Vera Matson

As an example, on Linda Ronstadt’s 1978 remake of one of the King’s signature songs, “Love Me Tender”, Elvis Presley is credited as the only songwriter on the lyric sheet.  On the labels, however, and on his own 45, Elvis Presley and Vera Matson are given as the songwriters of “Love Me Tender”. 

Actually, according to Wikipedia, Ken Darby was the principal songwriter of “Love Me Tender”; and Vera Matson is the maiden name of Darby’s wife.  However, for a time songwriters had to concede 50% of the songwriting credit if they wanted Elvis Presley to record their song.  Again, from Wikipedia:  “When asked why he credited his wife as co-songwriter along with Presley, Darby responded, ‘Because she didn’t write it either’.” 

(April 2015/1)