What was Elvis’s first recording for RCA?
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” began his recording career with RCA Records in 1956. His first recording for the label was a significant milestone in his life and the history of music. This article delves into the details of this historic recording, exploring the background, the songs chosen, and the impact it had on Elvis’s career and the music industry as a whole.
The decision to sign with RCA was a crucial one for Elvis. After gaining fame with Sun Records, he was approached by various labels, including RCA, Columbia, and Decca. Ultimately, Elvis chose RCA due to their reputation for promoting new talent and their willingness to invest in his career. The first recording session for RCA took place on January 10, 1956, at the company’s Nashville studio.
The session was scheduled for just two hours, but it ended up taking much longer. Elvis and his band, The Blue Moon Boys, recorded three songs during the session: “I Was the One,” “That’s All Right,” and “Blue Moon.” The latter two songs were the ones chosen for the first RCA single, which was released on January 19, 1956.
“That’s All Right” was the song that put Elvis on the map. Written by blues musician Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, it featured Elvis’s distinctive voice and charismatic performance style. The song became a hit, reaching number 4 on the Billboard country charts and number 19 on the Billboard pop charts. It was the first step in Elvis’s journey to becoming a global icon.
Elvis’s first RCA recording was not only a commercial success but also a cultural milestone. It marked the beginning of the rock and roll era, which would go on to reshape American music and culture. The success of “That’s All Right” and its follow-up hits, such as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock,” helped establish Elvis as the king of rock and roll, a title he would carry for the rest of his life.
The recording session itself was a testament to Elvis’s natural talent and charisma. Producer Steve Sholes, who was responsible for signing Elvis to RCA, was impressed by the young singer’s raw energy and ability to captivate an audience. Sholes played a crucial role in guiding Elvis’s career, helping him refine his sound and develop his image.
Elvis’s first recording for RCA was a pivotal moment in his life and the music industry. It launched his career, changed the landscape of American music, and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Today, the song “That’s All Right” remains a classic rock and roll anthem, and Elvis Presley’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
