List of Elvis Presley hit albums

For a list of Presley's singles and extended plays, see Elvis Presley hit singles.

This is a list of hit albums by Elvis Presley.

This is not an all inclusive list of albums released by Elvis Presley; literally hundreds of Elvis Presley albums have been released, most after his death in 1977. This is a list of hit albums that made national charts and/or received Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sales certification. The number of hit albums an artist had is an important measure of the artist's success and popular impact, though it is by no means the only measure. Elvis Presley had a worldwide impact on popular music and culture, as shown by his success on album charts throughout the world. His international success is even more remarkable considering that except for three 1957 Canadian concerts, Elvis did not perform outside of the United States.

Another measure of an artist's popular impact is sales. While Elvis is recognized by many in the recording industry as the best selling artist of all time, the RIAA, the US recording industry's official certifiing agent for sales, stirred up controversy in November 2007 when it announced that country singer Garth Brooks had become the best selling solo artist in US history.[1]

Elvis Presley Enterprises has disputed the RIAA's claim, pointing out several omissions in the RIAA's figures.[2] The RIAA bases its claim on album sales only, and does not include single sales in determining the highest selling solo artist, despite the fact that the RIAA also certifies single sales. While Elvis' album sales are significant, as can be seen in the tables below, his single sales were also significant. During much of Elvis' career in the 1950s and 1960s, single sales were considered the primary market for the industry, while albums were a secondary market. It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that albums became the primary market for the industry.

RIAA does not certify sales of less than 500,000 units for albums and singles.[3] Elvis has had numerous albums and singles which have sold hundreds of thousands of units each but have not reached the 500,000 threshold. Taken together, these could add up to millions in total sales that are not recognized by the RIAA.

RIAA sales certifications are not automatic. The record company must pay a fee and request an audit from the RIAA in order to certify sales. During Elvis' life, RCA submitted few of Elvis' recordings for RIAA certification. Instead of paying for RIAA certification, RCA and other companies would simply award their own "Gold Record" to artists based on their internal sales figures. As a consequence, some of Elvis' early sales information has been lost. RCA and BMG have researched archives and old files in an effort to reconstruct Elvis' sales figures. This has led to Elvis receiving numerous RIAA certifications posthumously.[4]

Albums and chart/certifications information

Abbreviations for charts and information:

Abbreviations for certification agencies and certifications:

The numbers below represent the highest position for an album on each respective chart.

1956–1963

Some countries did not develop recognized national charts until the 1960s.

Year Album Title US 200
[5]
US Cash
[6]
UK
[7]
GE
[8]
US RIAA
[9]
Comments
1956 Elvis Presley 1 1 1 P Titled Rock and Roll in the UK.
Elvis 1 1 3 P Titled Rock and Roll Number 2 in the UK.
1957 Loving You 1 2 1 G Soundtrack album.
Elvis' Christmas Album 1 1 2 M3 Last album released before Elvis leaves for the US Army. This album will re-enter the US Album and Christmas Album charts many times.
1958 Elvis' Golden Records 3 5 2 M6 A compilation of previously released hit singles.
King Creole 2 11 1 G Soundtrack album.
1959 For LP Fans Only 19 20 Includes previously recorded songs from 1954–1958.
A Date With Elvis 32 8 4 Includes previously recorded songs from 1954–1958.
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong – Elvis' Gold Records Vol. 2 31 14 4 P A compilation of previously released hit singles.
1960 Elvis Is Back! 2 2 1 G First album released after Elvis' return from US Army duty.
GI Blues 1 1 1 P Soundtrack album.
His Hand in Mine 13 25 3 P Elvis' first full-length Gospel album.
1961 Something for Everybody 1 1 2 G
Blue Hawaii 1 1 1 17 M3 Soundtrack album
1962 Pot Luck 4 3 1 7
Girls! Girls! Girls! 3 3 2 18 G Soundtrack album.
1963 It Happened At The World's Fair 4 6 4 19 Soundtrack album.
Elvis' Golden Records, Vol. 3 3 4 6 P A compilation of previously released hit singles.
Fun in Acapulco 3 3 9 21 Soundtrack album.
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or have not been certified.

1964–1968

After The Beatles rise to worldwide fame in 1964, Elvis' chart performance falls off.

From 1963 through 1973, Billboard would not list Christmas or Holiday albums on its Pop album chart; it would only list those albums on its Christmas or Holiday album charts.

