Guess what is Elvis’ most successful record in terms of jukebox play?
.
According to the Amusement & Music Operators Association, it is HoundDog/Don’t Be Cruel from 1956, the 3rd biggest jukebox hit of all time. This trade association of jukebox owners, operators, and suppliers compiled their list back in 1989 (100th anniversary of the jukebox). They updated it again in 1996, and there were no changes in the top of the rankings.
.
So,Hound Dog/Don’t Be Cruel seems to be permanently locked into the #3 position. It’s no surprise that this double-sided hit got the most play of all the Elvis records featured on jukeboxes. Hound Dog stayed at the top of the record charts for twelve weeks, and then Don’t Be Cruel took over the next week. That’s a long run of popularity during an age when jukeboxes were really big.
.
What two songs could possibly beat Elvis? #2 is the 1979 Bob Seger hit. Old Time Rock & Roll, no doubt helped by Tom Cruise singing it in his underwear in the movie, “Risky Business.” #1 is Crazy by Patsy Cline. That song came out in 1962, but I’ll bet you can still find it on some jukeboxes in 2005. Talk about staying power. Elvis’ next best finish in the jukebox rankings is All Shook Up at #38. Seems like it should be higher.
.
© 2005 Philip R Arnold