“That’s All Right” by Elvis Presley, from Prince From Another Planet, Live at Madison Square Garden, 1972
Elvis Presley’s performance of “That’s All Right” at Madison Square Garden in 1972 is a significant moment in music history, capturing the essence of his enduring impact on the rock ‘n’ roll genre. The song itself, originally recorded by Elvis in 1954, marked the beginning of his career and is widely considered the first rock ‘n’ roll record. By the time he performed it live in New York City in 1972, “That’s All Right” had become an anthem, not just for Elvis fans but for the entire movement he helped create.
The Madison Square Garden concert, held on June 10, 1972, was a landmark event. Elvis had not performed in New York City since the 1950s, and his return was highly anticipated. The concert series consisted of four shows, all of which sold out, demonstrating his lasting popularity and the excitement surrounding his live performances. “That’s All Right” was one of the key tracks in the setlist, serving as a powerful reminder of his roots in rockabilly and his rise to fame.
Elvis’s performance at Madison Square Garden was recorded and quickly released as the album Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually achieving multi-platinum status. The live rendition of “That’s All Right” showcased Elvis’s charismatic stage presence and vocal prowess, even nearly two decades after the song’s original release.
This performance is often remembered as a pivotal moment in Elvis’s later career, reaffirming his status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The concert’s significance was further highlighted in 2012 with the release of the 40th-anniversary edition, Prince from Another Planet, which included both the afternoon and evening shows, along with additional documentary footage. This release allowed new generations to experience the energy and excitement of Elvis’s live performances during one of his most iconic concerts.