Earl Brown, Elvis' musical director, was crafted as a somber but hopeful response to the recent assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. "If I Can Dream," recorded in 1968, showed Presley at the center of a troubled nation. Many critics feel that Presley's early songs are among his finest but later efforts reveal a fascinating intersection between the music and Elvis' rapidly growing fame. "Now or Never," a rock 'n' roll reworking of a classic Italian opera tune, shows Presley interacting with age-old traditions and making them his own. When paired with "Don't Be Cruel" on the B-Side, the "Hound Dog" record became one of the most successful singles the music industry had yet seen. "Hound Dog" created opportunities for numerous tongue-in-cheek television appearances (on the Steve Allen Show, Presley good-naturedly performed the song for a basset hound). You'll also learn about the smash hits that turned Elvis into a household name: "Heartbreak Hotel," Elvis' first single on the major label RCA, became a number one hit, but was originally inspired by a tragic death in Miami. These early songs were recorded on Sam Phillips' Memphis-based label, Sun Records, and are widely considered essential listening among fans of blues, R&B, and country music alike. There are highlights from his early career, such as "Baby Let's Play House," in which Presley first found his signature "rockabilly" sound - the fusion of country and R&B that would make him famous. In the following pages, you'll find the stories behind some of Elvis' most celebrated tunes. All were interpreted and recorded by one of the most successful performers American popular music has ever seen.Įlvis Presley was one of the most successful performers in the history of American popular music. The song catalog contains an impressive range: some were composed for fun but forgettable summer movies, while others trace their roots back to Italian operas some tell stories of heartfelt love, while others are simply made for dancing. They are played at parties, weddings, and proms, and can be heard in the background at grocery stores and shopping malls. From "Jailhouse Rock" to "Love Me Tender," Elvis Presley's songs have become an integral part of American culture.
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