Dedicated to the First Lady of Mexico, the wife of President Emilio Portes Gil, "Maria Elena" (Lorenzo Barcelata) was written in 1932.
Although Lawrence Welk was first to bring the tune to an American audience in 1941, the melody didn't become a hit until it was recorded by the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with vocalist Bob Eberly. The English version had lyrics composed by Bob Russell and peaked at number one. The flip of the vinyl was "Green Eyes", another number one hit for ther band.

In 1963 the Los Indios Tabajaras (Natalicio and Antenor Lima) instrumental cover hit the top ten on the pop and Easy Listening Billboard charts. Recorded in 1958 this pretty piece was one of few chart entries for the guitar playing brothers from Brazil. You may find it worth your time to research their legend.