The Auction at Graceland•January 8, 2020
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2020
Argued by Rolling Stone magazine to be the first rock ‘n’ roll record, Elvis’ “That’s All Right” was recorded in July of 1954 and released later that month by Sun Records as catalog number 209 with “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on side B. “That’s All Right” is listed at #113 in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
On that July day in 1954, Elvis was in Sun Studios with Scotty Moore and Bill Black recording, and during a break, they started playing an upbeat version of Arthur Crudup’s “That’s All Right.” Sam Philips heard this rockin’ rendition and had them start again so he could record it. Sam almost immediately sent it to local disc jockey Dewey Phillips at WHBQ. After playing it the first time, Dewey received numerous requests and ended up playing the song 14 times that day, and called Elvis to the station for an on-air interview that very night.
Offered is an unplayed 45 single of Sun Records 209 “That’s All Right” with its original brown paper sleeve, Sun Records paper logo sleeve, and a letter from Cecil Scaife, first-ever promotion manager at Sun Records, confirming the unplayed condition of this original Sun 45. The letter, dated December 13, 2006, states in part, “This record you now own is from my personal collection and has been in my possession since it came from the pressing plant.” It continues, “This is among a very limited number of records existing that is actually from the first promo pressing that Elvis and I used while he was touring the circuit.”
This rare example includes the three pressing disc marks and is accompanied by a reprint of an early 8 x 10-inch photo depicting what appears to be Sam Phillips showing Elvis some tricks on the guitar. This incredible piece of history would be more than “All Right” in any collection. The original single is offered with a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.
The 45 is in unused, unplayed condition with “U-128-45 72” marked on side A and “U-129-45 72” marked on side B. The Sun Records sleeve has ever-so-slight wear and browning to the edges from age. There are the most minor, hardly visible scuffs on the vinyl-mentioned only out of thoroughness. Near Mint to Mint condition.