On July 28, Elvis fans will be saying "That's all right" - and then some - to the box set being released by RCA and Legacy Recordings. A Boy From Tupelo: The Complete Recordings 1953-1955 journeys back to the birth of rock-and-roll to feature, on three CDs and digitally, every known Elvis Presley Sun Records master and outtake. In addition, the collection also contains Elvis' four earliest, privately-pressed sides, and vintage radio and concert performances from the period, for a total of 73 tracks - including one previously unreleased, newly-discovered recording, "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" from the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, on October 29, 1955.
Elvis fans, of course, know that the first version of this box set was released through the online/mail order Follow That Dream series back in 2012, at which time ten tracks made their premiere. This release is the first time these tracks, and this package, have been available to general retail. For those who missed out the first time, this remarkable set (and winner of The Second Disc's 2012 Gold Bonus Disc Award for Best Historical Reissue) chronicles not only the early days of rock-and-roll, but the incendiary sides that created a legend.
Disc One of this box boasts the four original Memphis Recording Service performances recorded by Elvis prior to his signing with Sun, plus the original Sun Studio masters. Disc Two presents the Sun Studio Sessions with alternate takes and outtakes illuminating Elvis and producer Sam Phillips' creative process as well as the contributions of guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. (Note that the 2012 edition indexed this disc's multiple takes as 40 tracks; here, the same content is here indexed on 26 tracks.) Disc Three is devoted to every known live and radio recording from this period, culminating in the newly-found "I Forgot to Remember to Forget."
The set includes a 120-page book, formatted as an illustrated travelogue and datebook chronicling the genesis of Elvis' early career via facts, anecdotes, memorabilia and rare photographs. The book takes listeners from Elvis' first Memphis Recording Service performances in July 1953 all the way through December 1955, when he departed Sun Records for RCA Victor. The material has been organized by writer-producer-historian Ernst Mikael Jorgensen by calendar entries. The press release notes that, "during the months July through October 1954, the majority of the calendar is empty, as Elvis had his daytime job with Crown Electric, and music making was confined to the weekends and evening hours." The impressive book (cut down from a whopping 512-page hardcover in the 2012 edition) is filled with such details.
On the same date of July 28, Legacy will also release A Boy From Tupelo: The Sun Masters, a single disc distillation on 12-inch vinyl. This set chronicles, in streamlined fashion, Presley's rise via his complete single A and B-sides for Sun Records, plus additional songs recorded at Sun Studio and released on his legendary self-titled RCA debut album in 1956.
A Boy From Tupelo is a cornerstone in any collection of American popular music. It arrives on July 28 from RCA and Legacy, and can be pre-ordered at the links below, as can the vinyl highlights version!
A Boy From Tupelo - The Complete 1953-55 Recordings (RCA/Legacy, 2017)
Amazon U.S. / Amazon Canada / Amazon U.K.
DISC 1
MEMPHIS RECORDING SERVICE ACETATES
1. My Happiness 2:33
(Betty Peterson/Borney Bergantine)
Recorded July, 1953 at Sun Studio, Memphis
Album 2227-1-R THE GREAT PERFORMANCES August, 1990
2. That's When Your Heartaches Begin 2:52
(William Raskin/George Brown/Fred Fisher)
Recorded July, 1953 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
5 album set 07863-66050 THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL June 23, 1992
3. I'll Never Stand in Your Way 2:06
(Hy Heath/Fred Rose)
Recorded January 4, 1954 at Sun Studio
4 CD set 07863-67469-2 PLATINUM - A LIFE IN MUSIC July 15, 1997
4. It Wouldn't Be the Same (Without You) 2:09
(Jimmy Wakely/Fred Rose)
Recorded January 4, 1954 at Sun Studio
4 CD set 07863-67469-2 PLATINUM - A LIFE IN MUSIC July 15, 1997
SUN MASTERS
5. Harbor Lights 2:38
(Jimmy Kennedy/Hugh Williams)
Possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album CPL1349 A LEGENDARY PERFORMER VOL. 2 January 1976
6. I Love You Because (unprocessed master edit) 2:43
(Leon Payne)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
7. That's All Right (45 rpm master) 2:00
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 209 July 1954
8. Blue Moon of Kentucky (45 rpm master) 2:07
(Bill Monroe)
Recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 209 July 1954
9. Blue Moon 2:44
(Richard Rodgers)
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
10. Tomorrow Night 3:01
(Sam Coslow/Will Grosz)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
5 album set 07863-66050 THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL June 23, 1992
11. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') 2:27
(Jimmy Wakely)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
12. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine 2:32
(Mack David)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 210 September 1954
13. Just Because 2:34
(Bob and Joe Shelton/Sid Robin)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
14. Good Rockin' Tonight 2:15
(Roy Brown)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 210 September 1954
15. Milkcow Blues Boogie 2:39
(Kokomo Arnold)
Recorded either mid-November or mid-December 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 215 January 1955
16. You're a Heartbreaker 2:13
(Jack Sallee)
Recorded either mid-November or mid-December 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 215 January 1955
17. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version) 2:43
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
6 album set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
18. Baby Let's Play House 2:19
(Arthur Gunter)
