Discover Elvis Presley’s Iconic EP Strictly Elvis (EPA-994, January 1957)

“The mini album that bottled the raw spark of early rock ’n’ roll and cemented the King in the 45 RPM era”

Introduction

In January 1957, RCA Victor released Elvis Presley’s extended play record Strictly Elvis (catalog EPA-994). This 7-inch, 45 RPM EP was a pivotal release that showcased the King’s electric energy and marked a transition in his career from breakout singer to international phenomenon. Though small in format, Strictly Elvis holds a major place in Presley’s early discography and remains a prized collector’s item today.

Technical Information

Artist: Elvis Presley
Title: Strictly Elvis (EPA-994)
Format: 7? 45 RPM Extended Play (EP)
Label: RCA Victor
Release Date: January 25, 1957 (United States)
Country of Origin: USA
Catalog Number: EPA-994
Cover Art: Features a 1950s-style portrait of Elvis Presley, radiating his characteristic charisma and youthful confidence.

Background and Production

The songs featured on Strictly Elvis were recorded during Elvis’s 1956 sessions, a year defined by his meteoric rise to fame through television appearances, hit singles, and live performances. RCA used the EP format strategically — offering fans new material between full album releases while maintaining Elvis’s constant visibility in stores and on jukeboxes.

Each track was recorded in RCA’s Nashville and New York studios, with the legendary Blue Moon Boys — Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D. J. Fontana on drums — providing the tight backing that fueled Elvis’s early sound. The EP was issued under RCA Victor’s “New Orthophonic High Fidelity” banner, promoting improved sound quality for home record players.

Track Listing and Analysis

Side A

“Long Tall Sally” – Elvis delivers a thrilling cover of Little Richard’s hit, full of unrestrained energy and raw vocal fire. His version captures the essence of rockabilly attitude with rapid phrasing and wild guitar work.
“First in Line” – A tender ballad that demonstrates Elvis’s emotional range. His expressive phrasing shows that he could move effortlessly between rock intensity and heartfelt romance.

Side B

“How Do You Think I Feel” – A mid-tempo rocker blending rhythm and country influences. The interplay of Scotty Moore’s guitar and Bill Black’s upright bass drives the groove beneath Elvis’s confident vocal delivery.
“How’s the World Treating You” – A reflective, slower tune that closes the EP on a subdued note. It highlights Presley’s ability to convey vulnerability and depth — qualities that expanded his appeal beyond rock audiences.

Together, these four songs create a balanced mini-album that showcases both the wild spirit of early rock ’n’ roll and the growing maturity of Elvis as a performer.

Reception and Collectibility

Although EPs didn’t receive the same industry prestige as full LPs, Strictly Elvis was a smart move for RCA and a delight for fans. Affordable and accessible, it gave listeners a snapshot of Elvis’s evolving sound during one of the most exciting periods of his career.

The EP sold strongly in the U.S. and was later issued in several international versions with minor differences in label color, layout, and matrix codes. Collectors value early pressings — especially those with “dog on top” label designs or Indianapolis-plant markings — as some of the most sought-after Elvis vinyl artifacts of the 1950s.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Strictly Elvis captures a defining moment: Elvis Presley had already proven himself a national star, and by early 1957 he was becoming a global icon. This EP serves as a bridge between his breakthrough singles of 1956 and the blockbuster albums and films that would follow.

While not a full-length album, it represents the intensity and spontaneity of his early studio sessions and illustrates how RCA maximized the new EP format to keep Elvis in the public eye. The songs remain essential examples of Presley’s 1956-1957 style — energetic, confident, and unmistakably his own.

Conclusion

Elvis Presley’s Strictly Elvis (EPA-994) remains a small but powerful record — a snapshot of a young artist redefining popular music. With just four tracks, it captures the raw sound and charisma that made Elvis a legend.

For any website dedicated to the King, this EP deserves a spotlight section. Its combination of musical vitality, historical significance, and collector appeal makes it a timeless representation of the moment Elvis became more than a singer — he became a cultural force.