On New Year’s Day, BBC Radio 2 unveiled the UK’s ultimate Elvis Presley playlist in a broadcast titled Your Ultimate Elvis Song. Hosted by Vernon Kay, the programme celebrated the King of Rock and Roll’s legacy ahead of what would have been his 90th birthday on January 8, 2025. Over 100,000 fans cast their votes to rank their favourite Elvis tracks, culminating in a countdown of the top 40.
The broadcast offered more than a simple playlist. Kay guided listeners through a journey of Elvis’s storied career—from his earliest hits to his Hollywood ventures. Alongside the top 40 countdown, lesser-known tracks like “Stuck On You,” “The Fool,” and “Good Luck Charm” received attention in a companion programme on BBC Sounds, titled Your Ultimate Elvis Song – The Extras.
The countdown reflected Elvis’s diverse catalogue, highlighting his evolution as an artist. Starting off at No. 40 was ‘Promised Land’, a high-energy Chuck Berry cover, while ‘Suspicious Minds’, his late-career classic, claimed the top spot. The placement of songs like ‘An American Trilogy’ (No. 7), a medley of 19th-century hymns, and ‘If I Can Dream’ (No. 3), written in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., showed a connection between his emotive songs and the British public.
Voters connected with ‘In the Ghetto’ (No. 2), a poignant story of poverty and its cyclical nature, and ‘Always on My Mind’ (No. 4), recorded in the wake of his separation from Priscilla Presley. Meanwhile, classics like ‘Hound Dog’ (No. 15) and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ (No. 5) continue to rank highly in the most iconic Elvis tracks.
The countdown wasn’t just about the music; it explored Elvis’s cultural impact. Vernon Kay shared personal fan stories during the programme. Sarah King recounted her father singing ‘Moody Blue’ (No. 35) to her as a child, changing the lyrics to “moody smoo” and leaving her with a lasting nickname.
A clip of Cliff Richard also appeared, with the singer discussing the track ‘Blue Christmas’ (No. 28) and saying “No Elvis, no Cliff Richard. He gave an identity to rock and roll that is still with us”.
The countdown demonstrated how Elvis continues to resonate, as well as how our relationship with his music is constantly evolving. Several songs climbed or fell in rank compared to ITV’s 2013 poll of the UK’s favourite Elvis tracks. Junkie XL’s remix of ‘A Little Less Conversation’ dropped from No. 5 to No. 12, while ‘An American Trilogy’ soared from No. 15 to No. 7.
Fans took to X to praise the show. One user wrote, “Great show! Pretty much as I would have had it except for a few personal favourites. Those songs from late ’60s and early ’70s were magical.”
Just listened the Elvis countdown on Radio 2 top 40 songs as voted by the public. With Vernon Kay. Great show pretty much as I would have had it except for a few personal favourites. Those songs from late 60’s early 70’s where magical.
— Russ Smith (@Emperorruss) January 1, 2025
As Elvis’s 90th birthday approaches, Your Ultimate Elvis Song is part of a wider coverage of Elvis on BBC Radio 2 ahead of the King’s birthday, proving that his legacy remains vibrant in 2025.
Here’s the top 20:
20. (Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame (1961)
19. Heartbreak Hotel (1956)
18. Wooden Heart (1960)
17. (You’re the) Devil in Disguise (1963)
16. Return to Sender (1962)
15. Hound Dog (1953)
14. Viva Las Vegas (1964)
13. Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1960)
12. A Little Less Conversation (Junkie XL Remix) (2002)
11. Love Me Tender (1956)
10. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
9. I Just Can’t Help Believing (1970)
8. Burning Love (1972)
7. An American Trilogy (1972)
6. The Wonder of You (1970)
5. Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961)
4. Always on My Mind (1972)
3. If I Can Dream (1968)
2. In the Ghetto (1969)
1. Suspicious Minds (1969)
