This five-disc set was the first release in BMG's effort to present Elvis's recorded legacy in a manner befitting the most important musical artist of his time. The strategy was simple--showcase, in chronological order, remastered versions of the King's 1950s output, from his sessions with Sam Phillips at Sun Studios (where they arguably invented the very notion of rock & roll) through his 1958 Army induction. Not everything Elvis recorded in the '50s was great (just as not everything he recorded in Hollywood was rotten), but there are dozens of tracks here that, quite simply, can make a bad day seem all that much better. Which surely still makes him the king of something. Suffice it to say this is one box set that lives up to its title. --Bill Holdship
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
The Word "Essential" Is Often Over-Used - But Not Here:
If you're an Elvis Presley fan there is no need to go into the details of the music that gave birth to R&R - it's all here. Everything he recorded in the 1950s. If you were born in 1977 or later and only know of The King from hearsay, this box-set is a musical history lesson. Adding to the lustre of this wonderful collection from RCA Victor is the multi-page book containing numerous photographs, record label reproductions, including the Sun 78 rpm issues, all his LP/EP covers, poster reproductions,... more info
"Hold me close, hold me tight....":
This is the definitive early Elvis recordings collection to own as well as begin one's journey when understanding where the roots of rock and roll began and forever changed the face of popular music. It is appropriately titled, ELVIS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL: THE COMPLETE 50's MASTERS. These are master recordings that cover the years 1953-1959, and includes all of his legendary and classic hits, such as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," and "Don't Be Cruel." Once one hears the somewhat... more info
The Complete 50's Masters:
Do yourself a favor and order this collection along with the 60's & 70's. There are songs you won't find on other CD's, and hear Elvis as a regular "guy" just makes you love him more.
Definitive Elvis '50s compilation:
THE KING OF ROCK 'N' ROLL: THE COMPLETE 50's MASTERS is a four-CD set, with a bonus disc containing alternate studio takes, and a lot of "live" Elvis recordings-- MGM Grand stuff, mostly. Except for the acetate of "That's When Your Heartaches Begins" and the few alternates, DISC 5 is fluff. The other four CDs however are a treasure trove of the music that defined "The King." From his one-of-a-kind 1953 recording booth acetate of "My Happiness" to the 1958 fast version of "Ain't That Loving You Baby,"... more info
Tracks:
My Happiness - Elvis Presley, Bergantine, Borney
That's All Right - Elvis Presley, Crudup, Arthur "Big
I Love You Because - Elvis Presley, Payne, Leon
Harbor Lights - Elvis Presley, Kennedy, Gordon
Blue Moon of Kentucky - Elvis Presley, Monroe, Bill [1]
Blue Moon - Elvis Presley, Hart, Lorenz
Tomorrow Night - Elvis Presley, Coslow, Sam
I'll Never Let You Go (Little Darlin') - Elvis Presley, Wakely, Jimmy
I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine - Elvis Presley, David, Mack
Just Because - Elvis Presley, Robin, Sydney
Good Rockin' Tonight - Elvis Presley, Brown, Roy [1]
Milk Cow Blues - Elvis Presley, Arnold, Kokomo
You're a Heartbreaker - Elvis Presley, Sallee, Jack
Baby Let's Play House - Elvis Presley, Gunter, Arthur
I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone - Elvis Presley, Kesler, Stan