Introduction:
“Make the World Go Away” is a classic country song written by Hank Cochran. Although many artists have covered it, Elvis Presley’s version was released on January 2, 1971, as part of his album Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old). This album marked a period in Presley’s career where he explored his country roots, blending rock, gospel, and country influences in his music.
Presley recorded his version of “Make the World Go Away” on June 7, 1970, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, a location known for producing many hits in the “Nashville sound” style. The session featured some of Nashville’s most renowned musicians, including James Burton on guitar, Norbert Putnam on bass, and David Briggs on piano. The arrangement combines traditional country instrumentation, such as steel guitar and harmonica, with lush strings and a vocal chorus, aligning with the country-pop crossover style of the time.
The song itself had already been a significant hit before Presley recorded it. Eddy Arnold’s version in 1965 was particularly successful, reaching No. 1 on the country and adult contemporary charts, and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Arnold’s rendition is often associated with the Nashville sound—a movement that merged country music with pop elements to reach a broader audience.
Elvis’s version, while not as commercially successful as Arnold’s, still resonated with his fans and contributed to the album’s critical acclaim. Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old) was praised for its authenticity and strong connection to Presley’s musical roots. This album achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart, reaffirming Elvis’s versatility as an artist across different genres.
The song’s continued popularity and frequent covers by artists across genres highlight its timeless appeal, making “Make the World Go Away” an enduring piece of music history and a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to bridge different musical styles.