About the song
“That’s All Right” by Elvis Presley is widely considered the song that marked the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, a pivotal moment in music history. Released on July 19, 1954, as Elvis’ first single for Sun Records, it became a breakthrough hit for both him and the genre. The song was part of the “That’s All Right / Blue Moon of Kentucky” single, but it’s “That’s All Right” that has remained iconic as the track that introduced the world to Elvis’ unique style and sound.
The song itself was originally written and recorded by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1946, but it was Elvis Presley’s rendition that took it to new heights. Elvis’ version was produced by the legendary Sam Phillips at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, and featured Elvis on vocals and guitar, accompanied by Scotty Moore on lead guitar and Bill Black on bass. The upbeat tempo, combined with Elvis’ raw energy and emotive voice, infused the bluesy song with a sense of youthful enthusiasm and rebellion, characteristics that would define his career.
“That’s All Right” is notable for its catchy, stripped-down rockabilly sound, which was revolutionary for the time. The song broke from the traditional constraints of the genre and brought a new fusion of blues, country, and gospel, creating a sound that was fresh, dynamic, and full of life. This fusion became the backbone of Elvis Presley’s early musical career and a blueprint for rock and roll music.
The impact of the song on the cultural landscape cannot be overstated. It helped establish Elvis as the King of Rock and Roll and set the stage for his meteoric rise to fame. The song also reflected the changing social dynamics of the 1950s, as American youth began to embrace more rebellious and unconventional forms of expression. It was, in many ways, the soundtrack to the early years of the youth culture movement and laid the foundation for a generation that would come to be defined by rock music.
Although the song itself was not initially a chart-topping hit, it received significant radio airplay and quickly became a favorite among listeners. In the years following its release, “That’s All Right” became a crucial part of Elvis’ live performances and continued to define his early career. The track holds an important place in the pantheon of rock and roll history and is often cited as one of the songs that helped to shape modern popular music.
In summary, “That’s All Right” is a groundbreaking track in Elvis Presley’s career and in the history of popular music. With its energetic performance, innovative sound, and cultural significance, it marked the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and set the stage for Elvis Presley to become the cultural icon that he remains to this day. The song’s influence is still felt across generations of musicians, and it is celebrated as one of the pivotal moments in the development of modern music.
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Lyrics
Well, that’s all right, mamaThat’s all right for youThat’s all right, mama, just anyway you doWell, that’s all right, that’s all rightThat’s all right now, mama, anyway you doWell, mama, she done told mePapa done told me too“Son, that gal you’re foolin’ with, she ain’t no good for you”But that’s all right, that’s all rightThat’s all right now, mama, anyway you doI’m leavin’ town, babyI’m leavin’ town for sureWell, then you won’t be bothered with me hangin’ ’round your doorBut that’s all right, that’s all rightThat’s all right now, mama, anyway you doAh, da-da-dee, dee, dee-deeDee, dee, dee-deeDee, dee, dee-dee, I need your lovin’That’s all rightThat’s all right now, mama, anyway you do