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Elvis Presley – That’s All Right (Mama) – 1954

About The Song

“That’s All Right (Mama)” by Elvis Presley, recorded in 1954, is a historic song often regarded as the birth of rock and roll. The track features Elvis’s distinctive blend of blues, country, and R&B, marking a pivotal moment in music history and introducing the world to the revolutionary sound of the “King of Rock and Roll.”

5 Facts about “That’s All Right (Mama)” (1954):

  1. Debut Single: “That’s All Right (Mama)” was Elvis Presley’s debut single, recorded at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The song showcased Elvis’s unique vocal style and his ability to blend different musical genres, ultimately laying the foundation for the rock and roll genre.
  2. Accidental Jam: The recording of “That’s All Right (Mama)” was initially an impromptu jam during a break in a recording session. Elvis, Scotty Moore on guitar, and Bill Black on bass were just playing around with the song, and Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Studio, recognized the potential of what he was hearing.
  3. Fusion of Musical Styles: The song features a fusion of blues, country, and R&B influences, reflecting the diverse musical landscape of the American South. Elvis’s interpretation of the Arthur Crudup blues song transformed it into a vibrant and energetic rock and roll hit, breaking new ground in the evolving music scene.
  4. Radio Impact: When local DJ Dewey Phillips played “That’s All Right (Mama)” on his radio show in Memphis, it received an overwhelmingly positive response from listeners. The song’s popularity quickly spread, and Elvis gained regional fame, setting the stage for his national and international success.
  5. Cultural Significance: “That’s All Right (Mama)” is considered a pivotal moment in the history of popular music. It marked the emergence of a new musical era and catapulted Elvis Presley into the spotlight as a cultural phenomenon. The song’s success paved the way for the rock and roll revolution of the 1950s and influenced countless musicians who followed.

Video

Lyrics

Well, that’s all right, mama
That’s all right for you
That’s all right mama, just anyway you do
Well, that’s all right, that’s all right
That’s all right now mama, anyway you do

Well mama, she done told me
Papa done told me too
Son, that girl you’re fooling with
She ain’t no good for you
But, that’s all right, that’s all right
That’s all right now mama, anyway you do

I’m leaving town, baby
I’m leaving town for sure
Well, then you won’t be bothered with
Me hanging around your door
But that’s all right, that’s all right
That’s all right now mama, anyway you do

Ah da da dee dee dee dee
Dee dee dee dee, dee dee dee dee
I need your lovin’
That’s all right
That’s all right now mama, anyway you do