Elvis Presley – That’s All Right 68′

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right” from the legendary 1968 Comeback Special. Now that’s a performance that deserves a closer look. Buckle up, because we’re diving into a moment that reignited the flame of the King himself.

For those unfamiliar, “That’s All Right” originally rocketed Elvis onto the scene back in 1954. It was a raw, electrifying blend of blues and country, a sound that sent shockwaves through the music industry and ignited a cultural phenomenon. This wasn’t your typical crooning of the era. This was something altogether different, something that pulsed with youthful energy and a captivating defiance. Elvis, alongside Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass, breathed new life into Arthur Crudup’s original song, infusing it with a grit and sexuality that left audiences breathless.

Fast forward to 1968. The King’s career had taken a detour. Hollywood musicals had dominated his schedule, and his rock and roll roots had seemingly faded into the background. Enter the Comeback Special, a televised event designed to recapture the magic that first ignited Elvis’s meteoric rise. Here, stripped down to a basic band format with Scotty Moore once again on guitar, D.J. Fontana on drums, and Charlie Hodge on bass, Elvis returned to his musical core.

And what a return it was! “That’s All Right” became the electrifying opening number, a declaration of intent. Elvis, clad in black leather, oozed charisma. His voice, though matured over the years, retained its undeniable power. He delivered the song with a renewed hunger, a playful swagger that reminded everyone why he was crowned the King. The band, tight as ever, locked into a groove that was both loose and energetic. It was a masterclass in stripped-down rock and roll, a testament to the raw power that had captivated audiences over a decade earlier.

The impact of “That’s All Right” in the Comeback Special was undeniable. It wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was a forceful reminder that Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, still possessed the musical fire that could ignite a stadium. The performance became a landmark moment, not just for Elvis’s career, but for popular music as a whole. It marked a return to his roots, a reinvigoration of a sound that had forever changed the musical landscape. “That’s All Right” from the 1968 Comeback Special wasn’t just a song; it was a declaration, a triumphant return of a king to his throne.

Video:

Lyrics:

“That’s All Right”