Elvis' First Album

 

Elvis' First Album

 

• "Elvis Presley" (1956)

Rushed out by RCA in March 1956 in the wake of "Heartbreak Hotel's" success on the singles chart, Elvis's first album was a mix of five Sun Records recordings and seven early RCA tracks. Since none of the tracks had been previously released by either Sun or RCA, most listeners were unaware that two different studios were involved. (Years passed before I realized the difference between the Sun and the RCA recordings.) "Trying to Get to You" and "Blue Moon" introduced Presley's new fans to the distinctive sound of Sun's Memphis studio. The LP's lead cut, however, was "Blue Suede Shoes," Elvis's high energy rendition of Carl Perkins's rock 'n' roll anthem. Another track, "Money Honey," Elvis paid tribute to his rhythm and blues roots.