Elvis Presley’s original influences have been scrutinised and examined over the decades, and he was always quick to namecheck his main sources and inspirations. Had it not been for Presley, how many of us would have ever heard of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup? At the outset of his career there were few suitable original songs being submitted by music publishers, so it was inevitable that he would reach back and revive old favourites. This collection presents thirty such examples, exploring Elvis’s Black music roots and featuring some of the memorable Blues, Gospel, R&B and Doo Wop numbers that he recorded. Featured artists include Wynonie Harris, The Clovers, Little Junior Parker, Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters, Roy Hamilton, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Smiley Lewis, Ivory Joe Hunter, Chuck Willis, The Coasters, and more.
