Introduction:
“Surrender” stands as one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and commercially successful singles. Released on February 7, 1961, this song swiftly ascended to the top of the charts, solidifying Presley’s reign as a dominant force in popular music. Its roots, however, trace back to a much earlier Italian melody.
Here’s a deeper look into the history of “Surrender”:
- Origins in “Torna a Surriento”:
- The melody of “Surrender” is derived from the 1902 Neapolitan song “Torna a Surriento” (“Come Back to Sorrento”), composed by Ernesto De Curtis with lyrics by Giambattista De Curtis. This Italian ballad had already gained considerable popularity, with numerous artists recording it before Presley.
- Adaptation by Pomus and Shuman:
- Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, a prolific songwriting duo, were tasked with adapting the melody and writing new English lyrics. They transformed the romantic Italian ballad into a passionate pop-rock number, tailored to Presley’s vocal style.
- Recording and Release:
- Elvis Presley recorded “Surrender” on October 30, 1960, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
- RCA Victor released it as a single in February 1961, with “Lonely Man” as the B-side.
- It is important to note that the song did not belong to a specific album at the time of its initial release as a single. It did later appear in compilation albums such as “Elvis Golden Records, Volume 3”.
- Genre and Achievements:
- “Surrender” is primarily classified as pop rock and roll.
- The song achieved significant commercial success:
- It reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- It also topped the UK Singles Chart.
- It gained platinum status from the RIAA.
- It was a global hit, charting very high in many countries.
- Significance:
- “Surrender” showcased Presley’s impressive vocal range and his ability to adapt to various musical styles.
- It further cemented his status as an international superstar.
- The song is a testament to the ability of musical adaptation, and how a song can be transfored, and brought to a new audience.
- The song is also a great example of the very successful working relationship that Elvis had with the songwriters Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman.
In essence, “Surrender” is a blend of Italian musical heritage and American pop-rock energy, delivered with Elvis Presley’s unmistakable vocal prowess.