Introduction
Elvis Presley’s “King of the Whole Wide World” isn’t one of his chart-topping hits, but it holds a special place in his filmography. Released in 1962, the song was written by Bob Roberts and Ruth Batchelor specifically for the opening credits of the movie “Kid Galahad.”
This marked a first for Elvis’ movies. Typically, a song from the film would also be the title track. “Kid Galahad” broke the trend, featuring “King of the Whole Wide World” without the song appearing elsewhere in the movie. The song itself is a powerful ballad, showcasing Elvis’ impressive vocal range. The lyrics speak of a man feeling triumphant and on top of the world, a sentiment that perfectly sets the stage for the boxing film’s protagonist.
Despite its strong performance, “King of the Whole Wide World” only reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some speculate this was due to competition from another Elvis hit, “She’s Not You,” which was gaining traction around the same time. Regardless of chart placement, the song remains a fan favorite and a unique piece within the vast catalog of the King of Rock and Roll.
Listen to “King of the Whole Wide World” and be transported to the opening scene of “Kid Galahad,” where Elvis croons about feeling like the champion before a fight even begins.