Year Album Title US 200
[5]
US Cash
[6]
UK
[7]
GE
[8]
AU
[10][11]
US RIAA
[9]
Comments
1964 Kissin' Cousins 6 8 5 22 Soundtrack album.
Roustabout 1 3 12 2 G Soundtrack album
1965 Girl Happy 8 10 7 5 G Soundtrack album.
Golden Boy Elvis (Hörzu) 31 German-only release.
Flaming Star and Summer Kisses 11 UK-only release.
Elvis For Everyone! 10 11 8 Contains previously recorded songs.
Harum Scarum 8 14 11 Soundtrack album, also titled Harum Holiday.
1966 Frankie And Johnny 20 26 11 P Soundtrack album.
Paradise, Hawaiian Style 15 21 7 Soundtrack album.
Spinout 18 18 17 10 Soundtrack album, also titled California Holiday.
1967 How Great Thou Art 18 17 11 M3 Grammy Award for Gospel performance.
Double Trouble 47 22 34 Soundtrack album.
Clambake 40 40 39 Soundtrack album.
1968 Elvis' Gold Records, Vol. 4 33 31 G A compilation of previously released hit singles.
Speedway 82 33 Soundtrack album.
Elvis sings Flaming Star 96 2 3 P Contains previously recorded songs.
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or have not been certified.

1968–1977

Elvis begins his musical comeback in late 1968 with his NBC TV Special. In 1973 his Aloha from Hawaii TV special is broadcast worldwide and seen by more than 1 billion viewers. Soon after his death in 1977, another TV special, "Elvis In Concert" is broadcast in the US. Soundtrack albums for all three specials are released soon after the performances.

Year Album Title US 200
[5]
US TC
[12]
US Cash
[6]
US Cash C UK
[7]
GE
[8]
AU
[10][11]
NL
[13]
AT
[14]
US RIAA
[9]
Comments
1968 Elvis: TV Special 8 6 2 6 P Soundtrack from his comeback TV Special.
1969 From Elvis In Memphis 13 2 9 5 1 14 5 10 G Produced by Chips Moman.
From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis 12 5 11 4 3 37 7 G 2 LP's, one LP is live recording, one is studio.
1970 Portrait In Music 36
Let's Be Friends 105 P Contains previously recorded songs.
On Stage-February, 1970 13 13 8 7 2 16 P Live recording
Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 1 45 25 36 49 M2 Box set of 4 LPs containing previously released hit singles.
Almost In Love 65 37 P Contains previously recorded songs.
Elvis In Person P Live recording.
Elvis Back In Memphis 183 Reissue of disc 2 of From Vegas To Memphis.
Elvis' Christmas Album (Camden) * 7 D * 2 Billboard Christmas Albums Chart. This is a repackaged Christmas album released on both the budget Camden and Pickwick labels and including 8 Christmas songs from his 1957 Christmas album plus 2 newer songs. This album will re-enter the Christmas or Holiday Albums Chart many times in the years that follow. It become Elvis' biggest selling album in the US, earning him a RIAA Diamond award on 9 September 2011.
Elvis – That's The Way It Is 21 8 27 12 13 G Soundtrack from the documentary.
1971 Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) 12 6 13 4 6 15 G
You'll Never Walk Alone 69 20 M3 Contains previously recorded Gospel songs.
Love Letters from Elvis 33 12 22 7
C'mon Everybody 70 5 G Contains previously recorded songs.
The Other Sides – Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 2 120 G Box set of 4 LPs containing previously released hit songs.
Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Vol. 1 and 2 P Box set containing previously released hit songs.
I Got Lucky 104 26 P Contains previously recorded songs.
The Wonderful World of Christmas * M3 * 2 Billboard Christmas Albums Chart. This is a new Christmas album. It will re-enter the Christmas or Holiday Albums Chart many times in the years that follow, twice reaching number 1 on the Christmas album chart in 1972 and 1973.
1972 Elvis Now 43 45 12 43 G
He Touched Me 79 32 11 38 P Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album.
Elvis Sings Hits From His Movies, Vol 1 87 P Contains previously recorded songs.
Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden 11 22 8 19 3 18 M3 Live recording
Burning Love And Hits From His Movies, Vol 2 22 10 4 M2 Contains previously recorded songs and two new songs.
Separate Ways 46 12 14 P Contains previously recorded songs and two new songs.
1973 Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite 1 1 1 1 11 38 9 49 M5 2 Lp's. Soundtrack from TV Special.
Elvis 52 8 25 7 16 24 M5 Also called The Fool Album
Raised on Rock 50 61
Elvis – A Legendary Performer, Volume 1 43 1 32 1 20 34 M2 Contains previously released material.
1974 Rock N On 10
Elvis Forever 2 2 4
Good Times 90 5 1 42 89
Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis 33 2 39 1 44 92 G Live recording
Having Fun with Elvis On Stage 130 9 17 Talking album.
1975 Promised Land 47 1 1 21
Rock N On Vol 2 8
Elvis's 40 Greatest Hits / Seine 40 grössten Erfolge 1 4 10 1
Pure Gold 5 M2 Previously released songs.
Today 57 4 40 6 48 46
Double Dynamite P 2 Lp's. Contains previously released songs.
1976 Elvis – A Legendary Performer, Vol. 2 46 9 27 87 M2 Contains previously released songs.
The Sun Sessions 76 2 1 16 Songs recorded 1954–1955 for Sun Records.
Elvis In The 70's 22
From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 41 1 1 29 G
Elvis in Demand 12 89
1977 Welcome to My World 44 4 5 7 58 P Contains previously released songs.
Moody Blue 3 1 4 1 3 19 3 3 20 M2 Last studio album released prior to Elvis' death.
A Portrait In Music 9 19
100 Super Rocks 25 59
Hits Of The 70's 30
20 Fantastic Hits
The Elvis Tapes 77
Picture of Elvis 52
The Sun Years 31
Elvis In Concert 5 1 3 1 13 17 12 M3 2 Lps. Recorded just a few weeks before Elvis' death. Soundtrack of TV special.
His Hand In Mine 7 Chart re-entry for album originally released in 1960.
How Great Thou Art 7 Chart re-entry for album originally released in 1967.
The Elvis Presley Story M2 Box set of 5 LPs.
His Songs of Inspiration G
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or have not been certified.

