On July 5th in music history, one significant event took place in 1954 when Elvis Presley recorded his first single, "That's All Right," at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. This moment marked the beginning of Elvis's incredible career and his rise to become the "King of Rock and Roll."
The story behind the recording is quite fascinating. On that day, Elvis was in the studio with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. They were taking a break from a long and unproductive session when Elvis started fooling around with an uptempo version of Arthur Crudup's blues song, "That's All Right, Mama." Moore and Black joined in, and they quickly realized they had something special.
Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Studio, heard the trio through the open microphone and was impressed. He asked them to start again so he could record it. After a few takes, Phillips had a satisfactory recording. He took an acetate disc of the song to local radio station WHBQ, where DJ Dewey Phillips played it on his popular "Red, Hot, and Blue" show. The response from listeners was overwhelming, with many calling in to request the song be played again.
The recording of "That's All Right" showcased Elvis's unique blend of blues, country, and rock and roll, which would become his signature style. The song's success led to more recordings at Sun Studio, including "Blue Moon of Kentucky," which was the B-side of the "That's All Right" single.
This historic recording session set Elvis on the path to superstardom. His energetic performances, good looks, and charisma made him a sensation, and he quickly became one of the most popular and influential musicians of the 20th century. Elvis's impact on popular music cannot be overstated, as he broke down barriers between genres and paved the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps.
The legacy of Elvis's first single continues to this day, with "That's All Right" being recognized as one of the most important recordings in music history. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll." The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a classic example of the birth of rock and roll.
In conclusion, July 5th, 1954, marks a pivotal moment in music history when Elvis Presley recorded his first single, "That's All Right," at Sun Studio in Memphis. This event set the stage for Elvis's meteoric rise to fame and cemented his status as a cultural icon. The recording of "That's All Right" not only launched Elvis's career but also played a significant role in shaping the future of popular music.