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Elvis / A Boy From Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings / 3CD set

By Paul Sinclair

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Sony’s Legacy Recordings are to issue Elvis Presley A Boy From Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings, a three-CD deluxe set that includes “every known Elvis Presley Sun Records master and outtake”, radio sessions and other related rarities.

Disc one of this set includes the masters Elvis recorded for Sun Records, some variations, and the four songs he paid for himself, known as the Memphis Recording Service Acetates. These pre-date his signing for Sun. The songs are My Happiness/ That’s When Your Heartaches Begin (recorded July 1953) and I’ll Never Stand in Your Way / It Wouldn’t Be the Same (Without You) (recorded January 4, 1954)

Disc two covers all known outtakes. Because there have been so many Elvis reissues and box sets over the years, most of these have been issued somewhere along the line, but despite this Sony still manage to unearth seven previously unreleased outtakes.

The final CD covers all the live and radio recordings “known to exist”. Sony are at pains to stress that behind the making of A Boy From Tupelo – The Complete 1953-55 Recordings lies more than 1,500 hours of restoration work and almost 200 hours of additional studio time devoted to the painstaking remastering of the material. The results, they claim, are “stunning”.

This physical package includes a 120-page book designed as an illustrated travelogue and datebook chronicling Elvis’ early career via facts, anecdotes, memorabilia and many rare photos.

A 12-inch vinyl LP will also be issued which includes Elvis’ complete single A and B-sides for Sun Records, plus additional songs recorded at Sun Studio and released on his landmark self-titled debut album in 1956.

Both the three-CD deluxe package and the vinyl LP will be issued on 28 July 2017

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

MUSICIANS
Disc 1 tracks 1-4: Elvis Presley: guitar, vocals

All other recordings (except when noted):
Elvis Presley: guitar, vocals; Scotty Moore: electric guitar; Bill Black: bass
Disc 1 track 13: possibly Buddy Cunningham: brushes on snare drum
Disc 1 track 19 and disc 2 track 22: Jimmie Lott: drums
Disc 1 tracks 20, 22-23 and Disc 2 tracks 23-26: Johnny Bernero: drums
Disc 1 track 27: Chet Atkins: guitar; Grady Martin: guitar; Henry Strzelecki: bass; Buddy Harman: drums; Charlie McCoy: harmonica; Anita Kerr Singers: backing vocals
Disc 3 tracks 5-7 & 10-13: Sonny Trammel: steel guitar; Leon Post: piano
Disc 3 tracks 14-19 & 25: Jimmy Day: steel guitar; Floyd Cramer: piano

Vinyl LP

Side One

  1. That’s All Right
  2. Blue Moon of Kentucky
  3. Good Rockin’ Tonight
  4. I Don’t Care if the Sun Don’t Shine
  5. Milkcow Blues Boogie
  6. You’re a Heartbreaker
  7. Baby Let’s Play House
  8. I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone
  9. I Forgot to Remember to Forget

Side Two

  1. Mystery Train
  2. I Love You Because (RCA LP version)
  3. Blue Moon
  4. I’ll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin’)
  5. Just Because
  6. Tryin’ to Get To You
  7. Tomorrow Night
  8. Harbor Lights

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