57 Years Ago Today: Legendary Musician's Comeback Song Reached No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100

June 14 marks several notable anniversaries, including the founding of Munich in 1158, the adoption of the American flag in 1777 (Flag Day), and the day when rhesus monkey Albert II became the first mammal to reach outer space.

For one of the greatest musicians in history, June 14 also marks a turning point in the back half of his music career. It was on June 14, 1969, that Elvis Presley's epic comeback song climbed up to No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Presley emerged as the biggest music star of the '50s following the success of signature hits like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Love Me," "Don't Be Cruel," "Hound Dog" and "All Shook Up."

In the '60s, a commitment to Hollywood films led to a brief decline in Elvis' popularity. The "British Invasion", featuring the rise of bands like the Beatles, the Who, and the Rolling Stones, also led to a significant drop in Elvis' album sales.

Elvis got a big break when one of his friends, country music star and songwriter Mac Davis, wrote an emotional song called "In the Ghetto." In Jan. 1969, Elvis recorded it at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee.

On June 14, the song reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It would stay in the top 10 for five straight weeks.

Elvis Presley's Resurgence Took off in 1969

After a seven-year break from live performances, Elvis returned to the stage for his iconic 68 Comeback Special. NBC aired the special on Dec. 3, 1968, and it would serve as another historic turning point in Elvis' career.

With his popularity skyrocketing again, Elvis went on to release other 1969 hits, including "Suspicious Minds" and "Don't Cry Daddy." Just like that, the King of Rock and Roll was back on his throne.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 3:38 PM.