1978–1999

After Elvis' death numerous compilations and repackaged albums are released and re-released.

Year Album Title US 200
[5]
US TC
[12]
UK
[7]
GE
[8]
AU Kent
[10][11]
AU ARIA
[15]
NL
[13]
AT
[14]
US RIAA
[9]
UK BPI
[16]
Comments
1978 The Wonderful World Of Christmas 13 Chart re-entry for album originally released in 1971.
Mahalo from Elvis G Out takes from 1973 Hawaii special and previously released material.
He Walks Beside Me 113 6 37 G
Elvis Sings for Children and Grownups Too! 130 5 G
Elvis In Hollywood 15 P
Elvis – A Canadian Tribute 86 7
The '56 Sessions 47
TV Special 50
Elvis – A Legendary Performer, Vol. 3 113 10 43 G
1979 Elvis! His Greatest Hits P Readers Digest Boxed Set of 7 LPs
Our Memories of Elvis 132 6 72 G
Our Memories of Elvis, Vol. 2 157 12
Love Songs 4 3 7 10 P
1980 Elvis Explosion 63
Elvis Presley Sings Leiber and Stoller 32
Inspiration 6 43 P
Gospels 4
Elvis Aron Presley 27 8 21 Boxed Set of 8 LPs
1981 Guitar Man 49 6 33 39 28 Songs re-mixed by Elvis' long time producer, Felton Jarvis
This Is Elvis 115 47 84
Elvis Love Songs 63 23
The Ultimate Performance 45 S
Elvis – Greatest Hits, Vol. One 142 47
1982 The Sound of Your Cry 31
Elvis Presley EP Pack 97
All the Best 17
Romantic Elvis / Rockin Elvis 62
In Love with Elvis 35 7
The Elvis Medley 133 29
Memories Of Christmas 48 80 G UK Title: It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You
1983 Jailhouse Rock / Love In Las Vegas 40 Repackaged re-issues
I Was the One 103 35 83
Elvis – A Legendary Performer, Vol. 4 202 91
1984 32 Film Hits 11 42 Netherlands Title: Golden Film Hits
I Can Help 71
Elvis: The First Live Recordings 163 69
Elvis Blue 6
Elvis' Gold Records, Vol. 5 207 G
A Golden Celebration 80 55 Box set
The 1950s Rock n Roll Era: The Elvis Presley Collection G Box set
Merry Christmas M2
1985 A Valentine Gift For You 154
Ballads: 18 Classic Love Songs 23 18 31 G
50 Years – 50 Hits M2 2 CDs
Rocker 154
20 Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 98
Reconsider Baby 208 92
Elvis' Christmas Album (Camden) 178 * 6 Billboard Christmas Album chart. Re-entry for album originally released in 1970, when Billboard would not list Christmas albums on its main Pop/Top 200 album chart.
1986 The Legend Lives On G
Christmas with Elvis 65
1987 The Complete Sun Sessions G
The Number One Hits 143 M3
The Top Ten Hits 117 M4 2 CDs
Love Me Tender – Romantic Elvis 30 G
Words and Music 8
The Definitive Love Album 18
The Definitive Rock 'n' Roll Album 17
The All Time Greatest Hits 4 7 G
1988 17 Number 1's 51
1989 Essential Elvis: Stereo '57 60
1990 Great Performances 62 51
1991 Essential Elvis – Hits Like Never Before 71
Elvis – Collectors' Gold 57 85
1992 King Of Rock N Roll – The Complete 50's Masters 159 M2 Box Set of 5 CDs
From The Heart: His Greatest Love Songs 4 5 G
Blue Christmas P 25 on Billboard Top Country Catalog Chart, 26 on the Billboard Holiday Album Chart, 18 on the Billboard Top Pop Catalog Chart.
1993 From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential 60 s Masters I P Box Set of 5 CDs
1994 The Romantic 4
The Essential Collection 6 20 9 P
Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances M2 2 CDs
If Every Day Was Like Christmas 94 P 18 on Billboard Holiday Album Chart, 22 Billboard Top Pop Catalog Chart (1995).
1995 Heart And Soul 61 G
Elvis – Gold – The Very Best Of 14 8
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential 70 s Masters G Box Set of 5 CDs
1996 Elvis 56 42 69
Elvis: Great Country Songs 73
1997 Always on My Mind: Ultimate Love Songs 3 P
Forever In Love 13 17
Always Elvis: The Dutch Album 2
Platinum: A Life In Music 80 23 G 4-CD Box Set
Elvis Greatest Jukebox Hits 75 7 Billboard Top Internet Albums (2000)
1998 A Touch of Platinum: A Life In Music 98 2 Vols., 2 CDs each (Re-release of most material found on the 1997 Platinum: A Life in Music 4-CD set)
Blue Suede Shoes 39
Rhythm And Country Essential Elvis V 5 57
1999 Artist Of The Century 163 7 3 CDs
Gospel Treasury G Released by Time-Life, sold via TV orders.
It's Christmas Time 80 M3 Repackaged reissue of 1970 edition of the "Elvis' Christmas Album (Camden)". 4 on the Billboard Top Pop Catalog (2002); 5 Billboard Top Holiday Albums (2003); 69 Billboard Comprehensive Albums Chart (2006).
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or have not been certified.

