Released : A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : FTD Book & 3 CD Set

FTD have released the SUN Book and 3 CD Set, A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings. The set contains all the masters including the RCA masters for That's All Right 1:59 [RCA single version], Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:05 [RCA single version 78 RPM Master, with added echo] and I Love You Because 2:45 [RCA LP version] along with a enticing selection of alternate takes of Harbor Lights, I Love You Because (5 takes), That's All Right (takes 1-2 ) 0:20, That's All Right (take 3) 1:58, That's All Right (Original SUN Single Master), Blue Moon (9 takes), I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine, I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, 7 takes), How Do You Think I Feel and When It Rains It Really Pours. On the third disc we have rare live recordings, with a first time ever release of the song Little Mama, a song recorded in 1954. The quality is inferior to any Sun release, but it's history nonetheless. Looking at the tracklisting in full reveals a set that is a must have ...

A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : SOLD OUT
 Review : A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings.FTD Book & 3 CD Set
Preview : A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : Book & 3 CD Set.

The FTD SUN Project will be released on August 16. 'A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings' includes for the first time in one collection every known Elvis Presley SUN master and outtake, plus two private records Elvis paid for with his own money, as well as thrilling radio and concert performances from the period. This 3 CD package features 10 previously-unreleased cuts.

This set will weigh in at 5kg [or 11 pounds] so this is going to be one fantastic book and CD set.

A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : Book & 3 CD Set.

 Little Mama : Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955

This upcoming book/3 CD set promises to be the HOLY GRAIL for all Elvis fans interested in the 'pure' Elvis, like he sounded from 1953 thru 1955. Here are two samples that give you an idea of what to expect.

Here we have a new recording, 'Little mama' from the Louisiana Hayride, March 5, 1955.

 That's All Right : Meridian, Mississippi : May 26, 1955

Now a Live Version of That's All Right Mama from Meridian, Mississippi : May 26, 1955.

 Radio promotion for February 23, 1955 Appearance

On May 23, 1955 Elvis performs at the High School Auditorium, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm.

Here we have a radio promotion in advance of the events.

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Disc 1: MRS Acetates, The Sun Masters & The RCA Masters

1. My Happiness 2:33
2. That's When Your Heartaches Begin 2:52
   Source for tracks 1-2: Digital transfer of acetate.
   Self-financed demo recorded July, 1953 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
   
3. I'll Never Stand in Your Way 2:04
4. It Wouldn't Be the Same (Without You) 2:09
   Source for tracks 3-4: Digital transfer of acetate in very poor condition.
   Self-financed demo recorded January 4, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
   
5. Harbor Lights 2:38
6. I Love You Because 2:43
7. That's All Right [45 SUN RPM Master] 2:00 [Original SUN sound as released in 1954]
   Sources for tracks 5-6: Original SUN tapes.
   Track 5 possibly recorded July 5, 1954.
   Tracks 6-7 recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
   Source for track 7: 45 rpm SUN single (plastic).
   
8. Blue Moon of Kentucky (45 SUN RPM Master] 2:07 [Original SUN sound as released in 1954]
   Source: 45 rpm SUN single (plastic). Recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
9. Blue Moon 2:44
   Source: Original SUN tape. Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954 at Sun Studio.
10. Tomorrow Night 3:01
11. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') 2:27
12. I Don't Care If the Sun Don't Shine 2:32
13. Just Because 2:34
14. Good Rockin' Tonight 2:15
    Sources for tracks 10, 11, 13 and 14: RCA reference tapes (30 ips).
    Tracks 10-14 likely recorded between September 12-16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
    Source for track 12: Digital transfer of SUN tape, with repairs from a digital transfer of a tape copy.
15. Milkcow Blues Boogie 2:39
16. You're a Heartbreaker 2:13
    Sources for tracks 15-16: 78 rpm SUN single (shellac).
    Recorded either mid-November or mid-December 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
17. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone [Slow Version] 2:43
    Source: Original SUN tape. Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio. The reel has March 5 written on it, but Elvis was at the Louisiana Hayride that day.
18. Baby Let's Play House 2:19
    Source: RCA reference tape (30 ips). Likely recorded between January 30 and February 4, 1955 at Sun Studio. 'I Got a Woman' and 'Tryin' to Get to You' were also recorded, but have been lost.
19. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 2:38
    Source for track 19: RCA reference tape (30 ips), with first part of ending from RCA tape copy (15 ips) and last part of ending from digital transfer of the RCA EPA-965 production master tape.
    Likely recorded mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
20. I Forgot to Remember to Forget 2:31
    Source: SUN tape copy. Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio.
21. Mystery Train 2:30
    Source: SUN tape copy, with ending from digital transfer of 78 rpm RCA single.
    Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
22. Tryin' to Get to You 2:36
    Source: RCA reference tape (30 ips). Recorded mid-July, 1955 at Sun Studio.
23. When It Rains It Pours 2:06
    Source: Original SUN (vocal channel) slapback tape. Recorded November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio. Elvis' 1957 re-recording of the song was released under the title 'When It Rains, It Really Pours'.
24. That's All Right 1:59 [RCA single version] RCA reference tape (30 ips). [With RCA added echo]
    Source: RCA reference tape (30 ips). [With RCA added echo]
25. Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:05 [RCA single version 78 RPM Master]
    Source: 'Elvis at Sun' master, derived from digital transfer of 78 RPM SUN single (shellac).
26. I Love You Because 2:45 [RCA LP version : spliced from takes 3 & 5]
    Source: RCA master tape. Steve Sholes' original notes have these takes as 2 & 4.
27. Tomorrow Night 2:56 [RCA LP version : overdubbed and slowed down]
    Source: 1965 RCA work part tape for the 'Elvis for Everyone' LPM-3450 production master tape.

