The 'Elvis Is Back!' Legacy Edition: A Revival of Elvis Presley's 1960 Classic

In 2011, music enthusiasts, Presley fans, and collectors were treated to a remarkable reissue of Elvis Presley's 1960 album 'Elvis Is Back!' titled 'The Elvis Is Back! Legacy Edition.' This two-disc set aimed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Elvis' return to the music scene after his military service and offered an exciting opportunity to revisit the original album while providing rare and previously unreleased tracks. This article delves into the enduring legacy of 'Elvis Is Back!' and the impact of its 2011 reissue.

Background: Elvis Is Back! (1960)

Following his discharge from the United States Army in March 1960, Elvis Presley made a triumphant return to the music scene that summer. 'Elvis Is Back!' became a landmark album, capturing the attention of fans worldwide with its eclectic mix of genres. The album embodied Elvis' signature blend of rock, country, blues, and pop, resulting in a timeless record that resonated with audiences then and now. The original 'Elvis Is Back!' housed iconic hits like 'Stuck on You,' 'Fever,' 'Are You Lonesome Tonight,' and 'It's Now or Never,' cementing Presley's status as a cultural icon.

The Legacy Edition (2011)

The 2011 reissue, 'The Elvis Is Back! Legacy Edition,' was released in two formats: a standard two-CD set and a deluxe package featuring a bonus DVD with rare footage. The reissue presented a unique opportunity for fans to explore and appreciate the rich history behind Elvis' career and the creative process of the original 1960 release. The set also enhanced our understanding of the album's lasting impact on popular music.

Disc One: Original Album and Rarities

Disc one of the Legacy Edition provided a remastered version of the original 'Elvis Is Back!' album, allowing listeners to experience the magic of the timeless tracks anew. This disc also contained a selection of rare and previously unreleased alternate takes, including different renditions of 'Fever,' 'Are You Lonesome Tonight,' and 'The Girl of My Best Friend.' These tracks provided a fascinating glimpse into the intricate recording process and the evolution of the album's iconic hits.

Make Me Know It
Fever
The Girl Of My Best Friend
I Will Be Home Again
Dirty, Dirty Feeling
Thrill Of Your Love
Soldier Boy
Such A Night
It Feels So Right
Girl Next Door Went A' Walking
Like A Baby
Reconsider Baby

THE HIT SINGLES:
Stuck On You
Fame And Fortune
It's Now Or Never
A Mess Of Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
I Gotta Know
Surrender

Disc Two: Rare and Unreleased Studio Recordings

Disc two showcased an entirely different side of Elvis' musical talent, featuring a collection of rare and previously unreleased studio recordings from the time period surrounding the release of 'Elvis Is Back!' Among the tracks were covers of popular hits like 'Ooo Baby Baby' and 'I Got Stung,' along with original compositions such as 'Lonely Man' and 'Like a Baby.' These songs demonstrated Presley's diverse musical influences and his unparalleled ability to adapt and innovate within various genres.

There's Always Me
Give Me The Right
It's A Sin
Sentimental Me
Starting Today
Gently
I'm Coming Home
In Your Arms
Put The Blame On Me
Judy
I Want You With Me
I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell

THE HIT SINGLES:
I Feel So Bad
(Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame Flame
Little Sister
Good Luck Charm
Anything That's Part Of You

The Legacy of 'Elvis Is Back!' and the 2011 Reissue

The 'Elvis Is Back!' Legacy Edition proved that the original album still holds a special place in the hearts of fans and resonates with audiences five decades after its initial release. The reissue successfully captured the timeless appeal of Presley's music and reminded us of his unmatched ability to connect with listeners from all walks of life. The collection demonstrated the continued relevance and influence of Presley's iconic catalogue.

Moreover, the Legacy Edition offered fans and collectors a rare opportunity to celebrate and commemorate Elvis' lasting impact on music and popular culture. It provided a window into the evolution of 'Elvis Is Back!' and showcased the diversity and depth of his artistry during a pivotal moment in his career. The reissue also served as a testament to the enduring adoration and fascination for one of history's most significant and influential musicians.

In Conclusion

The 'Elvis Is Back!' Legacy Edition remains a significant addition to any Elvis Presley collection and a priceless resource for fans seeking a deeper understanding and appreciation of his iconic 1960 album. The reissue is not only a nostalgic trip for music aficionados but also a chance to share Elvis Presley's timeless catalogue with new listeners who can discover and enjoy the magical allure of 'Elvis Is Back!' for generations to come.

Collectors note:
'Elvis Is Back!' was originally released in 1988. 'Something For Everybody' was originally released in 1988.

This Legacy edition of 'Elvis Is Back!' features 2 classic albums.
Disc 1: 'Elvis Is Back!' + the single tracks released from 1960 to 1961.
Disc 2: 'Something for Everybody' + the single tracks released from 1961 to 1962.
Comes with new liner notes. Digipak.

