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From Elvis In Nashville (50th Anniversary Celebration) - Sony Legacy 19439759412

As the music industry and fans worldwide celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley's iconic 'From Elvis in Nashville' album, there is no better time to reflect on the historical significance of RCA's Studio B, where this masterpiece was recorded. This article will delve into the background of Studio B, its role in Elvis' career, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this vital piece of music history.

Background of RCA's Studio B

RCA's Studio B, located at 1611 Roy Acuff Place in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most famous recording studios in the world. It was built in 1957 by Dan Maddox, who leased it to RCA Victor in 1960. The studio quickly became a breeding ground for countless hits and timeless classics, earning the nickname 'The Home of 1,000 Hits.' Over the years, Studio B has hosted music legends such as Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Waylon Jennings, and, of course, Elvis Presley.

Elvis and Studio B

Elvis Presley first recorded at Studio B in 1958, during his military service in Germany. The studio engineer, Bill Porter, later described the experience as 'electrifying,' with Elvis' energy and talent filling the room. When Elvis returned to Studio B in 1970 to record 'From Elvis in Nashville,' he had already achieved international stardom and enjoyed a successful acting career. However, his creative fire still burned brightly, and this four-day recording session at Studio B would result in an album that is widely regarded as one of his finest.

The 'From Elvis in Nashville' album features a diverse range of material, from lush ballads like 'I'm Coming Home' and 'Make the World Go Away' to rocking numbers like 'Stranger in My Own Hometown' and 'Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.' The raw emotion and genuine sincerity that Elvis brought to each performance shines through, making this a truly special recording.

Preserving Studio B

Today, RCA's Studio B is part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's historic properties. The studio has been meticulously preserved, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about its rich history and stand in the footsteps of musical greatness. Studio B is also home to the Musicians Hall of Fame's educational programs, where students and aspiring musicians can hone their craft and learn about the art of recording.

The 50th anniversary of 'From Elvis in Nashville' provides an opportunity for fans to revisit this classic album and appreciate the role that Studio B played in its creation. As we remember and celebrate Elvis' incredible talent and his connection to this special place, we must also recognize the importance of preserving Studio B and the legacy it represents. In doing so, we ensure that future generations can experience the magic and inspiration that has captivated music lovers for decades.

The 50th anniversary of 'From Elvis in Nashville' offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the past and celebrate the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley, RCA's Studio B, and the city of Nashville itself. As we enjoy the timeless music that was created within Studio B's walls, let us also remember the importance of preserving these historic sites and the rich musical heritage they represent.

For Elvis' first recordings of the 1970s, Elvis revisited the blueprint that made his 1969 American Sound sessions so successful he cut loose live in the studio with a band in sync with his sensibility. Freed from obligations to music publishers, Elvis was able to pick and record songs that were contemporary, relevant and meaningful to him, from covers - including his transcendent interpretation of "Bridge Over Trouble Water" - to the epic material then powering his Las Vegas residencies and return to live performing. (In 1970 alone, Elvis performed two-month-long engagements at the International, playing two shows a night.)

Recorded live in RCA's Studio B in Nashville over the course of an epic five day/night run in June 1970 (with an additional session on September 22), Elvis' performances from those sessions formed the core of three of his most successful studio album releases from the 1970s: Elvis: That's the Way It Is, Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) and Love Letters from Elvis.

Now, for the first time, the master recordings from the 1970 Studio B sessions may be enjoyed together as a single official Elvis album! On From Elvis In Nashville, Presley's studio tracks from the 1970 marathon sessions are presented in pristine audio, newly mixed by acclaimed engineer Matt Ross-Spang (John Prine, Jason Isbell) without the added overdubs or orchestration appearing on earlier releases.

CD1

Mystery Train (opening jam)
Twenty Days and Twenty Nights
I've Lost You
I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago
The Sound of Your Cry
The Fool
A Hundred Years from Now
Little Cabin On The Hill
Cindy, Cindy
Bridge Over Troubled Water
How The Web Was Woven
Got My Mojo Working / Keep Your Hands Off of It
It's Your Baby, You Rock It
Stranger In The Crowd
I'll Never Know
Mary In The Morning
It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing)
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Just Pretend
This Is Our Dance
Life
Heart of Rome

CD2

When I'm Over You
I Really Don't Want to Know
Faded Love
Tomorrow Never Comes
The Next Step Is Love
Make The World Go Away
Funny How Time Slips Away
I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water
Love Letters
There Goes My Everything
If I Were You
Only Believe
Sylvia
Patch It Up
Snowbird
Where Did They Go, Lord
Whole Lot-ta Shakin' Goin' On
Rags to Riches

CD3

Tiger Man (jam)
I've Lost You (take 1)
The Next Step Is Love (takes 3-6)
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me (rehearsal)
Patch It Up (take 1)
Twenty Days and Twenty Nights (takes 5,6 & 8)
How The Web Was Woven (take 1)
Mary In The Morning (takes 3-4)
Just Pretend (takes 1-2)
Stranger In The Crowd (takes 1-5)
Bridge Over Troubled Water (rehearsal, take 1)
Patch It Up (take 9)
The Sound of Your Cry (take 3)
Where Did They Go, Lord (takes 2-3)
Rags to Riches (take 2)

CD4

I Didn't Make It On Playing Guitar (jam)
Faded Love (rehearsal, country version)
The Fool (take 1)
A Hundred Years from Now (take 1)
Little Cabin On The Hill (take 1)
Tomorrow Never Comes (takes 10-11)
Snowbird (take 1)
Faded Love (take 3)
It's Your Baby, You Rock It (take 3)
There Goes My Everything (take 1)
Love Letters (take 1)
If I Were You (take 5)
Heart of Rome (take 1)
Cindy, Cindy (take 1)
I'll Never Know (take 3)
Sylvia (take 9)
It Ain't No Big Thing (But It's Growing) (takes 1-2)
Only Believe (take 3)
Life (take 2)