“Elvis Presley and the Historic Any Way You Want Me EP of 1956”
Introduction
The year 1956 was crucial in Elvis Presley’s career. At only 21 years old, the young man from Tupelo was already a national sensation in the United States thanks to his irreverent style, powerful voice, and magnetic stage presence. In the midst of this artistic explosion, RCA Victor released the EP Any Way You Want Me (EPA-965), a four-song record that revealed both his rebellious side and his more tender facet, proving why he was already being hailed as the future King of Rock and Roll.
EP Details
- Title: Any Way You Want Me
- Catalog number: RCA Victor EPA-965
- Format: Extended Play (EP), 7-inch vinyl, 45 RPM
- Release date: September 1956
- Label: RCA Victor
- Recording locations: RCA Studios in Nashville and Memphis (1954–1956)
Tracklist
The EP contains four tracks that reflect different stages of early Elvis, from his Sun Records beginnings to his consolidation with RCA:
- Mystery Train – Originally recorded in 1955 at Sun Records, this is a cornerstone of rockabilly, full of raw energy with Scotty Moore’s guitar standing out.
- Any Way You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be) – An intense and emotional ballad that showcases Elvis’s ability to convey tenderness and vulnerability.
- I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone – Another Sun-era track, blending country and rhythm & blues with a melancholic feel that highlights young Elvis’s versatility.
- I Don’t Care If the Sun Don’t Shine – A lively, upbeat tune recorded in 1954 that mixes swing, boogie, and early rock elements. It was one of Elvis’s first recordings after signing with Sun Records.
Historical Context
This EP was released during Elvis’s breakthrough year. By 1956, he had already issued his debut album, appeared on national television, and was captivating both teenagers and critics who saw him as a cultural phenomenon.
What makes Any Way You Want Me fascinating is that it combined recordings from two distinct periods:
- His Sun Records years (1954–1955), when Elvis was shaping his rockabilly sound.
- His early RCA Victor era (1956), where he was establishing himself as an international star.
This makes the EP a unique testimony to the bridge between Elvis the pioneer and Elvis the superstar.
Reception and Impact
- While not as massive as his blockbuster singles of 1956, the EP was well received and later became a collector’s item.
- With Mystery Train, considered an absolute rock and roll classic, and the tender ballad Any Way You Want Me, Elvis displayed his two sides: the innovative rebel and the romantic interpreter.
- The EP allowed fans to hear Elvis’s evolution on one record, reinforcing his image as a versatile artist.
Legacy
Today, Any Way You Want Me (EPA-965) is a highly prized vinyl among Elvis Presley collectors. Its significance lies in capturing the earliest steps of his recording career while reflecting the essence of the young man who was reshaping popular music in 1956.
By including tracks recorded at both Sun and RCA, it symbolizes Elvis’s transformation from a regional promise to a global cultural phenomenon.
Conclusion
The Any Way You Want Me (1956) EP is much more than a four-song release: it is a sonic portrait of the Elvis who changed popular music forever. With its mix of rockabilly, country, and heartfelt ballads, the record captures the King of Rock at the precise moment he stopped being a rising star and became a legend.
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