“That’s All Right” – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“That’s All Right” is a song that marks a pivotal moment in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Released on July 19, 1954, by Sun Records, this track was Elvis Presley’s debut single and is widely considered the beginning of his legendary career. Originally written and recorded by blues musician Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1946, the song was reimagined by Presley during a recording session on July 5, 1954. Elvis’s version of “That’s All Right” combined elements of blues, country, and rhythm and blues, creating a sound that would come to define the early days of rock ‘n’ roll.

The recording session that produced “That’s All Right” was initially intended for a different purpose. Elvis, then a 19-year-old aspiring singer, was brought in by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, to see if he could capture the blend of black rhythm and blues with a white performer. During a break in the session, Elvis began playing an upbeat version of Crudup’s song, and Phillips, intrigued by this unexpected performance, urged Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore, and bassist Bill Black to record it formally. This raw, spontaneous version captivated Phillips, who sensed it had the potential to make a significant impact on the music scene.

“That’s All Right” was first played on local Memphis radio station WHBQ by DJ Dewey Phillips just days after it was recorded. The response was immediate and overwhelming, prompting Phillips to bring Presley into the studio for an on-air interview the same night. The single became an instant regional hit, receiving airplay across Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Orleans, which set the stage for Presley’s meteoric rise to stardom.

Musically, “That’s All Right” is considered a rockabilly song, a genre that merges country music with rhythm and blues. Its release is often credited as one of the key moments that ushered in the rock ‘n’ roll revolution. The song’s success established Elvis Presley as a promising new talent and paved the way for his future career as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

Video:

Lyrics:

“That’s All Right, Mama”