About the Song
“Love Me” is a sentimental song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and it was recorded and popularized by Elvis Presley in 1956.
The song was initially conceived as a parody of country and western music and was first recorded by the R&B duo Willy & Ruth in 1954. Despite several cover versions by various artists, none of them became a hit. Elvis Presley recorded “Love Me” on September 1, 1956, for his second album, “Elvis,” which was released on October 19 of the same year. It also appeared on the EP “Elvis Vol. 1.”
“Love Me” reached the #2 position on the Billboard Top 100 in the United States, making it notable for achieving such a high rank without being released as a single. The song also peaked at number seven on the R&B chart. Presley performed “Love Me” on the Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956. Although it wasn’t released as a single to avoid confusion with Presley’s hit “Love Me Tender,” it became a significant part of his repertoire.
Elvis continued to perform “Love Me” in various settings, including the 1968 NBC Network Comeback Special and many concerts throughout the 1970s, including his last tour in June 1977.
In a memorable encounter with Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant in the early ’70s, Elvis sang “Love Me” after Plant expressed his admiration for songs with different moods. Plant later reflected on the experience, stating that Elvis made it possible for him, as a singer, to become otherworldly.