Elvis Presley Records “That’s All Right”

On July 5, 1954, Elvis Presley recorded his first single, “That’s All Right,” at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. This event is widely regarded as the beginning of Elvis’s illustrious career and a pivotal moment in the history of rock and roll.

Context and Background

• Sun Studio: Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Studio was a small recording studio in Memphis known for its role in the development of rock and roll and for discovering several legendary musicians.
• Sam Phillips: The owner and producer at Sun Studio, Phillips was instrumental in the careers of many artists, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. He was searching for a new sound that could bridge racial divides in music.

The Recording Session

• The Musicians: Alongside Elvis, the session featured guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. The trio initially struggled to find the right sound during the session.
• The Breakthrough: During a break, Elvis began playing Arthur Crudup’s blues song “That’s All Right, Mama” in a more upbeat and spontaneous style. Moore and Black joined in, creating a unique blend of country, blues, and rhythm that caught Phillips’s attention.
• The Recording: Recognizing the potential of this new sound, Phillips quickly set up the equipment to capture the performance. The recording was raw and energetic, embodying a fresh and innovative musical style.

Release and Impact

• Radio Debut: The single was first played by Memphis DJ Dewey Phillips on his “Red, Hot, and Blue” radio show. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with listeners calling in to request the song repeatedly.
• Commercial Release: “That’s All Right” was officially released on July 19, 1954, as a single with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on the B-side. It became a regional hit and helped launch Elvis’s career.
• Cultural Significance: The recording is often cited as a seminal moment in the birth of rock and roll. It showcased Elvis’s ability to blend different musical genres, appealing to a wide audience and breaking down racial barriers in music.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Elvis’s Rise to Fame: Following the success of “That’s All Right,” Elvis signed with RCA Records in 1955 and went on to become one of the most influential and iconic figures in music history.
• Influence on Music: The recording session at Sun Studio marked the beginning of a new era in music, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of rock and roll for decades to come.

Elvis Presley’s recording of “That’s All Right” remains a landmark event, symbolizing the transformative power of music and the emergence of a cultural phenomenon that would captivate the world.