In the whirlwind year of 1956, as Elvis Presley transitioned from regional sensation to global icon, his recording sessions and performances were a frenetic mix of rock and roll energy and surprising emotional depth. Amidst the groundbreaking hits that were redefining popular music, Elvis also delivered poignant performances of classic songs. One such recording that stands out, capturing a more tender side of The King, is his rendition of “Old Shep.” This song, first made famous by country artist Red Foley, tells the sentimental story of a boy and his beloved dog, offering a stark contrast to the rebellious image Elvis was cultivating. Recorded during a particularly busy period, Elvis’s version of Elvis Old Shep became another facet of his rapidly expanding discography, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
The recording of “Old Shep” took place on September 2, 1956, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California. This session was part of a highly productive few days that saw Elvis laying down tracks that would become staples of his early career. The session on September 2nd alone included diverse songs like “Paralyzed,” “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Too Much,” highlighting Elvis’s ability to seamlessly switch between genres. Just a day earlier, on September 1st at the same studio, he had recorded hits such as “Playing For Keeps,” “Love Me,” and “How Do You Think I Feel.” These sessions, following an earlier one on August 24th at 20th Century Fox Stage 1 for movie-related songs like “We’re Gonna Move” and “Love Me Tender,” underscore the intense creative and recording schedule Elvis maintained in 1956. His ability to capture the heartfelt sorrow of a song like “Old Shep” alongside his electrifying rock and roll numbers solidified his appeal across different audiences. Fans appreciated his diverse talents, including his ability to perform meaningful elvis presley ballads songs.
Beyond the studio, September 1956 was monumental for Elvis’s public profile. Following the intense recording sessions, he made his highly anticipated first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on September 9th. Initially hesitant to feature Elvis, Ed Sullivan changed his mind after Elvis’s appearance on “The Steve Allen Show” drew massive ratings. Sullivan reportedly paid a then-unprecedented sum of $50,000 for three appearances. The debut on September 9, 1956, from CBS Studio in Hollywood, was a massive success, watched by over 60 million viewers and helping to bridge the generational gap regarding his popularity. On this landmark broadcast, Elvis performed a setlist that included “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Ready Teddy,” and the now-iconic version of “Hound Dog.” It’s worth noting that this performance of “Hound Dog” built upon the version popularized by freddie bell and the bellboys hound dog, showcasing how Elvis could take existing songs and make them his own.
[
Elvis Presley talks backstage with host Ed Sullivan during preparations for his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956.
Elvis Presley talks with Ed Sullivan
[
Elvis Presley performs live on stage during one of his groundbreaking appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956.
Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show
Shortly after this historic TV debut, Elvis returned to his roots. On September 23rd, he flew back to Memphis. Just three days later, on September 26th, Elvis performed two shows at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in his birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi. These performances held special significance, marking his return home as a national star. While footage of Elvis performing in the 1950s with sound was rare, the Tupelo concerts are particularly notable as they were captured, providing a unique glimpse into his electrifying live performances during this period. The DVD release “Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD” notably contains previously unreleased film from these 1956 shows, including performances of songs like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Long Tall Sally,” offering fans a valuable look at The King in his prime. This era was not just about singles; his work on film soundtracks, like the one for his first movie, hinted at the albums to come, including the future elvis presley loving you album.
In summary, Elvis Presley’s recording of “Old Shep” in September 1956, while perhaps less commercially impactful than his rock and roll anthems, serves as a touching example of his broad musical taste and ability to convey deep emotion. Placed within the context of his intensely busy schedule that month, which included crucial recording sessions and career-defining television and live performances, the song highlights the dynamic nature of Elvis’s artistry during this pivotal year. It reminds us that even as he shook the world with rock and roll, Elvis remained connected to the sentimental ballads that were a part of American music history, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.
