Introduction:
“Big Love, Big Heartache” is a poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, released on October 19, 1964, as part of the soundtrack for the film Roustabout. Unlike Presley’s rock and roll hits, this song showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through a tender and heartfelt performance. The song was written by Dee Fuller, Les Morris, and Sonny Hendrix, and recorded in March 1964 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It features a rich orchestral arrangement, with guitarists such as Barney Kessel and Scotty Moore, drummer D.J. Fontana, and The Jordanaires providing backing vocals, adding to the song’s emotional depth.
In Roustabout, Presley plays a traveling singer, and “Big Love, Big Heartache” reflects the film’s themes of romance and loss. The song’s lyrics explore the pain of a love that ends, emphasizing that the more intense the love, the greater the heartbreak. Despite not becoming a major chart hit, it remains a notable example of Elvis’ versatility and ability to perform across different musical styles.
Though it wasn’t a standout commercial success compared to his earlier work, “Big Love, Big Heartache” has maintained its place as a beloved track among Elvis fans. It continues to resonate due to its universal theme of love and heartache, showcasing Elvis’s talent for delivering raw emotional expression through his music.