Festival of The King - The Rockabilly Years

MONDAY – Festival of the King Presents: The Dawn of a Legend - The Rockabilly Years

Featuring Riley Jenkins from Nashville, TN

In the heart of 1953, a young Elvis Presley, with a mere $4 in hand, ventured into Sun Records to record a heartfelt song titled “My Happiness” as a gift for his beloved mother, Gladys. Little did he know, this simple act would set the stage for a legendary career. As he left the studio, clutching the 78 copy of his record, the world remained unaware of the storm that was about to hit.

Marion Keisker, the astute secretary at Sun Records, couldn't help but draw parallels between Elvis's charismatic aura and the magnetic Marlon Brando, whose visage graced the cover of Life Magazine. This resemblance was not just skin deep; it was a hint of the star power that Elvis exuded.

Fast forward to July 19, 1954, a fateful day when Elvis, accompanied by the talented Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass, entered the studio. While their initial recording of ‘That’s When Your Heartaches Begin’ didn’t quite hit the mark, a spontaneous jam session to the rhythm of Arthur Crudup's “That’s Alright Mama” caught the discerning ear of Sam Phillips. Recognizing the magic unfolding before him, Sam immediately hit record, capturing a moment that would forever change the course of music history.

The local airwaves soon resonated with the unique sound of Elvis, thanks to disc jockey Duey Phillips. This exposure paved the way for Elvis's electrifying performances on the Hayride circuit. It was here that Tom Parker, a keen-eyed promoter, witnessed the magnetic pull of Elvis, especially among female fans. Leveraging his vast network, Parker orchestrated Elvis's groundbreaking television debuts.

On Monday, January 8, 2024, join us at The Historic Gayety for a mesmerizing journey back in time. Relive the magic of Sun Studios, feel the energy of the Hayride Concerts, and witness the charisma that marked Elvis's inaugural television appearances. This is not just a concert; it's a tribute to the birth of a legend.