Tell Me Why (1956 song)


"Tell Me Why" is a popular song, written by Titus Turner in 1956. It is a slow, strong rhythm and blues ballad, and has a melody reminiscent of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee".
The first hit version was by Marie Knight, a black R&B singer, on the Mercury's subsidiary label, Wing. It was a local hit in the New Orleans and Texas. When it attracted attention, it went on to become a moderate hit for Gale Storm and The Crew-Cuts in 1956 and for Elvis Presley in 1966. Presley recorded the track in 1957, but it was not released at that time. It reached #33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a gold record.

Song sample