Did Elvis write any songs? A look at the King's 'co-writing' credits

Did Elvis Presley write any of his own songs? The answer to this is yes and no.

Officially, Elvis is listed as a co-writer on a number of songs from the early part of his career, sharing credit with the likes of Otis Blackwell on "All Shook Up," for example. In reality, he had no hand in actually writing those songs, but — thanks to his manager Col. Tom Parker — he received credit in exchange for recording the tunes, in what was a somewhat standard if clearly dubious practice of the time.

By the late 1950s, however, Elvis' "co-writing" credits mostly disappeared, although his music publisher Hill and Range continued to exert a strong control over what material got to the King.

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In the early '60s, Elvis would make some more earnest attempts to write. He had a hand in a couple songs written with friends and Memphis Mafia associates Red West and Charlie Hodge. West penned "That's Someone You'll Never Forget" based on a title and idea provided by Elvis, who was credited as co-writer. And Presley, West and Hodge shared credit on "You'll Be Gone," with both songs recorded in 1961 (though they wouldn't be released until years later).  

Mostly, Elvis' creative gifts were as an interpretive singer, putting his own unique stamp and signature — often transformative — on material by others.

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Did Elvis Presley write any of his own songs?