Me To.”
Elvis recorded his version of this outlaw country ballad for his 1975 album Promised Land, and it has since been recognized as one of his finest country covers. Esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone have included Elvis’ rendition of “You Asked Me To” among his best country performances, alongside classics like “Always on My Mind,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Additionally, the track earned a spot on Hank FM’s list of Elvis’ top country songs, ranking at number 13.
Originally penned by Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver, “You Asked Me To” first appeared on Jennings’ Honky Tonk Heroes album in June 1973. The single reached number 8 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart later that year. While Elvis’ version was never released as a single and therefore did not chart, it remains a standout interpretation cherished by fans and critics alike.
Below is a selection of Elvis Presley’s best country covers as highlighted by Rolling Stone:
- “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (1954)
- “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” (1955)
- “Gentle on My Mind” (1969)
- “Kentucky Rain” (1970)
- “Make the World Go Away” (1971)
- “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1972)
- “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (1973)
- “Green, Green Grass of Home” (1975)
- “You Asked Me To” (1975)
- “She Thinks I Still Care” (1977)
Elvis’ heartfelt interpretations of these songs underscore his versatility and lasting impact on the country music genre.