The song Love Me Tender was recorded by Elvis Presley and released in 1956 as his first single for RCA Victor. The melody is based on the traditional American Civil War song Aura Lee, with new lyrics written by Ken Darby and adapted from the original song. Presley first performed the song on The Ed Sullivan Show shortly before its release, and the single quickly reached No. 1 on the US Billboard charts. With its gentle melody and romantic lyrics, Love Me Tender became one of Presley’s best-known ballads.