Uncovering the History Behind Elvis Presley’s Iconic Song ‘That’s Alright’
Elvis Presley that’s alright – Elvis Presley is a name that needs no introduction. Widely known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, he remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in music history. Throughout his career, Elvis churned out countless hits, but perhaps none are more significant than the song “That’s Alright”. This single, released in 1954, marked the beginning of Elvis’ rise to fame and forever changed the landscape of popular music. In this blog post, we will uncover the history behind this groundbreaking song and explore its impact on both the music industry and popular culture.
Early Life of Elvis Presley
Born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley grew up in a humble home with his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, and his twin brother, Jesse Garon. From a young age, Elvis showed a natural talent for music and often sang in church choirs and local talent shows. His love for music only grew stronger when he received his first guitar as a gift on his 11th birthday.
In 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis attended Humes High School. It was during this time that he began to experiment with different genres of music, including gospel, blues, and RB. He even recorded his first demo at Sun Studio in Memphis, but it failed to garner any attention.
The Rise to Fame
After graduating from high school in 1953, Elvis began working as a truck driver and continued to perform at local bars and clubs in Memphis. It wasn’t until the summer of 1954 that he caught the attention of producer Sam Phillips at Sun Studio. Impressed by Elvis’ unique sound and energy, Phillips paired him with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black to record a few tracks.
On July 5, 1954, during a break in the recording session, Elvis began playing an old blues song called “That’s Alright” on his guitar. Moore and Black joined in, and Phillips immediately recognized the potential of this spontaneous jam session. He quickly pressed the record button and captured what would become the first single of Elvis Presley.
The Controversial Song: That’s Alright
“That’s Alright” was originally written and recorded by blues artist Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1946. The lyrics tell the story of a man pleading with his lover not to leave him. However, when Elvis sang it, the song took on a whole new meaning. His energetic and rebellious delivery added a sense of urgency and excitement to the track.
At the time of its release, “That’s Alright” caused controversy due to its blend of country, blues, and RB influences. It was considered too “black” for white audiences and too “white” for black audiences. However, this fusion of genres would soon become a defining characteristic of Elvis’ music and would pave the way for the emergence of rock and roll.
Impact on the Music Industry
Upon its release, “That’s Alright” became an instant hit in the Memphis area, with DJs playing it repeatedly on the radio. Its success caught the attention of major record labels, and in November 1954, Elvis signed with RCA Records.
His debut album, titled “Elvis Presley”, was released in March 1956 and included “That’s Alright” as one of the tracks. The album quickly rose to the top of the charts, making Elvis a household name and solidifying his status as a pioneer of rock and roll. The song also reached number four on the Billboard Country Singles chart, proving that Elvis’ appeal stretched beyond just the rock and roll genre.
Moreover, “That’s Alright” opened the door for other artists to experiment with blending different genres and breaking away from traditional music conventions. It marked a significant shift in the music industry and paved the way for the rock and roll revolution of the 1950s.
Elvis Presley’s Influence on Pop Culture
Aside from his musical impact, Elvis Presley also influenced popular culture in numerous ways. With his signature slicked-back hair, provocative dance moves, and rebellious attitude, he became a cultural icon and a symbol of youth and rebellion. The release of “That’s Alright” propelled him to the forefront of the emerging youth culture in America, making him an idol for teenagers everywhere.
Elvis’ style of dress also had a huge impact on popular fashion. His all-black attire, which he wore during his early performances of “That’s Alright”, became known as the “rockabilly” look and was widely imitated by young fans. He also popularized the now-iconic combination of a white collared shirt and blue jeans, which remains a staple in fashion today.
Behind the Lyrics of That’s Alright
While the original version of “That’s Alright” by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup focused on the theme of a broken relationship, Elvis’ version took on a more optimistic tone. In an interview, he explained that he changed some of the lyrics to make the song more upbeat and less depressing.
For example, in the original version, Crudup sang, “that’s alright now mama, that’s alright with you,” while Elvis altered it to “that’s alright mama, any way you do.” This change shifted the focus from the woman leaving the man to the man reassuring the woman that everything will be okay. This subtle difference may seem insignificant, but it adds a new layer of meaning to the song and reflects Elvis’ positive outlook on life.
The Legacy of Elvis Presley
Even after his tragic death in 1977, Elvis Presley’s legacy continues to live on. He has sold over one billion records worldwide and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His influence can be seen in many artists, ranging from The Beatles to Madonna to Beyoncé.
Furthermore, “That’s Alright” remains one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in Elvis’ discography. It is often cited as the song that launched his career and changed the course of music history. In 2011, it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
That’s Alright: A Symbol of Rebellion
As mentioned earlier, “That’s Alright” marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of popular music. It not only introduced Elvis Presley to the world but also challenged societal norms and sparked a new era of rebellion. With its blend of country, blues, and RB influences, the song defied traditional music boundaries and gave a voice to the growing youth culture.
In addition, Elvis’ performance style in the early stages of his career was considered scandalous by some, with his swiveling hips and suggestive dance moves causing uproar among conservative audiences. This only added to the song’s rebellious nature and solidified Elvis’ image as a symbol of teenage rebellion.
The Evolution of Elvis Presley’s Sound
“That’s Alright” may have been the beginning of Elvis’ journey to stardom, but it also represents a turning point in his musical style. In the years following the release of this song, Elvis experimented with different genres and sounds, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered “acceptable” in the music industry.
He released numerous chart-topping hits throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including “Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock”, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. Each of these songs showcased a different side of Elvis’ sound, with elements of rock, pop, country, and even gospel. This versatility and willingness to take risks set him apart from other artists and solidified his status as a musical legend.
The Enduring Appeal of That’s Alright
Over 65 years have passed since the release of “That’s Alright”, yet the song remains just as popular today as it was back then. Its timeless appeal can be attributed to the combination of Elvis’ unique voice, charismatic stage presence, and the catchy guitar riff that opens the song.
Moreover, the themes of love and hope present in the lyrics are universal and relatable, allowing the song to transcend generations. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and Rod Stewart, proving its enduring impact on the music industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “That’s Alright” is more than just a hit song; it is a symbol of change and a reflection of the cultural landscape of the 1950s. The song launched Elvis Presley’s career and opened the door for other artists to break away from traditional music conventions. Its impact on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable, and its enduring appeal has solidified it as one of the greatest songs of all time. As we continue to celebrate the legacy of Elvis Presley, let us not forget the significance of this iconic song that started it all.
