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Today in History: Elvis Presley records first single in Memphis

7/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On July 5, Elvis Presley entered Sun Records in Memphis and cut his debut single, a cover of Arthur Crudup’s 1946 blues song “That’s All Right.” Producer Sam Phillips, who built Sun on African-American R&B, recognized Presley’s energetic style and released the track, launching the career of rock-and-roll’s future “King.”

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Story summary

On July 5, Elvis Presley entered Sun Records in Memphis and cut his debut single, a cover of Arthur Crudup’s 1946 blues song “That’s All Right.” Producer Sam Phillips, who built Sun on African-American R&B, recognized Presley’s energetic style and released the track, launching the career of rock-and-roll’s future “King.”