That's All Right Mama

On July 5, 1954, Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place at Sun Records in Memphis, Tenn.

Elvis Presley performs in 1956. This photo was used for his first RCA Victor album cover.

The breakthrough recording is Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup’s That’s All Right. This song, backed with Blue Moon of Kentucky becomes the first of five singles Elvis will release on the Sun label.

"That's All Right (Mama)" is the name of the first single released by Elvis Presley. It was recorded in July 1954, and released on July 19, 1954.

"That's All Right (Mama)" was written and originally recorded by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup in 1946. Elvis' version of the song, was combined with "Blue Moon of Kentucky" as the B-side. Its catalogue number was Sun 209. The label reads "That's All Right" (omitting (Mama) from the original title), and names the performers as Elvis Presley, Scotty & Bill. Arthur Crudup is also listed on this label, giving him credit for authorship.[1] It was recorded at Sun records in 1954 with Elvis Presley providing vocals and rhythm guitar, Scotty Moore on lead guitar, and Bill Black on upright "slapped" bass. It was produced by Sam Phillips in the style of a "live" recording (all parts perfomed at once and recorded on a single track). The recording contains no drums or additional instruments.

Upon finishing the recording session, according to Scotty Moore, Bill Black remarked, "Dam. Get that on the radio and they'll run us out of town."

When the song was initially played on the radio, many listeners called the station to request it again and again, and due to the amount of callers, the title was played all night.

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