Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1
Encyclopedia
Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1 is a greatest hits
collection from the rock star Elvis Presley
issued in 1974 by RCA Records
. It features 14 tracks, which includes twelve songs and two interviews with Presley.
The album opens with his first recording from 1954, "That's All Right", the song that started his recording career at Sun Records
. It was certified Gold on 1/08/1975 and Platinum and 2x Platinum on 7/15/1999 by the R.I.A.A.
Ultimately, four volumes of the A Legendary Performer series were issued over the next decade, with increasing amounts of previously unissued material. This first volume included previously unreleased live performances of several songs from Presley's 1968 TV special, an alternate version of his first known recording for Sun Records ("I Love You Because"), and the first American release of "Tonight's All Right for Love" from the European version of G.I. Blues
. The two interview recordings were originally released by RCA in 1958 as the EP
, Elvis Sails.
Although RCA had released alternate takes of Presley studio recordings in the past—for example in 1958 two different takes of the song "Lover Doll" from the film soundtrack King Creole
were released on the official soundtrack album (LPM-1884) and the reissue EP
King Creole Volume 1 (EPA-4319) -- this was the first time the label began seriously releasing such material, although large scale release of alternate takes by Presley would not begin until after his death (see, for example, Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 3
(1979)).
Greatest hits
A greatest hits album is a music compilation album of successful, previously released songs by a particular artist or band...
collection from the rock star Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
issued in 1974 by RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
. It features 14 tracks, which includes twelve songs and two interviews with Presley.
The album opens with his first recording from 1954, "That's All Right", the song that started his recording career at Sun Records
Sun Records
Sun Records is a record label founded in Memphis, Tennessee, starting operations on March 27, 1952.Founded by Sam Phillips, Sun Records was known for giving notable musicians such as Elvis Presley , Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash...
. It was certified Gold on 1/08/1975 and Platinum and 2x Platinum on 7/15/1999 by the R.I.A.A.
Ultimately, four volumes of the A Legendary Performer series were issued over the next decade, with increasing amounts of previously unissued material. This first volume included previously unreleased live performances of several songs from Presley's 1968 TV special, an alternate version of his first known recording for Sun Records ("I Love You Because"), and the first American release of "Tonight's All Right for Love" from the European version of G.I. Blues
G.I. Blues
G.I. Blues is a 1960 Elvis Presley musical motion picture played as a romantic comedy. It was filmed at Paramount's Hollywood studios, with some pre-production scenery shot on location in Germany before Presley's release from the army. The movie reached #2 on the Variety weekly national box office...
. The two interview recordings were originally released by RCA in 1958 as the EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, Elvis Sails.
Although RCA had released alternate takes of Presley studio recordings in the past—for example in 1958 two different takes of the song "Lover Doll" from the film soundtrack King Creole
King Creole
King Creole is a 1958 American film directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Hal B. Wallis. The story was adapted from the Harold Robbins novel A Stone for Danny Fisher and featured Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones, and Walter Matthau. The film tells the story of a nineteen-year-old who gets mixed...
were released on the official soundtrack album (LPM-1884) and the reissue EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
King Creole Volume 1 (EPA-4319) -- this was the first time the label began seriously releasing such material, although large scale release of alternate takes by Presley would not begin until after his death (see, for example, Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 3
Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 3
Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 3 is a compilation album featuring recordings by American singer Elvis Presley. It was the third in a series of albums that began with Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1 in 1974, the first to be released since Presley's death in 1977, and the last edition...
(1979)).
Track listing
- That's All Right
- I Love You BecauseI Love You BecauseI Love You Because is a musical set in modern day New York, inspired by the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. It features lyrics by Ryan Cunningham, set to music by Joshua Salzman.-Production history:...
- Heartbreak HotelHeartbreak Hotel"Heartbreak Hotel" is a song recorded by American rock and roll musician Elvis Presley. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956, Presley's first on his new record label RCA Victor. His first number-one pop record, "Heartbreak Hotel" topped Billboards Top 100 chart, became his first...
- (Excerpt From Interview Held Sept.22,1958)
- Don't Be CruelDon't Be Cruel-Legacy:"Don't Be Cruel" went on to become Presley's biggest selling single recorded in 1956, with sales over six million by 1961. It became a regular feature of his live sets until his death in 1977, and was often coupled with "Jailhouse Rock" or "Teddy Bear" during performances from 1969.Many...
- Love MeLove Me (Leiber/Stoller song)"Love Me" is a sentimental song composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and popularized by Elvis Presley in 1956. Conceived as a parody of a country western music, it was initially interpreted by R&B duo Willy and Ruth in 1954 , then by Georgia Gibbs the same year...
- Trying To Get To YouTrying to Get To You“Trying To Get To You” is a song performed by Elvis Presley in 1955 on his Sun recordings.It was written by Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton, also known as Charlie Singleton. It was originally recorded by the rhythm and blues outfit The Eagles in 1954 and released in mid-1954 on Mercury...
- Love Me TenderLove Me Tender (song)"Love Me Tender" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Elvis Presley Music, adapted from the tune of "Aura Lee" , a sentimental Civil War ballad.- History :...
- (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)
- (Excerpt From Interview Held Sept.22,1958)
- A Fool Such As I
- Tonight's All Right For Love
- Are You Lonesome Tonight?
- Can't Help Falling In LoveCan't Help Falling in Love"Can't Help Falling in Love" is a pop song originally recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The melody was based on "Plaisir d'Amour" but with a different...