About the Song
“Blue Moon of Kentucky” holds a unique place in the Elvis Presley songbook. While many associate Elvis with rock ‘n’ roll, this song reveals his deep roots in country and bluegrass music. The original version was written and performed by Bill Monroe, the “father of bluegrass,” in 1946. Elvis’s interpretation, however, transformed it into a rockabilly classic.
In 1954, a young Elvis Presley, along with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, recorded “Blue Moon of Kentucky” at Sun Studio in Memphis. This recording session was a pivotal moment in Elvis’s early career and in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Studio, wanted to find a sound that blended rhythm and blues with country music. Elvis’s rendition of “Blue Moon of Kentucky” perfectly captured this vision.
Elvis’s version is a radical departure from Bill Monroe’s original. He sped up the tempo, added a driving rhythm, and infused the song with his signature vocal style. The result was a high-energy, infectious track that appealed to a young, emerging audience. The song was released as the flip side of his first Sun Records single, “That’s All Right.”
The significance of “Blue Moon of Kentucky” lies in its role in shaping the early sound of rockabilly. It demonstrated Elvis’s ability to take a traditional country song and transform it into something new and exciting. It helped to bridge the gap between country and rhythm and blues, paving the way for the rock ‘n’ roll revolution.
Bill Monroe, initially, was not happy with Elvis’s version. However, over time, he came to appreciate Elvis’s interpretation and its impact on popularizing his song. “Blue Moon of Kentucky” became a staple in Elvis’s early live performances and remains a beloved track among his fans. The 1954 recording is a landmark in music history.