About The Song
Background
“That’s All Right” wasn’t originally an Elvis Presley song. It was written and first performed by blues singer Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1946. Elvis recorded his version on July 5, 1954, with Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass. The story goes that they were just messing around in the studio when they hit on the song’s signature groove. Sun Studio owner Sam Phillips recognized the potential and released it as Elvis’s debut single on July 19, 1954, with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on the B-side.
Themes
The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they generally deal with a man reassuring a woman (possibly his mama or girlfriend) that things are alright, no matter what’s going on. There’s also an undercurrent of defiance and a hint of sexuality, especially in Presley’s energetic delivery.
Significance
“That’s All Right” is a landmark recording. It’s considered by many to be the first rock and roll record. It blended elements of blues and country music with Elvis’s unique vocal style and Scotty Moore’s driving guitar to create a sound that was both familiar and exciting to audiences. The song’s success launched Elvis’s career and helped to usher in a new era of popular music.