From Elvis in Memphis: Legacy Edition

I was born exactly one week after Elvis Presley died. As a result, I wasn't around during the peak of his popularity. I did, however, grow up listening to his hits on the "oldies but goodies" radio stations and developed a certain fondness for many of the King's songs. Of course, most of the airplay was reserved for the biggest hits of the era so I really only ever heard songs like "Jailhouse Rock," "Suspicious Minds," "Kentucky Rain" (one of my all-time favorites), "Love Me Tender," etc. I missed out on less frequently played songs like "That's Alright," "Don't Cry Daddy," and "You'll Think of Me," to name a few.

Over the years, though, I have had the chance to hear a number of these lesser-known songs but rarely have by struck by any of them. Until now, that is. I recently had the opportunity to listen to an album that gave me a great sampling of Elvis' music. The album, From Elvis in Memphis: Legacy Edition, is a collection of every track that Elvis recorded right here in Memphis at American Studios (plus a few more tracks).

RCA/Legacy is releasing the two disc album in 2009 in honor of the 40th anniversary of Elvis' American Studios sessions. Disc One includes the 12 songs from the original From Elvis in Memphis album which was released by RCA in 1969. The remaining four songs on the disc were taken from three of Elvis' later albums.

Disc Two includes 10 songs from the album, From Memphis To Vegas – From Vegas To Memphis, issued in 1969 by RCA. There are also 10 original mono single masters on Disc Two.

I enjoyed this mix of well-known favorites and lesser-known gems but I must admit that I was somewhat taken aback by one song on the album -- Elvis' cover of The Beatles' "Hey Jude." Don't get me wrong. It was a perfectly decent cover and Elvis stayed true to The Beatles' style. Nonetheless, it was a little strange to hear the song sung by anyone other than The Beatles, and particularly by someone with a voice as recognizable as Elvis'.

Aside from that, there were few surprises on the album although I did come away from it with a couple of new favorites -- most notably, the bluesy "After Loving You" and the syrupy tear-jerker, "Mama Liked the Roses" (this one is so completely corny that I almost hate to admit how much I liked it!).

While casual fans of Elvis (like myself) may or may not appreciate the significance of this album, From Elvis in Memphis: Legacy Edition belongs in the collection of any serious Elvis fan, music history buff, or even Memphis history buff.

From Elvis in Memphis: Legacy Edition will be available on July 28, 2009 (Click here to compare prices on this album).

On a related note, American Studios producers Chips Moman and Ernst Jorgensen will be in Memphis during Elvis Week 2009 to share their memories of the American Studios sessions with Elvis.