The History of Elvis: 1958

History:

The year 1958 would prove to be a monumental one in the life of Elvis Presley, one which would forever alter his very personality. Much has been written about the outside world's attempt to reshape The King into a commodity, an easily tamed showbiz pro whose sense of duty, country, and family could be turned against him, effectively neutralizing his natural (and completely unconscious) tendency to create sexual and social chaos with his music and movements. But although the stewardship of his career by Col. Tom Parker, his forced induction into the Army, and his acceptance by the Hollywood establishment helped make him safe, it was something else entirely which broke his spirit once and for all -- the death of his mother, Gladys.

It's impossible to stress their connection too much. For Elvis, she was his link to the oustide world; though the "Memphis Mafia" of pre-fame friends was already assembled (and large enough to play football against itself), none of them ever interacted with Elvis as an equal, much less a mentor. But Gladys was more than just his mentor, she appeared to be his only real friend. Even his father, Vernon, could not guide Elvis, only be there for him.

As a result, her death unmoored the singer in a way that the removal of his lifestyle and his hated hair and his riches couldn't. Two years in the Army? Movie stars had done that before. And, as the timeline will show, Col. Parker was absolutely correct in assuming that, by playing himself off as a straight GI, the icon's popularity would be set forever in stone for the rest of his days. So Elvis was no Samson after all, but while the powers that be badly underestimated Elvis' depth and the broad base of his appeal, they got what they wanted anyway. Presley was now utterly lost, eager to cling to anything that would make him happy, including his fans. It was a dynamic that would inform the rest of his life. And it would directly influence his untimely demise.

Recording:

January 15: "Hard Headed Woman," "Trouble," "New Orleans," "King Creole," "Crawfish" (Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA)
January 16: "Dixieland Rock," "Lover Doll," "Don't Ask Me Why," "As Long As I Have You," "Steadfast, Loyal and True" (Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA)
January 23: "Young Dreams," (Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA)
February 1: "My Wish Came True," "Doncha' Think It's Time," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" (Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA)
February 11: "Danny" (Paramount Scoring Stage, Hollywood, CA)
June 10: "I Need Your Love Tonight," "A Big Hunk O' Love," "Ain't That Loving You, Baby?," "A Fool Such As I" (RCA Studio B, Nashville, TN)
June 11: "I Got Stung" (RCA Studio B, Nashville, TN)

Singles:

April 7: "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" b/w "Doncha' Think It's Time" (RCA Victor 47-7240)
June 16: "Hard-Headed Woman" b/w "Don't Ask Me Why" (RCA Victor 47-7280)
October 27: "I Got Stung" b/w "One Night" (RCA Victor 47-7410)

EPs:

September:

King Creole Volume 1 (RCA EPA 4319):
Side 1:
"King Creole"
"New Orleans"
Side 2:
"As Long As I Have You"
"Lover Doll"

King Creole Volume 2 (RCA EPA 4321):
Side 1:
"Trouble"
"Young Dreams"
Side 2:
"Crawfish"
"Dixieland Rock"

December:

Christmas With Elvis (RCA EPA 4340):
Side 1:
"White Christmas"
"Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"
Side 2:
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem"
"Silent Night"

Albums:

August:

King Creole (RCA LPM 1884):
Side 1:
"King Creole"
"As Long As I Have You"
"Hard Headed Woman"
"Trouble"
"Dixieland Rock"
Side 2:
"Don't Ask Me Why"
"Lover Doll"
"Crawfish"
"Young Dreams"
"Steadfast Loyal and True"
"New Orleans"

Movies:

July 2: King Creole
Also starring: Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau, Dolores Hart, Dean Jagger, Liliane Montevecchi, Vic Morrow, Paul Stewart, Jan Shepard, Brian G. Hutton, Jack Grinnage, Dick Winslow, Raymond Bailey
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Screnwriters: Harold Robbins, Herbert Baker, Michael V. Gazzo
Produced by: Hal B. Wallis