Introduction
“That’s All Right” is a song written and originally performed by blues singer Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in 1946. The song is notable for its traditional blues verses, some of which were first recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson in 1926. Despite its initial release, Crudup’s version did not achieve significant commercial success.
The song gained prominence when Elvis Presley recorded his rendition on July 5, 1954, at Sun Studio in Memphis. During a recording session with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley began improvising an upbeat version of “That’s All Right” during a break. Producer Sam Phillips was impressed by this spontaneous performance and had the trio record the song. Presley’s version was notably faster than Crudup’s original.
Upon its release on July 19, 1954, Presley’s “That’s All Right” received significant attention. Local disc jockey Dewey Phillips played the song on his radio show “Red, Hot & Blue,” leading to a positive audience response and numerous phone calls. This exposure marked a pivotal moment in Presley’s career, propelling him into the spotlight and contributing to the emergence of rock and roll.
Despite the song’s success, Arthur Crudup reportedly never received royalties for Presley’s version, despite legal battles into the 1970s. An out-of-court settlement was supposed to pay Crudup an estimated $60,000 in back royalties, but it never materialized.
In 2004, marking the 50th anniversary of its release, Presley’s rendition of “That’s All Right” was re-released as a CD single in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where it reached number three on the UK Singles Chart.
“That’s All Right” remains a significant song in music history, symbolizing the blending of blues and country influences that characterized early rock and roll. Its enduring legacy is evident in its continued recognition and the numerous artists who have covered the song over the decades.