2007 marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis' passing, and therefore, the country music associations and websites that celebrate this special occasion would like to honor the legend of the King.

By his own admission, Elvis was not strictly a country artist, but he always showed a great deal of respect for the genre and went on to record countless country numbers, giving country music his own special touch. That is why we have decided to honor Elvis and his musical legacy by designating one of his songs as the Official Song of the International Country Music Day 2007.

Vote for your favourite song. The winning song will come out of votes cast in Argentina, Spain, the United States, France, Greece, Uruguay, and the rest of the world.

Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954)
Released as his first single, it was the song that Elvis chose for his only appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, where he was greeted with light applause. However, even Bill Monroe would eventually update his early version inspired by Elvis’ reading of the song.

I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone (1955)
The first Elvis song that made it to the national country music charts, peaking at number 5 on Billboard in July 1955.

I Forgot to Remember to Forget (1955)
Like the previous songs, this one was released on the Memphis-based Sun label, and it delves deep into the hillbilly side of the style that was flourishing at the beginning of Elvis’ career, which would be known as rockabilly.

(Now and Then) There’s a Fool Such as I (1958)
This Hank Snow original is a good example of how Elvis understood country music when he switched labels and started his tenure with RCA, where he would cross paths with legendary country guitarist and producer Chet Atkins.

There’s Always Me (1961)
Rock’n’roll, the music for which Elvis became known, represented an important threat for country music. Therefore, the genre looked towards pop in order to broaden the market and thus the Nashville Sound was born. On this recording, Elvis shows his ability to assimilate to the new style.

Guitar Man (1967)
Elvis waxed many Jerry Reed originals. This number was initially included in one of his movie soundtracks and became a highlight of Elvis’ career when it was performed on his 1968 NBC-TV Comeback Special. In 1981, it rose all the way to the top of the country charts, which is ample proof that Elvis’ popularity and importance did not diminish after his passing.

I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago (1970)
This song was divided into twelve small sound bits that were placed at the end of each track on his 1970 Elvis Country LP, turning it into an unusual concept album. The song would not be heard in its entirety until two years later, when it was finally restored and included in the album Elvis Now.

Little Cabin on the Hill (1970)
Another Bill Monroe number (co-written with guitarist Lester Flatt) covered by Elvis. Although it sounds close to the original, Elvis still manages to give it his own personal touch.

Always on My Mind (1972)
Elvis’ recording of this song only peaked at number 16 on the country charts, yet it is one of his best-known songs. This is perhaps due to the fact that his divorce from Priscilla was very near, and so this song had a special meaning for him, which shows through in his performance.

I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (1973)
Elvis never forgot his roots, and Hank Williams was one of his foremost influences. Recorded live in Hawaii, his version of this song became a mainstay of his live performances in the 1970s.

Moody Blue (1977)

Elvis’ last country number one hit, which charted not long before his passing. The style with which he began his career would eventually earn him his last hit.