The man that turned the music world upside down!..
It was Elvis Presley that really got it all started.
He was young, had sideburns for heavens sake, and he was OURS! Parents hated him, (luckily, mine didn't) I did not really understand what he was all about until much later, when I saw him on T.V.
Was it the sneery smile? Or the slicked back long hair? Everyone before had the neat back and sides. Or was it those amazing swinging hips? It was all of that, plus his unique singing style and selection of songs, songs not heard before on mainstream radio. Hi early Sun recordings were inspired by Sam Phillis who wanted to bring African American music ton a wider audience.
Nothing like this had been heard or seen before. Scotty Moore was on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, the classic lineup. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage him for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of Rock 'n' Roll
But, back from the army 1962, his influence was waning. It had been decided that the records were not enough, they must have Hollywood. So it was in between films that songs came out. "Are You Lonesome Tonight" (smooth MOR), "Surrender" was up tempo, "Little Sister" and "His Latest Flame" were good songs, but the "Return to Sender" "In The Ghetto" and "One Broken Heart" were pretty droll. We'd been abandoned!
Most of his album releases were soundtracks from his movies, it did not his management long to realize the movies. soundtrack did not have to be good. Just put Elvis in it, and it would sell!
Luckily, there is some good Elvis vinyl still available. Check them out below!
This is Elvis Greatest Hits Volume 2, the fourth compilation album, containing hits from 1957 to and 1959. Released in November 1959, it went to number 31 in the U.S.., and reached number 3 in the U.K. This album contained the classics "Wear My Ring Up Around Your Neck", "Fool Such as I" and "One Night". Brilliant! This is the iconic cover that established the guitar as THE rock and roll instrument.
50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong: Elvis' Gold Records, Volume 2 is the fourth compilation album by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, issued by RCA Victor in November 1959. It is a compilation of hit singles released in 1958 and 1959 by Presley, from recording sessions going back as far as February
Elvis Golden Records...
Often said to be the first Golden Hits album in history, this was The album to have in the early '60's. Released in March 1958, the album went immediately in to the Billboard chart peaking at No. 3. It eventually was certified triple platinum in August 1977. The album contained his hits from 1956, and 1957, including "Jailhouse Rock", "Heartbreak Hotel" and "All Shook Up", 14 tracks in all. Essential!
Elvis Christmas Album
This album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and was also Presley’s first Diamond-selling record. It became the first Christmas album to spend four consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 and continues to sell nearly 70 decades later.
It remains the world’s best-selling Christmas album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.
During the week of December 16, 1957, Elvis Presley topped the Billboard 200 chart with his first holiday album. Elvis’ Christmas Album remained at the top of the Billboard 200 for four weeks, beginning December 16, 1957 and it has also remained the top-selling holiday album of all time.
The “Elvis’ Christmas Album” reached a new high point on January’s Billboard 200. The chart tracks the most-consumed full-lengths in America each frame using a methodology that includes sales and streaming activity. The King’s set is performing well across all metrics, as Americans can't get enough of the title—or, more likely, its songs.
Side 1 1. "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" 2. "White Christmas" 3. "Here Comes Santa Claus" 4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" 5. "Blue Christmas" 6. "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) |
Side 2 1. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" 2. "Silent Night" 3. "(There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)" (from Peace in the Valley, 1957) 4. "I Believe" (from Peace in the Valley, 1957) 5. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" (from Peace in the Valley, 1957) 6. "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)" |
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