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This was the theme song to the first of 31 Elvis movies. The movie was titled The Reno Brothers before it was renamed to capitalize on the song.
Originally, Elvis had just a small role in the movie, but during filming it became apparent that he was a really big deal, and his role was expanded to take advantage of his stardom. His character is killed at the end of the movie, but Elvis re-appears to reprise the song. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

The music is based on a 1861 Classical piece called "Aura Lee."

RCA Records received over 1 million pre-orders for this song, making it the first single to ship as a gold record before it was released.

This was released as a single in September 1956. It didn't appear on an album until March 1958, when it was included on Elvis' Golden Records. (thanks to Eileen for above 2)

This was also a hit for Richard Chamberlain in 1962 and Percy Sledge in 1967.

Linda Ronstadt covered this in 1978. US Radio stations edited her version together with Elvis' original, creating a duet. This version became very popular, but was never released as a single or available for sale.

In 1956, this replaced "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog" on the Billboard chart, making Elvis Presley the first artist to replace himself in the #1 position. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France)

Comments:

When this song was played on the night he died , it was like Elvis's epitaph ; as if he's telling his fans that he'll always love them until the end of time itself. He wanted the fans to know he cares about them ; and appreciated all the applause , the gifts and the fun times he had performing and playing his music. There will never be another like him . ..R.I.P. Elvis , until we see you again .
- Chomper, Franjkin County, PA

On the night that we heard about Elvis's death back in 1977 , we were watching the T.V. set in my parent's bedroom. It was about 12:00AM , and my mom wanted me to go to bed because it was getting late , when they mentioned it ; and they were playing the song "Love Me Tender" in the background while displaying his name , date of birth and date of death. ..It was pretty spooky standing there, watching and hearing the song played , minutes before going to bed.
- Mike, Franklin County, PA

When I was a little girl I saw the movie "Love Me Tender" and Elvis sang "Aura Lee" at the very beginning. I've talked to a couple of other people who remember it also. Why is it not mentioned and not available. It's important to me.
- Ora Lee, Kansas City, KS

The music is played through out the 1936 movie "Come and get it" staring Edward Arnold. It is also sung in the movie with the original lyrics "Aura Lee" from 1861.
- Paul, Farmville, NC

God, I cried so hard when I saw this movie. At the end, with that big image of him singing in the sky... I just lost it lol. I love this song, Elvis knew how to sing it the only way its' meant to be sung. Norah Jones' version is OK but I wouldn't go looking for it on any give day.
- Maha, Auckland, New Zealand

Did any of you know that on the "Aloha From Hawaii" album he forgot the lyrics while singing this song?
- Steven, West Carrollton, OH

Elvis´s Mom did not like the movie "Love me tender" because He dies in the movie.
- Asef, Silkeborg, Denmark

Norah Jones sang this song, but minus a few verses/lines.
- Michelle, Anaheim, CA

The verse you talk about, Calum, is the so called "End title version". You can hear it at the end of the movie (Elvis sings ist as a ghost) and on some records (first released on "Essential Elvis" in 1986).
- Björn, St. Augustin, Germany

elvis preferred to sing songs such as this one, rather than rock n roll, which is ironic for his rep as "king of rock n roll"
- Suzi, Charleston , SC

In a book I have of Elvis songs, it has another verse at the end: When at last my dreams come true Darling this I know Happiness will follow you Everywhere you go Anyone heard anyone sing this?
- Calum, Edinburgh, Scotland

I can think of a real good song to find out about. It's the song i dedicate to my big old sweet honey.......(Let me be your)Teddy Bear.
- Leslie, Hooks, TX