THIS DAY IN HISTORY
The Day Rock-’n’-roll Was Born
“That’s All Right(Mama)” on July 5, 1954
A young truck driver, who had spent years singing gospel and blues, wanted to make a record for his mother as a birthday present. He stopped into a radio studio on a whim to make a record. What ended up happening was the birth of rock-’n’-roll, changing the trajectory of history, and turning the music world on its head.
Elvis Presley discovered the rhythm of music in his bones at a young age. He was moved by it and overcome by the beats. It didn’t hurt he had a voice like silk. His mother loved the way he sang, although she wanted him to only sing gospel to praise God for the gift he had been given.
When Elvis stopped at the Memphis radio studio, he paid 3.98 plus tax to make the record. While he was there, he met Sam Phillips of Sun Records, who would change his life forever. Phillips loved the rolling smooth voice coming from Elvis in this unrehearsed take of “That’s All Right(Mama).”
Music Producer Phillips had been aware music in America was changing and he was looking for the right artist to combine blues, pop and rhythm into the American scene. Elvis seemed to have the golden voice, passion and blues background he was looking for.
