“A single that reflects Elvis’ early rockabilly power and his more melodic side at the dawn of his legend”
The year 1956 marked a turning point in the career of Elvis Presley. After signing with RCA Victor at the end of 1955, the young man from Tupelo quickly became a national sensation thanks to hits like Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, and his self-titled debut album. Within this context came the single “Just Because / Blue Moon”, a combination that showcased two different sides: the raw rockabilly energy and the atmospheric, melodic aura of an early ballad.
Recording and Production
- “Just Because”:
- Written by Sydney Robin, Bob Shelton, and Joe Shelton.
- Elvis recorded it at Sun Records on September 10, 1954, during his early sessions with Sam Phillips in Memphis.
- The style is pure rockabilly, with Elvis’ rhythm guitar, Bill Black’s slap bass, and Scotty Moore’s electric guitar. The performance radiates freshness, youth, and the raw energy that defined his early sound.
- “Blue Moon”:
- Composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, it was already a popular American standard.
- Elvis recorded it at Sun Studios between August and September 1954.
- It stands out for its hypnotic, minimalist atmosphere: Elvis’ voice with falsettos and echo effects, accompanied by very simple instrumentation, creating a haunting, almost ethereal soundscape.
Both recordings were later acquired by RCA after purchasing Elvis’ contract from Sun Records.
Release of the Single in 1956
The single “Just Because / Blue Moon” was released by RCA Victor in 1956, capitalizing on the nationwide Elvis craze. Although it wasn’t one of the year’s most heavily promoted releases, it was part of RCA’s strategy to showcase previously unreleased material Elvis had recorded at Sun Records.
- The single offered a striking contrast:
- On Side A, the youthful, rebellious energy of Just Because.
- On Side B, the softness and mystery of Blue Moon.
Reception and Place in the Discography
The single did not reach the top positions on the charts, as 1956 was dominated by major Presley hits like Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog, and Love Me Tender. However, this release holds importance for several reasons:
- It introduced listeners to more intimate and experimental recordings from his early days.
- It highlighted Elvis’ versatility, showing he could master both rockabilly and romantic ballads.
- Over time, it became a cult single, highly valued by collectors and fans of his Sun Records period.
Legacy of the Single
- “Just Because” remains a vibrant example of the rockabilly style Elvis helped popularize.
- “Blue Moon” is considered one of his most unique and atmospheric early interpretations, different from his more commercial hits.
- The single serves as a historical document, capturing Elvis’ experimentation with different genres before fully cementing his reign in popular music.
With “Just Because / Blue Moon,” Elvis Presley delivered in 1956 a single that, while overshadowed by his bigger hits of the same year, holds immense value in his discography. It reflects the authenticity of his roots and his ability to move audiences with both the force of rock and the delicacy of a timeless ballad.
Access the Complete Discography of Elvis Presley in the following link of Elvis Radio 24h
https://elvisradio24h.com/tag/discography/ TCB
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