Introduction:
“If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” is a country-pop song that was originally written by Australian singer-songwriter John Rostill and was first performed by British-Australian artist Olivia Newton-John in 1974. The song was a major hit for Newton-John, becoming one of her signature tracks during the mid-1970s and showcasing her ability to blend pop and country music styles. The success of the song helped solidify her standing in both the U.S. and Australian music markets, reaching No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Country charts.
Elvis Presley performed his version of “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” live during the latter part of his career. Presley, whose deep connection with gospel, country, and rock music was well established, incorporated this song into his setlists during his concert tours. He first introduced it in the mid-1970s, around the time he was touring heavily across the United States. It became a staple in his live performances, particularly during his famous Las Vegas residencies and other major concert venues.
One of the most notable live performances of “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” by Presley took place during his 1977 television special Elvis in Concert, which was filmed during what would become his final tour. His rendition maintained the song’s upbeat, country-infused arrangement, but it was infused with the passion and intensity that characterized his live performances in his final years. While Presley didn’t record a studio version of the track, the live versions have since become popular with fans, immortalizing his interpretation.
Presley’s version of “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” reflects his musical versatility and his ability to reinterpret a popular song in his own distinctive style. His deep, emotive voice and his capacity to connect with his audience brought a new level of intensity to the song, making it a memorable part of his 1970s concert repertoire. Today, Elvis’s live performances of this song remain a beloved part of his legacy, capturing a moment of heartfelt emotion and high-energy performance in the twilight of his career.