Elvis Presley – That’s All Right – 1968

This wasn’t the smooth crooning of the popular singers of the time. This was raw, energetic, and infused with the spirit of both Black rhythm and blues and white country music. “That’s All Right” was cobbled together by Elvis and Scotty Moore, the guitarist who would become a cornerstone of his band. The story goes that they were just messing around, trying to find a new groove, when Elvis stumbled upon that now-iconic opening riff.

Produced by the legendary Sam Phillips, who had a keen ear for spotting talent, “That’s All Right” became an instant sensation. It rocketed to number one on the country charts and crossed over to the R&B charts as well. This wasn’t just a hit song; it was a cultural phenomenon.

Now, the “That’s All Right” we’re focusing on here isn’t the original 1954 version, but rather Elvis’s electrifying performance of it on the 1968 Comeback Special. See, by the late 60s, Elvis’s career had taken a bit of a detour. Hollywood musicals and soundtrack work had pushed him away from his roots. The Comeback Special, a televised concert filmed at NBC Studios, was a chance for Elvis to reclaim his crown as the King of Rock and Roll.

And reclaim it he did. The entire special is a powerhouse performance, but “That’s All Right” holds a special place. Here we see Elvis, all lean muscle and charisma in a black leather jumpsuit, absolutely tearing into the song. Scotty Moore is back on guitar, and the band is tight as ever. Elvis’s voice, a little rougher around the edges than it was in his younger days, just adds to the power and conviction of the performance.

This “That’s All Right” isn’t just a nostalgic revisit of a classic song; it’s a declaration. It’s Elvis reminding everyone why he mattered, why he changed music forever. It’s a raw, energetic performance that captures the essence of rock and roll at its finest. So, crank up the volume and get ready to be transported back to 1968, when the King reclaimed his throne.