From Elvis in Memphis is the thirty-fifth studio
album by Elvis Presley, released on RCA Records. It was recorded at
American Sound Studio in Memphis in January and February 1969 under
the direction of producer Chips Moman and backed by its house band,
informally known as "The Memphis Boys". Following the success of
Presley's 1968 Christmas television special and its soundtrack, the
album marked Presley's return to non-soundtrack albums after the
completion of his film contract with Paramount Pictures.
Presley's entourage convinced him to leave the RCA studios and
record this album at American Sound, a new Memphis studio at the
peak of a hit-producing streak. The reason for going to Moman's
studio was for the soul sound of the house band, 'the Memphis Boys'.
The predominance of country songs among those recorded in these
sessions gives them the feel of the "country soul" style. This
impression is emphasized by the frequent use of the dobro in the
arrangements. In any case, the Memphis Boys have a solidly southern
soul sound.
From Elvis in Memphis was released in June 1969 to favorable reviews.
The album peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200, number two on
the country charts and number one in the United Kingdom, and its
single "In the Ghetto" reached number three on the Billboard Hot
100. The album was certified gold by the Recording Industry
Association of America in 1970. In later years, it garnered further
favorable reviews, while it was ranked number 190 on Rolling Stone
magazine's 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. (wikipedia
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