During an incredible career cut short by an early death at age 42, Elvis recorded about 700 songs.

Despite being so prolific, there are many other songs we would have liked to hear him sing.

Elvis wasn’t just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With his amazing versatility, he was also a master of pop ballads, country, R&B, and gospel.

We have listed 10 songs, including at least one from each of these genres that we believe he should have recorded.

Only the Lonely: According to legend, the great Roy Orbison was intending to offer Elvis this song, but the Memphis resident was unavailable when Roy drove through town. So Roy recorded it himself in 1960 and it became his first huge hit. Because Elvis had great respect for Roy, he didn’t cover any of his songs. You can get some idea of how Elvis would have handled the song by listening to Ronnie McDowell’s 1990 version.

Twelfth of Never: Johnny Mathis’ major 1957 hit would have been a good addition to Elvis’ list of recordings. His 1974 unpolished rehearsal of the song exists and makes clear a studio recording would have produced an appealing, easy-listening version that would be appreciated by lovers everywhere.

It’s Just a Matter of Time: This gem, recorded in 1959 by silky smooth Brook Benton, was Brook’s first major hit, and also arguably his best. It has been covered by many pop and country singers, and should have been part of Elvis’ catalog. It would have been especially good as a 1970s recording, when Elvis’ baritone voice had become deeper.    

Bring It On Home: While this 1962 Sam Cooke song featuring Lou Rawls doing backup vocals wasn’t his most popular hit, it was certainly one of his most soulful. Elvis’ natural feel for soul would carry the song, just as it did in his cover of Jerry Butler’s “Only the Strong Survive.” We can close our eyes and hear Kathy Westmoreland and the Sweet Inspirations singing “Yeah, yeah” at the end of the verses.  

You’re the Reason I’m Living: This 1963 release from Bobby Darin was his first significant hit after moving to Capitol Records. It was performed live, seemingly as an afterthought, by Elvis in 1975. It’s clear that Elvis liked the song and would have produced an excellent studio recording. Bobby Darin could do a good impression of Elvis and the two artists had a mutual admiration.

You’re My Soul and My Inspiration: Elvis recorded two major hits of the Righteous Brothers, “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” and “Unchained Melody,” but he failed to record their No. 1 song from 1966. Elvis would have done an excellent job with the soaring melody while injecting soul and delivering it with power. The King would also have nailed the recitation section, as he demonstrated on “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”

A Child of Clay: This little-known song that reached No. 31 in 1967 was recorded by Jimmie Rodgers of Honeycomb fame. The song’s lyrics offer a level of social consciousness that would have provided a perfect follow-up to Elvis’ “In the Ghetto.” The song chronicles the life of a neglected young man who becomes involved in drugs and crime. The words of the song are both compelling and clever, and the rambling melody is a natural fit for Elvis’ voice.

O Holy Night: Quite simply the best religious Christmas song ever written, this song has been recorded by numerous artists as diverse as Big Crosby, Al Green, Jackie Wilson, and Celine

Dion. The fact that Elvis didn’t record “O Holy Night” left a major void in his religious repertoire. His broad vocal range would have enabled him to easily master this challenging song.

Kiss an Angel Good Morning: In the 1970s, Elvis went back to his roots and did a lot of country covers. This song climbed to No. 1 on the country chart and got a gold record for Charley Pride in 1971. The feel-good lyrics and bouncy melody are appealing. Elvis would certainly have enjoyed recording it and would have produced an excellent version that was fun to listen to.

Sunday Morning Coming Down: Elvis produced good covers of hit songs by two members of the Million Dollar Quartet — Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.” It would have been nice if Elvis had covered at least one of the songs of Johnny Cash, the other member of the quartet. The theme

and melody of Johnny’s 1970 “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” written by Kris Kristofferson, make this song a good fit for Elvis.

W. Kent Moore and David L. Scott are emeritus professors of business at Valdosta State University. They are the authors of “The Ultimate Elvis Quiz Book.”