Song: Can’t Help Falling in Love
Artists: UB40
Original artist: Elvis Presley
Elvis recorded this song in 1961 for his Blue Hawaii album. It also features in the movie
of the same name.
The melody is based on a popular French song, Plaisir d’Amour, which has been
recorded by singers such as Nana Mouskouri and Joan Baez. The Baez version
features below.
Presley’s version spent four weeks at No 1 in the UK. In the US it peaked at No 2 and
was kept from the top spot by Peppermint Twist from Joey Dee and the Starliters
(whoever they are). In live performances Elvis often held the song back for the show’s
finale. It was the very last song he performed live at an Indianapolis concert in 1977.
The song is a popular choice for the first dance by married couples. It is also an anthem
among English football teams such as Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Sunderland.
The video above features Sunderland fans giving it plenty (but none too tunefully) at
Wembley for their play-off final against Wycombe which I had the honour of attending.
I’m not a Black Cats fan, but their passion was certainly infectious.
In 1993 UK reggae band UB40 put their own twist on the song and enjoyed
considerable success with it. Their version topped the charts on both sides of the
Atlantic and hit No 1 in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Austria and Holland.
