“A masterpiece blending rockabilly, country, and youthful energy that crowned the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley”
General Information
The album Elvis — also known as Elvis Presley No. 2 — was released by RCA Victor in mono on October 19, 1956. It was the singer’s second studio album and a key moment in his career, coming at the height of his early fame thanks to hit singles, TV appearances, and live tours.
Technical Details
- Recording Dates: Mainly September 1–3, 1956, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood (with one leftover track from January 30 in New York).
- Total Length: Approximately 29 minutes 47 seconds.
- Producer: Steve Sholes.
- Genre: Rock ’n’ roll, rockabilly, with touches of country and pop.
- Certifications: Gold (February 1960) and Platinum (August 2011).
- Chart Performance: Debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Pop Albums chart, making Elvis the first artist to score two number-one albums in the same year.
Context and Production
By 1956, Elvis Presley had become a national phenomenon. Following his debut album, this second LP solidified his musical identity — a mix of rockabilly fire, tender country ballads, and rhythm-and-blues drive.
The sessions brought together his trusted band — Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), and D.J. Fontana (drums) — with backing vocals from the Jordanaires, creating that lively, unmistakable sound that thrilled his early audiences.
The album features high-energy covers of Little Richard hits (“Rip It Up,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Ready Teddy”) alongside emotional moments such as “Old Shep,” a song Elvis had first performed at age 10 in a local contest.
Although most tracks were recorded in September, one song originates from the January session for his debut album, linking both records musically and stylistically.
The recording atmosphere was electric: Elvis aimed to expand beyond singles and deliver a full-length album that displayed his range and charisma. Many critics later noted that Elvis wasn’t merely a collection of songs — it was his first truly cohesive artistic statement.
Original Track Listing
- Rip It Up
- Love Me
- When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
- Long Tall Sally
- First in Line
- Paralyzed
- So Glad You’re Mine
- Old Shep
- Ready Teddy
- Anyplace Is Paradise
- How’s the World Treating You
- How Do You Think I Feel
Highlights
- “Love Me” – A tender ballad written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller that reveals Elvis’s romantic side.
- “Paralyzed” – A powerful rocker, full of swagger and classic rockabilly spirit.
- “Old Shep” – A nostalgic, heartfelt performance connecting Elvis to his childhood.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Elvis received strong sales and quickly topped the charts. The LP confirmed that Presley could dominate not just the singles market but also the full-album format.
Fans and critics alike praised the variety and cohesion of the material — fast numbers balanced with slower, emotional tracks — proving his versatility.
In the broader history of rock, this album is often cited as a cornerstone of the rockabilly era, combining energy, sentiment, and raw charisma. Decades later, its Gold and Platinum certifications, constant reissues, and continued popularity underline its lasting importance.
Artistic and Musical Influence
Elvis helps explain why Presley became a cultural icon:
- Genre Fusion: The seamless blend of rockabilly, country, pop, and R&B expanded his audience and set new standards for crossover appeal.
- Youthful Energy: Up-tempo tracks like “Rip It Up” and “Ready Teddy” captured the restless spirit of 1950s youth, while the ballads showcased emotional depth.
- Performance Power: The recordings reflect the magnetic stage presence that would define his live shows.
- Blueprint for Future Albums: It established the model for Elvis’s later LPs — alternating rhythm and emotion, blending innovation with commercial strength.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Elvis was one of the first records to feature only his first name on the cover, beginning a branding tradition that continued throughout his career.
- The track “So Glad You’re Mine” was recorded earlier in New York, giving it a slightly different texture from the Hollywood sessions.
- Later reissues experimented with simulated stereo mixes, though purists favor the original mono sound.
- In the United Kingdom, the album appeared under a different title and artwork (“Elvis Presley No. 2”).
Why This Album Is Essential for Every Elvis Fan
- It captures Presley at his most energetic and confident, just as his legend was taking shape.
- It bridges his early Sun Records rawness with the polished RCA sound, marking a key transition.
- Every track contributes to the album’s flow — it feels like a unified work, not a mere compilation.
- It solidified the LP as an important artistic format within rock ’n’ roll.
- As a collectible and historical document, it remains a timeless reference for music historians and fans alike.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s 1956 album Elvis is far more than his second studio release — it’s a defining moment in his rise and a landmark in rock ’n’ roll history. Packed with youthful energy, heartfelt emotion, and groundbreaking performances, the record embodies the creative spirit that would make Elvis an enduring cultural phenomenon.
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