Classic Pop Icons

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. Elvis died on 16 August 1977 at just 42 years of age, but left a huge legacy and cultural impact. On the anniversary of Elvis’ death, it is a good time to reflect on what made him so great and so popular in the first place – the music.

Too often, a mention of Elvis conjures up irrelevant and tired cliches and half truths, but at the heart of his legacy is timeless music. This is well illustrated by an excellent new release called ‘From Elvis in Memphis 40th Anniversary Legacy Edition’, which upgrades the classic 1969 album.

When Elvis entered the American Sound studios on January 13 1969, he must have felt some trepidation. Fresh from the success of the Singer television special, after years of making increasingly lightweight Hollywood musicals, he knew that these recordings could potentially launch a new phase in his career.

Elvis’ singles hadn’t made a serious dent in the charts for four years. There had been recent signs of a return to form, with some great performances on tracks such as Big Boss Man and Guitar Man, but the King was out of favour and neither received the radio airplay they deserved. A new approach was needed and that is what the American Sound Studios provided, due in part to the enthusiasm and inspiration of producer Chips Moman.

The sessions were the first recordings Elvis had made in Memphis for 14 years, since his Sun Records days. Comparing the performances at these sessions with some of the movie recordings makes you realise how creatively stifled Elvis had been. It is like listening to a different singer. The sessions reinforce just how great Elvis was when inspired. Several all time classics were recorded, including Suspicious Minds and In the Ghetto, but there are numerous superb performances that are lesser known, including ‘Do You Know Who I Am?’, ‘You’ll Think of Me’ and the best version of ‘Gentle on My Mind’ ever recorded.

Elvis with Producer Chips Moman

This was the best material Elvis had produced since the Elvis is Back album in 1960 and it deserves to be more widely heard. The music from the sessions was released on two albums – From Elvis in Memphis and Back in Memphis, with the remainder either issued on single or as fillers on later releases. The new ‘From Elvis in Memphis 40th Anniversary Legacy Edition’‘ includes the original From Elvis in Memphis and Back in Memphis albums, as well as the original mono singles.

This set is a treat for the casual fan or collector. Now available from Amazon.

You can share your views on Elvis over at the Classic Pop Icons Forum or watch some of his great performances in the video section.