Disc 2: The Sun Studio Sessions

1. Harbor Lights (takes 1-2, level adjustments) 0:33
2. Harbor Lights (take 3/M) 2:53
3. Harbor Lights (take 4) 2:38
4. Harbor Lights (takes 5-6) 1:23
5. Harbor Lights (take 7) 2:25
6. Harbor Lights [take 8] 0:26
   Source for tracks 1-6: Original SUN tape. Possibly recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
7. I Love You Because (take 1) 0:23
8. I Love You Because (take 2) 3:28
9. I Love You Because (take 3) 3:36
10. I Love You Because (take 4) 0:40
11. I Love You Because (take 5) 3:28
12. That's All Right (takes 1-2) 0:20
13. That's All Right (take 3) 1:58
    Source for tracks 7-13: Original SUN tape. Recorded July 5, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
14. Dialogue 0:20
15. Blue Moon of Kentucky (slow tempo outtake) 1:08
    Source for tracks 14-15: Digital transfer of SUN tape. Likely recorded July 7, 1954 at Sun Studio.
16. Blue Moon (takes 1-3) 0:38
17. Blue Moon (take 4) 2:59
18. Blue Moon (take 5) 3:25
19. Blue Moon (takes 6-7) 0:53
20. Blue Moon [take 8] 3:01
21. Blue Moon (take 9/M) 2:44
    Source for tracks 16-21: Original SUN tape. Likely recorded between August 15 and 19, 1954.
22. Dialogue fragment (before 'Tomorrow Night') 0:11
23. I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') (incomplete take) 0:49
24. Good Rockin' Tonight (fragment from vocal slapback tape) 0:10
25. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine (takes 1-2) 1:13
26. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine (take 3/M) 2:35
    Tracks 22-26 likely recorded between September 12 and 16, 1954 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
27. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 1) 3:00
28. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 2) 2:51
29. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 3) 2:51
30. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 4) 0:10
31. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 5/M) 2:40
32. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 6) 2:40
33. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone (slow version, take 7) 1:35
    Source for tracks 27-33: Original SUN tape. Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun. The reel has March 5 written on it, but Elvis was at the Louisiana Hayride that day.
34. How Do You Think I Feel (guitar slapback tape, rehearsal + take 1) 3:17
35. How Do You Think I Feel (guitar slapback tape, rehearsals) 1:14
    Source for tracks 34-35: Digital transfer of SUN (guitar channel) slapback tape.
    Recorded between mid-November 1954 and mid-April 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.
36. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 1) 1:37
37. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 2 - rehearsal) 2:12
38. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, takes 3-4) 2:14
39. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 5/M) 2:02
40. When It Rains It Pours (vocal slapback tape, take 6-7) 1:40
41. When It Rains It Pours [vocal slapback tape, take 8] 1:40
    Source for tracks 36-41: Original SUN (vocal channel) slapback tape.
    Recorded between November 1-4, 1955 at Sun Studio, Memphis.

