99: ELVIS PRESLEY
Elvis Presley’s debut album is a historic and influential record that introduced the world to the King of Rock and Roll. It was released on 23 March 1956 by RCA Victor and featured 12 songs that showcased Elvis’ distinctive voice, style, and charisma.
The album was recorded in several sessions at RCA Studios in Nashville and New York, as well as at Sun Studio in Memphis. The album featured a mix of covers and originals, ranging from blues to country to gospel. Some of the highlights of the album are “Blue Suede Shoes”, a rockabilly classic written by Carl Perkins; “I Got a Woman”, a bluesy number based on Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got a Woman”; “Heartbreak Hotel”, Elvis’ first number one hit and signature song; and “Blue Moon”, a dreamy ballad that showcased Elvis’ vocal range.
The album was produced by Steve Sholes, who gave Elvis creative freedom and respected his artistic vision. The album also featured some of the best musicians of the time, such as Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and Floyd Cramer on piano. The album cover was designed by William V. “Red” Robertson and featured a photo of Elvis performing live at the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory in Tampa, Florida.
The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and number three on the UK Albums Chart. It also received acclaim from fans and critics alike, who praised its musical innovation, originality, and impact. The album has been included in several lists of the best albums of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone , NME , and Pitchfork . The album has also been reissued several times, with bonus tracks and remixes.
Elvis Presley’s debut album is a timeless album that showcases his genius and legacy. It is an album that changed the course of music history, while also reflecting the spirit and culture of its time. It is an album that still sounds fresh and inspiring today, 67 years after its release.