In April 1960, after Elvis Presley's two-year service in the United States Army, he recorded the song at the suggestion of manager Colonel Tom Parker; "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was Parker's wife, Marie Mott's, favorite song.
Pada April 1960, setelah Elvis Presley bertugas selama dua tahun dalam United States Army, ia merekam lagu tersebut atas dorongan dari manajer Colonel Tom Parker; "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" adalah lagu kesukaan istri Parker, Marie Mott.