Likely recorded between January 30 and February 4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 217 April 10, 1955
19. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 2:38
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Likely recorded mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 215 January 1955
20. I Forgot to Remember to Forget 2:31
(Stan Kesler/Charlie Feathers)
Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 223 August 1955
21. Mystery Train 2:30
(Junior Parker/Sam Phillips)
Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single SUN 223 August 1955
22. Tryin' to Get To You 2:36
(Charles Singleton/Rosemarie McCoy)
Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
23. When It Rains It Pours 2:06
(William Emerson)
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album CPL1 4848 ELVIS A LEGENDARY PERFORMER VOL. 4 November 1983
RCA MASTERS
24. That's All Right (RCA single version)1:59
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single 20/47 6380 December 20, 1954
25. Blue Moon of Kentucky (RCA single version) 2:05
(Bill Monroe)
Recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Single 20/47 6380 December 20, 1954
26. I Love You Because (RCA LP version) 2:45
(Leon Payne)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
27. Tomorrow Night (RCA LP version) 2:53
(Sam Coslow/Will Grosz)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LSP/LPM 3450 ELVIS FOR EVERYONE July 19, 1965
DISC 2
SUN STUDIO SESSIONS
1. Harbor Lights (takes 1-2, 3/M) 3:27
(Jimmy Kennedy/Hugh Williams)
Possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis
Takes 1-2: Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
Take 3: album CPL1349 A LEGENDARY PERFORMER VOL. 2 January 1976
2. Harbor Lights (take 4) 2:38
(Jimmy Kennedy/Hugh Williams)
Possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis
4 CD set 0768-66115 ELVIS: TODAY, TOMORROW & FOREVER June 25, 2002
3. Harbor Lights (takes 5-8) 4:14
(Jimmy Kennedy/Hugh Williams)
Possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
4. I Love You Because (takes 1-2) 3:52
(Leon Payne)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Take 1: album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
Take 2: album CPL1 0341 A LEGENDARY PERFORMER VOL.1 January 15, 1974
5. I Love You Because (take 3) 3:36
(Leon Payne)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
6. I Love You Because (takes 4-5) 4:08
(Leon Payne)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
7. That's All Right (takes 1-3) 2:18
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
6 album Set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
8. Blue Moon of Kentucky (slow tempo outtake) 1:08
(Bill Monroe)
Recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
6 album Set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
9. Blue Moon (takes 1-4) 3:36
(Richard Rodgers)
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Takes 1-3: Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
Take 4: 5 album Set 07863-66050 THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL June 23, 1992
10. Blue Moon (take 5) 3:25
(Richard Rodgers)
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
4 CD set 07863-67469-2 PLATINUM - A LIFE IN MUSIC July 15, 1997
11. Blue Moon (takes 6-8) 3:53
(Richard Rodgers)
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 CD set 07863-67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
12. Blue Moon (take 9/M) 2:44
(Richard Rodgers)
Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album LPM 1254 ELVIS PRESLEY March 23, 1956
13. Dialogue (fragment before "Tomorrow Night") 0:11
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
14. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') (incomplete take) 0:49
(Jimmy Wakely)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
6 album set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
15. Good Rockin' Tonight (fragment from vocal slapback tape) 0:10
(Roy Brown)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
16. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine (takes 1-3/M) 3:47
(Mack David)
Recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
6 album set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
17. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 1) 3:00
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
18. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 2) 2:51
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
19. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 3) 2:51
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
20. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 4-5) 2:50
Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Take 4: 2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
Take 5: 6 album set CPM6 5172 A GOLDEN CELEBRATION October 1984
21. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, takes 6-7) 4:16
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
2 album set 6414-1-R THE COMPLETE SUN SESSIONS June 30, 1987
22. How Do You Think I Feel (guitar slapback tape, rehearsals + take 1) 4:30
(Wayne Walker/Webb Pierce)
Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
23. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 1) 1:37
(William Emerson)
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
24. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 2 - rehearsal 1 - takes 3-4) 4:26
(William Emerson)
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
25. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 5/M) 2:02
(William Emerson)
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Album CPL1 4848 ELVIS A LEGENDARY PERFORMER VOL. 4 November 1983
26. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 6-8) 3:20
(William Emerson)
Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
DISC 3
LIVE AND RADIO PERFORMANCES
1. That's All Right 2:52
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 16, 1954.
Album PB 3602 ELVIS: THE HILLBILLY CAT July 1984
2. Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:23
(Bill Monroe)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 16, 1954.