2000–present

Elvis experiences a resurgence in popularity after the release of ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits CD and the "A Little Less Conversation" remix in 2002, the 25th anniversary of his death. Billboard begins publishing a European Hot 100 albums chart (EUR). The expiration of European copyrights on Elvis' early recordings beginning in 2006 leads to a plethora of independent and third-party releases of Elvis compilation albums.

Year Album Title US 200
[5][12]
US TC
[12]
EUR UK
[7]
GE
[8]
AU
[15]
NL
[13]
AT
[14]
US RIAA
[9]
UK BPI
[16]
Comments
2000 Elvis 2000 18
Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings 13 Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums; 90 Billboard Comprehensive Albums; 4 Billboard Top Pop Catalog. 3 CDs.
The 50 Greatest Hits 8 94 3 M2
Elvis Presley Collection – Country 153 19 15 Billboard Independent Albums
He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley 15 Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums.
White Christmas 12 Billboard Top Holiday Albums (2002); 21 Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums (2002); 162 Billboard Comprehensive Albums (2003).
2001 Live Greatest Hits 50
50 Greatest Love Songs 150 21 70 23 G 2 CDs
The Country Side of Elvis 51 2 CDs
2002 The Very Best of Love 38 G 3 Billboard Top Independent Albums.
Today, Tomorrow & Forever 180 21 4-CD Box Set
ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 M5 M2 1 Billboard Top Internet Albums; 1 Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums (2005 & 2010); 1 Billboard Top Country Catalog Albums (2005); 55 Billboard Comprehensive Albums (2005). Number 1 in 16 countries, including the Canada, France, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
2003 Elvis: Close Up 41 4-CD Box Set
ELVIS: 2nd to None 3 4 13 4 22 5 P 3 Billboard Top Internet Albums. 42 Billboard Comprehensive Albums. 3 in Canada.
Christmas Peace 32 41 65 10 Billboard Top Christian Albums. 16 Billboard Holiday Albums. 2 CDs.
2004 Ultimate Gospel 30 G 9 Billboard Top Christian Albums.
Elvis at Sun 37 69 88
2005 20 Aniversario – Sus Grandes Canciones 30
Love, Elvis 120 30 8 69 79 67 129 Billboard Comprehensive Albums
Elvis by the Presleys 15 42 13 70 22 52 12 1 Billboard Soundtrack Albums; 2 Billboard Internet Albums; 15 Billboard Comprehensive Albums
18 UK Number 1 Singles 96 Box Set of 18 CD Singles
Hitstory 60 92 31 28 G 22 Billboard Top Digital Albums; 6 Billboard Top Country Catalog Albums. 3 CDs. The 1st CD is Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits; 2nd CD is Elvis: 2nd To None; 3rd CD differs on US and International releases.
2006 Elvis Number 1 Singles 62 Box Set of US CD Singles
Elvis Christmas 69 14 G 13 Billboard Top Holiday Albums; 63 Billboard Comprehensive Albums; 1 Billboard Top Country Catalog Albums (2007); 11 Billboard Top Pop Catalog Albums (2008)
2007 The Essential Elvis Presley 72 1 G 73 Billboard Comprehensive Albums; 8 Billboard Top Country Catalog Albums (2008). 2 CDs. Called The Dutch Collection in the Netherlands.
Viva Las Vegas 54 7 54 Billboard Comprehensive Albums.
The King 1 1 4 1 1 New Zealand. 2 CDs
Introducing Elvis 2 Canada. 3 CDs
Home for the Holidays 81 7 Billboard Top Independent Albums; 12 Billboard Top Holiday Albums
2008 Elvis – Incomparable 87
Playlist: The Very Best of Elvis Presley 188
