Blogocentric Formulations

Burning Love

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Song: "Burning Love"
Original: Arthur Alexander
Cover: Wynona Judd


I was surprised to find that this wasn't an Elvis Presley original song. But Arthur Alexander is dead too, so I think it still meets the activity requirements. Arthur Alexander originally included this on his self-titled album in 1972, but was covered and released by Elvis Presley later that year. Elvis' version shot to the top of the charts and actually became his most successful U.S. single since "Suspicious Minds" in 1969. It also happened to be his last Top 10 hit on the American Hot 100 and pop charts. The song never made it to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100, reaching as high as #2 but being held off from the top spot by Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling."

There's no question Elvis' rendition of the song is a classic and I suppose would have qualified as an entry on its own, but I chose Wynonna Judd's cover from the 2002 movie Lilo & Stitch for two reasons.

First, Lilo & Stitch is an awesome movie and the Elvis-heavy soundtrack is perfect for it. Most of the Elvis songs on the soundtrack are Elvis originals, except this one and the A*Teens' (remember them? anyone? anyone at all besides me? ) cover of "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Secondly, Wynonna was one of the first artists I remember listening to growing up. My parents are big fans of The Judds (well, as much as they can be considered "fans" of anyone... it's not like they make an effort to go to concerts or anything), but the mother-daughter duo was just a little before my time (initially performing in 1983-1991). Wynonna's solo career took off shortly after that in 1992, and that was right around the time I was seriously addicted to my Columbia House subscription (oh man, this entry is making me feel so, so old... ), which was my first real foray into choosing my own music and listening to more than just the albums my parents had around the house.

So even though Wynonna isn't really in my preferred musical genres anymore, I'll always remember getting her self-titled 1992 album cassette in the mail (oh God, I need to stop! ) and listening to it over and over again. Iconic song + childhood artist + great movie = a serious must-include in my book... or blog, as the case may be!