Elvis Don't Be Cruel - Jam Session

Elvis singing Don't Be Cruel, before he recorded it as a single at a impromptu jam session. The recording takes place at Sun Recording Studios on Tuesday December 4th, 1956. The jam session was famously labelled 'The Million Dollar Quartet' Feat - Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

[michele]

We will never see the likes of him again.

[sarahgordino]

This recording is actually really profound. Billy Ward and the Dominos were a fantastic quartet, and of course Jackie Wilson (who elvis is speaking of in this recording) was an incredibly dynamic performer and big fan of Elvis. And clearly they inspired one another. Elvis saw the Dominoes perform while he was put in Vegas performing at the Frontier. He didn’t have a particularly successful debut in Vegas, but he took in various performances while he was out there. Elvis was so impressed by Jackie Wilsons version of his song, he changed up his way of performing the song by incorporating some of Jackie’s technique into the song and vice versa. He later became friends with Jackie Wilson, and of course the story has been told that in the 70s when Jackie was hospitalized in a coma Elvis covered the hospital bills and made sure he had fresh flowers in his room on a regular basis.

[kellipooh-]

Oh wow i love hearing these studio sessions just wish we had visual too but ill take this i just love hearing Elvis so happy

[Tcb]

His love of music and respect for other artists is so evident here. I love the fact that he incorporated some of Jackie Wilson's version of Don't be Cruel in his Ed Sullivan performance of the song. It's such a joy hearing him in this setting...magical.

[kellipooh-]

Elvis is unbelievable i love him so much 🥰 that southern drawl is everything

[kensmith]

Elvis talking about seeing Jackie Wilson in Vegas when Jackie was lead singer of the Dominos Vocal group

[lottaandgus]

Actually, this was recorded AFTER the record was released in July, 1956. Elvis even refers to hearing a singer in Las Vegas "doing a take-off" of the "record of mine." He then imitates the imitation. 😄

[tcblev]

Never heard this jam session before. Presley's voice is just so electrifying.

[brendabooher]

I love this. Elvis talking about who he heard sang "Don't Be Cruel", and these Legends gathering for a jamming session. Would have loved to been there. Johnny Cash said when he got to Memphis Elvis was already making noise. What great noise that was. I love the way that Johnny told the story. I listen to Elvis everyday. Rest in peace Elvis Aaron Presley. Your still the King after all these decades.

[patrickb]

“ Elvis then and now, the coolest guy that ever lived “.

[cut]

Elvis admiring Jackie Wilson admiring Elvis! Great.

[connienichols]

Elvis with that Southern accent. This is great!

[redriver]

Jerry Lee Lewis, last man standing, living legend!!!

[alexanderproffitt]

The greatest artist of all time, bar none

[GeorgeVreelandHill]

The most amazing entertainer ever - Elvis Presley.

[littlesister]

One of my favorite songs of Elvis'. Love this version, he is having such a good time. No one can touch him.

[theartisthands]

Elvis was one of the most greatest singers.

[Ms.Elvis.]

Elvis sounding like the country boy he was. He was just wonderful and will always be the very best!!! I still miss Elvis, and wonder what he would be doing today.. I think he would be doing what he loved best, singing gospel.

[clbajones]

This is an awesome jam session. Elvis was referring to the Great Jackie Wilson.

[alondra]

His voice is pure gold... both talking and singing, sounds pretty good!!