5 FAVES FROM THE EVOLVING ELVIS

“MY HAPPINESS”

(1953): This self-financed record made by the teenage Elvis at the Memphis Recording Service was ostensibly a birthday gift for his mother. More likely, Elvis saw it as as a way to get on Sam Phillips’ radar.

“THAT’S ALRIGHT”/“BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY”

(1954): Historians can debate whether these two sides were the big bang of rock ’n’ roll or just another marker in the music’s evolution, but Elvis’ first Sun single remains a massive moment in American musical and cultural history.

“GOOD ROCKIN’ TONIGHT”

(1954): Heralding the news of a fresh sound, Elvis’ version of Roy Brown’s 1947 jump blues number remains another pivotal moment from the Sun sessions.

“I FORGOT TO REMEMBER TO FORGET”

(1955): This Stan Kesler/Charlie Feathers composition is a cheeky country number that showcased the young Elvis’ ease with various musical styles.