Episode 38: “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
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Don't Be Cruel by Otis Blackwell
Elvis and the group cut what would become their biggest double-sided hit, both songs definitely chosen by Elvis. The song that finally convinced several detractors, including Sam Phillips, that Elvis might be able to make decent records away from some was Don't Be Cruel. By this point, it was very clear that if Elvis was given control of the studio, and singing material he connected with, he would produce great things. If he was doing what someone else thought he should be doing, he would be much less successful.
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