That's All Right (Mama)
From BeatlesWiki
That's All Right (Mama) is a song originally by Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup and famously covered by Elvis Presley. The Beatles recorded a version for the BBC's Pop Goes The Beatles radio show.
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Original Version
The song was first recorded by blues singer Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup. Elvis Presley recorded it for his debut single on July 6, 1954 and it was released by Sun Records on July 19.
The Beatles' Version
The Beatles recorded their version on July 2, 1963 and it was broadcast on July 16. They performed this song and five others at Maida Vale Studios in London. The Beatles never recorded a studio version of an Elvis Presley song for an album. It's possible that The Beatles wanted to distance themselves from Presley, one of their early influences, to establish themselves as a new act. Recording for BBC radio gave The Beatles a chance to record cover versions they wouldn't usually perform. The Beatles' version is most faithful to Presley's cover version, although George Harrison adds a new guitar solo in the style of Scotty Moore, Elvis' guitar player. Paul McCartney said of Elvis, "I liked him best around 1956, when he was young and gorgeous and had a twinkle in his eye; when he had a sense of humour, plus that great voice. He was an incredible vocalist. Try and do it sometime - we all have - and he is still the guv'nor." Even though The Beatles performed thirty different Elvis Presley songs from 1957 to 1962, only three were ever recorded: all for the BBC. These songs were That's All Right (Mama), I Forgot To Remember To Forget, and I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You).
Personnel
The Beatles
- Lead Vocals: Paul McCartney
- Bass: Paul McCartney
- Rythm Guitar: John Lennon
- Lead Guitar: George Harrison
- Drums: Ringo Starr
Available Versions
The Beatles
- Pop Goes The Beatles BBC Radio Recording, July 2, 1963, (Live at the BBC, Bootlegs)
- Get Back session (in a medley with My Baby Left Me), January 22, 1969
John Lennon
- Studio rehearsal, September or October 1970, (Bootlegs)
Paul McCartney
- Master Take, July 20, 1987, (CHOBA B CCCP, Bootlegs)
- Master Take with Scotty Moore and D. J. Fontana, March 30, 2000, (Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy Of Sun Records)
George Harrison
- Live on the Rockline Radio Show, February 10, 1988, (Bootlegs)
- Live at Handmade Films Anniversary Party with Carl Perkins and Joe Brown, October 1, 1988, (Bootlegs)
George Harrison and Ringo Starr
- Rehearsal for Carl Perkins TV special?, 1988?, (Bootlegs)
- "Carl Perkins and Friends" TV special, George and Ringo backing Carl Perkins, October 21, 1985, (Carl Perkins And Friends TV special, Bootlegs)
Known Unavailable Versions
Available On
- Live at the BBC, 1994.
Sources
- [1]
- GIANELLA M., Information for Hardcore collectors of Beatles Music, http://beatlesong.info/