The Very Best of Love 181 21 Billboard Top Independent Albums. Re-issue.
Collector's Edition: Elvis Inspirational Memories 56 27 Billboard Top Christian Albums. 32 Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums.
Christmas Duets 17 3 20 18 Billboard Comprehensive Albums; 4 Billboard Holiday Albums; 12 Billboard Top Internet Albums; 6 in Canada. Elvis' Christmas songs are remixed with vocal performances by other artists mixed in to create duets with Elvis.
2009 I Believe: The Gospel Masters 54 31 Billboard Top Christian Albums; 46 Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums. 4-CD Box Set.
2010 Boy from Tupelo 92 3 Billboard Top Pop Catalog. Starbucks release.
Elvis 75: Good Rockin' Tonight 43 8 35 8 Billboard Top Rock Albums. 3-CD Box Set.
Memories 57 15 Billboard Top Rock Albums.
Viva Elvis: The Album 48 19 45 13 54 24 Billboard Top Rock Albums. Remix songs.
An Evening Prayer 20 Billboard Top Christian Albums.
2011 Young Man with the Big Beat 72
An Afternoon in the Garden 85 Live recording
2012 I Am an Elvis Fan: A Collection of Elvis Songs Chosen by the Fans 137 27 45 Billboard Top Rock Albums
Elvis: Prince from Another Planet: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden 187 3 CD Live recording
The Classic Christmas Album 152 19 31 Billboard Top Rock Albums; 33 Billboard Top Holiday Albums
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or have not been certified.

References

  1. "RIAA Presents Garth Brooks With Special Career Award Representing Highest Selling Solo Artist". Riaa.com. 2007-11-05. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  2. "Status of Elvis' record sales and gold & platinum record award certifications". Elvis.com. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  3. "RIAA Gold and Platinum". Riaa.com. 1999-03-16. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  4. "RIAA Elvis Presley Certifications". Riaa.com. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Whitburn, Joel (2011). Top Pop Albums (Seventh ed.). Record Research. ISBN 978-0-89820-183-3.
  6. 1 2 3 Hoffmann, Frank; Albert, George (1988). The Cashbox Album Charts, 1955–1974. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-2005-0.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Featured Artists: Elvis Presley". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Album Search Results" (ASP). Chart.de (in German). Media Control. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Gold & Platinum Searchable Database Results" (PHP). Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 Kent, David (2005). Australian Chart Book 1940–1969. Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-44439-5.
  11. 1 2 3 Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Elvis Presley: Charts & Awards – Billboard Albums". Allmusic. United States: Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  13. 1 2 3 "Elvis Presley" (ASP). Dutch Charts (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 "Elvis Presley" (ASP). Austrian Charts (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  15. 1 2 "Elvis Presley" (ASP). Australian Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  16. 1 2 "Certified Awards Search" (ASPX). British Phonographic Industry.

External links

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