Disc 3: Live And Radio Performances

1. That's All Right 2:52
2. Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:23
   Source for tracks 1-2: RCA reference tape copy.
   Recorded at Louisiana Hayride debut, Shreveport, Louisiana, October 16, 1954.
3. Shake, Rattle and Roll 2:24
4. Fool, Fool, Fool 1:59
5. Hearts of Stone 2:02
6. That's All Right 1:52
7. Tweedlee Dee 2:51
8. Shake, Rattle and Roll 2:23
9. KSIJ Radio commercial with DJ Tom Perryman 0:16
10. Money Honey 2:43
11. Blue Moon of Kentucky 2:04
12. I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine 2:33
13. That's All Right 1:54
14. Tweedlee Dee 2:15
15. Money Honey 2:17
16. Hearts of Stone 1:37
17. Shake, Rattle and Roll 1:39
18. Little Mama 2:03
19. You're a Heartbreaker 2:06
    Source for tracks 14-19: Digital transfer of fragments of acetate in very poor condition (which was destroyed in the process). Some parts duplicated and edited to create near-complete performances. Likely recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, March 5, 1955.
20. Good Rockin' Tonight 2:36
21. Baby Let's Play House 2:22
22. Blue Moon of Kentucky 1:47
23. I Got a Woman 3:03
24. That's All Right 2:17
    Source for tracks 20-24: RCA reference tape copy. Likely recorded at the Eagles' Hall, Houston, Texas, March 19, 1955. Track 21 could be from a different performance the same week.
25. Tweedlee Dee 2:47
    Source for tracks 25: RCA reference tape copy.
    Recorded at Gladewater High School, Gladewater, Texas, April 30, 1955.
26. Interview with Mae Boren Axton 3:19
    Source for track 26: Digital transfer of 1981 BBC broadcast tape copy.
    Recorded at motel in Jacksonville, Florida on either May 12 or July 28, 1955.
27. That's All Right 2:37
    Source for track 27: Broadcast tape.
    Recorded at the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, Meridian, Mississippi, May 26, 1955.
    Source for track 26: Digital transfer of 1981 BBC broadcast tape copy.
    Recorded at motel in Jacksonville, Florida on either May 12 or July 28, 1955.
28. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 3:16
    Source for track 28: Digital transfer of acetate in very poor condition.
    Some parts duplicated and edited to create near-complete performance. Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, July 2, 1955.
29. Baby Let's Play House 3:19
30. Maybellene 3:09
31. That's All Right 2:49
    Source for tracks 29-31: RCA reference tape copies.
    Recorded at the Louisiana Hayride, Shreveport, Louisiana, August 20, 1955.
32. Interview with Bob Neal 5:31
    Source for track 32: Digital transfer.
    Recorded at WMPS Radio, Memphis Tennessee, between August 29-31, 1955.

A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings.

Photo Preview

We're proud to show you some extra pictures of the upcoming SUN : Bible A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : Book & 3 CD Set, Ernst Jorgenson's masterpiece. The book is loaded with unseen pictures. It's hard to believe that so many photos were taken prior to 1956, in an era where photography was 'new technology'. Well, all the pictures are here for the first time with the exact dates and exact names of posing fans such as - see picture in the middle - Marileon Hopkins. Also note both pictures below. On the left is Onie Wheeler, on the right is Elvis. Notice something special? Indeed, Onie allowed Elvis to wear his country style jacket for one night. Same jacket, but a world of difference. And that's even without the 3 CD's! Our advice: since there won't be a reprint, we recommend that you pre order your copy, so you don't have to worry about paying too much afterwards. [Also  listen to audio samples below ...]

Close Up : A Boy From Tupelo ...  

Preview : A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : Book & 3 CD Set.

The accompanying book [512 pages in 12" by 12" format] is, in essence, a fully-illustrated travelogue with 500 photos of which about 200 previously unpublished. It thoughtfully details the birth of Elvis' career through facts, anecdotes, documentation, many rare photos, and a succinct narrative.

Independence Day 1954 is when this uniquely American saga begins, less than 24 hours before his first professional recording session, and it ends in December 1955, when the rights to Elvis' SUN tapes officially expire, and the singer leaves Sam Phillips to record for RCA.

This is Elvis Presley before he becomes world-famous, and the mystery of how this amazing young man readies himself for stardom, achieving success on a level that no one could have dreamed possible.

All audio has been re-mastered and restored as best we could, but Disc 3 has pretty rough audio. The book is 512 pages in 12' by 12' format and includes more than 500 photos of which about 200 are previously unpublished. If you are not an expert in this period of Elvis' career, a lot more photos will be new to you. Many familiar photos will be seen in best ever quality, but since this is a historical document, there will also be many images of less quality, included for their rarity value and support of the story. The book also includes, for the first time, Steve Sholes' original notes on the Sun tapes. The project will come in a slip case (like 'Young Man With The Big Beat') that holds both the book and the CD holder (a double album type package).

FTD have advised us that they have 'had to gamble on the print run for 'A Boy From Tupelo' as reprints seem financially impossible, so in that way this is a limited edition, and only a miracle can change that'. Just from feedback since our just announcing the release date, we can surely predict this will be FTDs biggest selling book set, and also their very fastest selling item. So as with 'Fashion For A King', released only last year, and now sold out, 'A Boy From Tupelo' could easily be sold out just as quickly. So get your pre-order in now!!.

Preview : A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings : Book & 3 CD Set.

A Boy From Tupelo : The Complete 1953-55 Recordings

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