The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's
Masters is a five-disc box set compilation of the complete known
studio master recordings by Elvis Presley during the decade of the
1950s. Issued in 1992 by RCA Records it was soon followed by similar
box sets covering Presley's musical output in the 1960s and 1970s.
This set's initial long-box release included a set of collectible
stamps duplicating the record jackets from every Presley LP on RCA
Victor, every single that had a picture sleeve, and most of his EP
releases. The set includes a booklet with an extensive session list
and discography, and a lengthy essay by Peter Guralnick. It peaked
at #159 on the album chart and was certified a gold record on August
7, 1992, by the RIAA. Further certifications were for platinum on
November 20, 1992, and for double platinum on July 30, 2002.
The first four discs present the Elvis masters in chronological
session order. The fifth disc compiles rare outtakes and unreleased
recordings, starting off with the companion acetate to "My Happiness"
in an early version of "That's When Your Heartaches Begin". (wikipedia
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