That's All Right (Mama)

Arthur Crudup, a blues singer, wrote and first sang That's All Right (Mama). It is famous, however, as Elvis Presley's first single record, made and released in July of 1954 with Blue Moon of Kentucky on the flip side.

The Beatles enjoyed performing the song, and covered it several times for the BBC. One such version, recorded on July 2, 1963 for Pop! Go the Beatles (Fifth Edition), is on the collection, Live at the BBC. Even though the Beatles undeniably represent a "sea change" in the history of rock and roll, this recording shows that they, too, enjoyed and mastered the artistic works of those who preceded them. Later, under EMI's tutelage, they were to distance themselves somewhat from their musical origins with the likes of Presley, Holly and Berry. Nonetheless, several of these early recordings remain to provide a link with their past. The BBC rendition of That's All Right (Mama) is remarkably similar to the Elvis treatment, including Harrison's imitation of Scotty Moore (Elvis's lead guitarist) in the solo. This is only one of three recorded Beatles covers of Elvis's songs, though they had perhaps as many as 30 in their early performance repertoire.