FTD released their version in 2005

Elvis Is Back - Elvis Presley FTD CD Elvis Is Back - Elvis Presley FTD CDElvis Is Back - Elvis Presley FTD CD

 
Title: Elvis Is Back
Label: Follow That Dream (FTD)
Catalog number: 8287667968-2 , BMG Denmark
Matrix: CD 1: IFPI LP51 TOCANO AS 61953  IFPI 2Z12
CD 2: IFPI LP51 TOCANO AS 62166  IFPI 2Z03
UPC/EAN: 08287666796827
Release date: 04/2005
Playing time: 78:33 / 79:14
Recording type: Studio recordings and outtakes
Location:: RCA's Studio B, Nashville
Date:   1960 - March 20th and April 3rd
     
Track listing:  




01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12



13
14
15
16
17
18



19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28






01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11



12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
  CD 1

The Album

Make Me Know It
Fever
The Girl Of My Best Friend
I Will Be Home Again
Dirty, Dirty Feeling
Thrill Of Your Love
Soldier Boy
Such A Night
It Feels So Right
The Girl Next Door (Went A' Walking)
Like A Baby
Reconsider Baby

The Singles

Stuck On You
Fame And Fortune
It's Now Or Never
A Mess Of Blues
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
I Gotta Know (including take 1)

First Takes

Make Me Know It (take 1)
Fever (take 1)
The Girl Of My Best Friend (take 3)
Soldier Boy (take 1)
Such A Night (take 1)
It Feels So Right (take 1)
Stuck On You (take 1)
Fame And Fortune (take 2)
It's Now Or Never (take 1)
Are You Lonesome Tonight? (takes 1, 2)


CD 2

March Sessions

Make Me Know It (take 3)
Make Me Know It (take 9,10,11)
Make Me Know It (take 17,18)
Soldier Boy (takes 2,3,7)
Soldier Boy (takes 9,10)
Stuck On You (takes 1-FS,2)
Fame And Fortune (take 4,5)
A Mess Of Blues (take 1)
A Mess Of Blues (take 2,3)
It Feels So Right (take 2)
It Feels So Right (take 4,3)

April Sessions

Fever (takes 2,3)
Like A Baby (take 1-FS/BD)
Like A Baby (take 2)
Like A Baby (take 3,4)
It's Now Or Never (take 2)
It's Now Or Never (take 3,4)
The Girl Of My Best Friend (takes 2,4,5,6)
The Girl Of My Best Friend (take 9)
Dirty, Dirty Feeling (takes 1)
Dirty, Dirty Feeling (takes 2,3-SP, last chorus from 4/M)
Thrill Of Your Love (take 1,2,1-PB)
Such A Night (takes 2,3,4/5-SP)
The Girl Next Door (Went A'Walking) (takes 1,2,3)
Are You Lonesome Tonight? (takes 4-FS,3, WP 1/2-SP)
 
 



02:01
03:35
02:24
02:35
01:35
03:02
03:06
03:01
02:11
02:15
02:41
03:46



02:20
02:32
03:16
02:42
03:08
02:59



02:38
03:49
02:36
03:04
03:14
02:09
02:19
02:33
03:29
03:40






02:13
02:41
02:47
05:11
03:40
02:36
04:04
02:56
02:51
02:06
02:41



04:00
02:13
02:41
03:34
03:25
03:56
05:15
02:26
01:41
01:44
04:10
03:51
03:43
02:54
 

 

Notes:  

This is a special collector edition housed in a 7" (17,5 cm) triple-fold-out cover.

Elvis Is Back - Elvis Presley FTD CD

Includes a 16 pages booklet with listing about the takes, photos and "Behind the Scene" facts..

 

Elvis Is Back - second pressing

Elvis Is Back Elvis Is BackElvis Is BackElvis Is Back

 
Title: Elvis Is Back
Label: Follow That Dream (FTD)
Catalog number: 8287667968-2 , BMG Denmark
Matrix: CD 1: IFPI LP51 TOCANO AS 61953  IFPI 2Z12
CD 2: 62166  IFPI 2Z03
Release date: 2005
Playing time: 78:33 / 79:14
Recording type: Studio recordings and outtakes
Location:: RCA's Studio B, Nashville
Date:   1960 - March 20th and April 3rd
     
Difference:   On the first release you see "Nipper" at the upper right corner.
It was changed to the old RCA logo, because BMG wasn't the copyright holder in Europe for this logo
.
     
    first pressing with Nipper second pressing with RCA logo  

 

 

Elvis Is Back - third pressing

Elvis Is Back Elvis Is BackElvis Is BackElvis Is Back

 
Title: Elvis Is Back
Label: Follow That Dream (FTD)
Catalog number: 8287667968-2 , BMG Denmark
Matrix: CD 1: IFPI L402  8-28766-79682-7-1  090316117 Replicateur   IFPI 6842
CD 2: IFPI L402  8-28766-79682-7-2  090316116 Replicateur   IFPI 6842
Release date: 2009
Playing time: 78:33 / 79:14
Recording type: Studio recordings and outtakes
Location:: RCA's Studio B, Nashville
Date:   1960 - March 20th and April 3rd
     
Difference:   On this third pressing  "Nipper" was also gone,
Slightly visible differences only (lighter colors)
     

 

Elvis Is Back - fourth pressing

Elvis Is Back Elvis Is BackElvis Is BackElvis Is Back

 
Title: Elvis Is Back
Label: Follow That Dream (FTD)
Catalog number: 8287667968-2 , Sony/BMG Denmark
Matrix: CD 1: IFPI L555 d:centia LSP2231 CD1 A0101977484-0102 15 A00    IFPI 94K4
CD 2: IFPI L555 d:centia LSP2231 CD2 A0101977483-0202 15 A00    IFPI 94K4
Release date: 2012
Playing time: 78:33 / 79:14
Recording type: Studio recordings and outtakes
Location:: RCA's Studio B, Nashville
Date:   1960 - March 20th and April 3rd
     
Difference:   Elvis Is Back   On front cover we have a more complete photo from Elvis,
The
RCA logos are printed in a brighter white, while they are smaller.


The signs LSP/LPM are not longer printed on the yellow sticker.

The back cover isn't white framed, the Sony logo is printed in the lower left corner of the back cover.