This song was first recorded and released by American folk singer and guitarist Don McLean in 1970 on his debut album Tapestry. McLean wrote the song, and it was originally the B‑side to his single “Castles in the Air,” released in January 1971.

In 1973, the track was re‑released as the A‑side of a single by Perry Como from his RCA Victor album of the same name, And I Love You So. Como’s version became a major hit, reaching No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart for one week. It also charted in the UK (No. 3) and Ireland (No. 2) and became one of Como’s final top‑40 hits.

So, while Don McLean is the original artist and songwriter, Perry Como is the most well‑known recording of the song in the 20th century. Then Presley recorded it and it reached his fans too.