1956 Songs: Don't Be Cruel
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (86622)
United States
April 4, 2026 11:13am CST
Why go back 70 years to celebrate my birthday when I wasn't even born yet? Because of this. Rock and roll, and really all of popular music changed in 1956...primarily because of this guy. So, with apologies to those of you who were never into this guy, here he is.
Don't Be Cruel - Elvis Presley
Love him or hate him, or be totally indifferent to him, Elvis Presley is the reason we have Marilyn Manson today. Dang, Elvis, what did you do? 
While rock and roll was projected as "evil," "rebellious," and "the devil's music," Elvis was humble, a little (probably a LOT) overwhelmed by the mania, and stayed true to his Christian roots. (His only two Grammy awards came for his gospel albums.)
This sounds so "lame" today played next to things that are on the radio today (and videos that are far more suggestive than Elvis' hip shaking ever thought of being), but we wouldn't have today without the explosion caused by the success of that truck driver from Tupelo 70 years ago.
Don't Be Cruel
Written by Otis Blackwell
Recorded by Elvis Presley
Released as a single, 1956
Let's walk up to the preacher:
While rock and roll was projected as "evil," "rebellious," and "the devil's music," Elvis was humble, a little (probably a LOT) overwhelmed by the mania, and stayed true to his Christian roots. (His only two Grammy awards came for his gospel albums.)
This sounds so "lame" today played next to things that are on the radio today (and videos that are far more suggestive than Elvis' hip shaking ever thought of being), but we wouldn't have today without the explosion caused by the success of that truck driver from Tupelo 70 years ago.
Don't Be Cruel
Written by Otis Blackwell
Recorded by Elvis Presley
Released as a single, 1956
Let's walk up to the preacher:Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later
16 people like this
12 responses
@Marilynda1225 (91065)
• United States
4 Apr
Can't ever say no to Elvis!! As much as I like this song he sang others that I liked better
2 people like this
@FourWalls (86622)
• United States
4 Apr
He had better songs in his career, of course.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86622)
• United States
6 Apr
@Jehanne — we still have Elvis impersonators all over the place.
@Jehanne (1859)
• Philippines
6 Apr
@FourWalls for sure a lot of Filipinos will reminisce about his life. I can now forsee some will be singing his songs and even perform how an Elvis Presley, Rock n Roll!
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (18082)
• Torrington, Connecticut
6 Apr
long live the king of rock n roll
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (34200)
•
5 Apr
I don't like people using the word hate when dislike would do.
I didn't like Elvis but I wouldn't have thought he would ever have done anything to make anyone reading this hate him
So I am indifferent to him
I especially dislike people using the word " hate" when they describe how they feel about a foodstuff.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86622)
• United States
5 Apr
I understand. Thank you for stopping by despite your massive indifference.
1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (34200)
•
5 Apr
@FourWalls
It's not massive indifference
And I saw your post, and it would have taken a Wooden Heart for me not to reply
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97974)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
5 Apr
Elvis could be cruel to me any time as long as we made up afterwards
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (4417)
•
4 Apr
I've always been fairly indifferent, but he could sing, all right.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222320)
• United States
5 Apr
Not a real Elvis fan. I like Blue Christmas.
1 person likes this