Album PB 3602 ELVIS: THE HILLBILLY CAT July 1984
3. Shake, Rattle and Roll 2:24
(Charles E. Calhoun a.k.a. Jesse Stone)
Recorded at KDAV Radio, Lubbock, Texas, January 6, 1955
5 album set 07863-66050 THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL June 23, 1992
4. Fool, Fool, Fool 1:59
(Nugetre a.k.a Ahmet Ertegun)
Recorded at KDAV Radio, Lubbock, Texas, January 6, 1955
5 album set 07863-66050 THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL June 23, 1992
5. Hearts of Stone 2:02
(Eddie Ray/Rudy Jackson)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 15, 1955.
2 CD set 07863-67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
6. That's All Right 1:52
(Arthur Crudup)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 15, 1955.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
7. Tweedlee Dee 2:51
(Winfield Scott)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 15, 1955.
2 CD set 07863-67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
8. Shake, Rattle and Roll 2:23
Charles E. Calhoun a.k.a. Jesse Stone)
Recorded at WJOI Radio, Florence, Alabama January 19, 1955.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
9. KSIJ Radio commercial with DJ Tom Perryman 0:16
Recorded at KSIJ Radio, Gladewater, Texas, 1955.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
10. Money Honey 2:43
(Jesse Stone)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 22, 1955.
2 CD set 07863- 67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
11. Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:04
(Bill Monroe)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 22, 1955.
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
12. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine 2:33
(Mack David)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 22, 1955.
2 CD set 07863-67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
13. That's All Right 1:54
(Arthur Crudup)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, January 22, 1955.
2 CD set 07863-67676 SUNRISE February 9, 1999
14. Tweedlee Dee 2:15
(Winfield Scott)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
15. Money Honey 2:17
(Jesse Stone)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
16. Hearts of Stone 1:37
(Eddie Ray/Rudy Jackson)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
17. Shake, Rattle and Roll 1:39
(Charles E. Calhoun a.k.a. Jesse Stone)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
18. Little Mama 2:03
(Willis Carroll/Carmen Taylor/Ahmet Ertegun/ Gerald Wexler)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
19. You're a Heartbreaker 2:06
(Jack Sallee)
Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
20. Good Rockin' Tonight 2:36
(Roy Brown)
Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955
Album PB 3602 ELVIS: THE HILLBILLY CAT July 1984
21. Baby Let's Play House 2:22
(Arthur Gunter)
Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
22. Blue Moon of Kentucky 1:47
(Bill Monroe)
Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
23. I Got a Woman 3:03
(Ray Charles)
Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955
Album PB 3602 ELVIS: THE HILLBILLY CAT July 1984
24. That's All Right 2:17
(Arthur Crudup)
Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
25. Tweedlee Dee 2:47
(Winfield Scott)
Recorded at Gladewater High School, Gladewater, Texas, April 30, 1955
Album PB 3601 ELVIS-THE BEGINNING YEARS February 1984
26. That's All Right 2:37
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded at the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, Meridian, Mississippi, May 26, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
27. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 3:16
(Stan Kesler/Bill Taylor)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, July 2, 1955
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
28. Baby Let's Play House 3:19
(Arthur Gunter)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, August 20, 1955
Album PB 3601 ELVIS-THE BEGINNING YEARS February 1984
29. Maybellene 3:09
(Chuck Berry)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, August 20, 1955.
Album PB 3601 ELVIS-THE BEGINNING YEARS February 1984
30. That's All Right 2:49
(Arthur Crudup)
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, August 20, 1955.
Album PB 3601 ELVIS-THE BEGINNING YEARS February 1984
31. Interview with Bob Neal 5:31
Recorded at WMPS Radio, Memphis Tennessee, between August 29-31, 1955.
32. I Forgot To Remember To Forget
Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 29, 1955
(Stan Kesler/Charlie Feathers)
Previously unreleased prior to A Boy From Tupelo
A Boy From Tupelo: The Sun Masters (RCA/Legacy, 2017)
Amazon U.S. (TBD) / Amazon Canada / Amazon U.K.
- That's All Right
- Blue Moon of Kentucky
- Good Rockin' Tonight
- I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine
- Milkcow Blues Boogie
- You're a Heartbreaker
- Baby Let's Play House
- I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone
- I Forgot to Remember to Forget
- Mystery Train
- I Love You Because (RCA LP Version)
- Blue Moon
- I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin')
- Just Because
- Tryin' to Get to You
- Tomorrow Night
- Harbor Lights
Mark says
Are the packaging dimensions known yet? Is this a 5" release or 7" (or 12”)? I can't quite tell from the angle of the photo.
Daryl Restly says
From what I've read, I believe it will be an 8" X 8" package, similar to the packages for the 2012 "Prince From Another Planet" (2 CD / 1 DVD set) and the 2013 "Elvis At Stax - Deluxe Edition" (3 CD set).
Gary Dunaier says
"Note that the 2012 edition indexed this disc’s multiple takes as 40 tracks; here, the same content is here indexed on 26 tracks."
Why the change?