Elvis Recorded "Tiger Man" At Sun --> Mystery Solved ?

[Rob]

YOU are welcome.

[drjohncarpenter]

Back to the topic, a goal I will strive to maintain despite the trolling:

Not too long ago there was a decent little discussion about the early demos Elvis made at Sun before July 5, 1954, a topic called "How was the second Memphis Acetate found?"

In particular it was regarding collector Sean O'Neal, who found the one Presley made in January 1954, "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" b/w "It Wouldn't Be The Same (Without You)."

I found an interview which was quite interesting, and added some historical information. The posts are below.

For those interested, I recently found Sean's public Facebook page:

Sean O'Neal | Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sean.oneal.3511

Someone on FB want to drop by and tell him hello?

Here is the story of the recovery of the January 1954 acetate, found in the U.S., not the U.K.:

As with the first two Beatles anthologies, the career-spanning Platinum is also sweetened with a ''new'' song, and this time, there's no studio trickery involved. I'll Never Stand in Your Way is believed to have been recorded when the duck-tailed Elvis made his long-rumored second visit to Sam Phillips' Sun Records in hopes of being discovered, most likely in January 1954.

For a $4 fee, Presley recorded the 1953 Joni James country hit, which he sings in a heartbreakingly sweet, high-pitched tenor that sounds positively ghostly today.

He also cut It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You, and took home the acetate recording with one song on each side. That 10-inch disc, the only copy, was unearthed in 1994 by husband-and-wife Elvis collectors Sean and Tracy O'Neal.

On I'll Never Stand in Your Way, backed only by his tentatively strummed acoustic guitar, Presley shows remarkable composure and depth of feeling, not surprising, considering that he, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black would record That's All Right and set rock and roll's mystery train rolling in only seven months' time.

[snip]

To many, Platinum is worthy for I'll Never Stand in Your Way alone.

The O'Neals sold the songs' rights to RCA in 1995, but still own the acetate, which Sean O'Neal said is part of an Elvis collection worth $500,000. The couple made their discovery after seeing an ad in a small Southern newspaper that read ''rare, never-before-seen Elvis Presley photos.''

Tracy O'Neal investigated the collection while on vacation. It was being sold by a Presley friend who was given the acetate by the singer, but who was later told by a rare-record dealer that it was worthless.

''The first thing I thought when I held it was, 'I'm looking at the Holy Grail of rock and roll.' The second was, 'Oh, my God. What if I drop this?' ''

http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/081097/0810unre.html

Below is an interview with Sean, saved from a now-defunct website.

Not much is asked about the second acetate, but he does make some very interesting claims about a third one, and also name checks songs that, to date, have NOT surfaced.

Bear in mind, this interview is at least 15 years old.

Is this your premier, exclusive interview with an Elvis website, or you as a person "Sean O'Neal"?

Yes, it is. For some reason no one else seems to be interested in hearing from me. I have done a lot of radio, newspaper, and documentary stuff, but nothing on the internet, other than my website.

Do I have to feel good or bad about this, Sean? I always have been interested in you. You are one-of-a-kind on the '50s, as an "Elvis specialist" to me!

For the Elvis fans whose bell doesn't ring by the name "Sean O'Neal", it will, after they read this interview we did, I am certain. Who doesn't remember the incredible acetate you found, and was been released years ago by BMG?

Sean, tell us more about that.

I had the good fortune to find Elvis' second Memphis Recording Service acetate, "I'll Never Stand In Your Way" and "It Wouldn't Be The Same (Without You)." It was one of those things that I think most people assumed was lost forever. It certainly made up for a lot of hours I wasted over the years, digging through flea markets, answering newspaper ads, etc., trying to find some great Elvis piece.

The moment that I first saw it is something that I will never forget. It changed my life in many ways. I'm not sure anyone would have ever heard of me, if it had not been for the acetate.

Now, Sean, people know you were the person who was behind this acetate, it was announced "world-wide". Lets go back to your roots, tell me me about your background?

I have a lovely wife and an even more lovely daughter. I'm an only child. I grew up in a small town called Columbia, Missouri.

When and how did you discover Elvis?

My parents introduced Elvis to me. Both of my parents were teen-agers in the southern U.S. in the 1950s. They both were Elvis fans. My mom says that my dad tried to dress like Elvis, which he adamantly denies. My mom wanted to see Elvis in concert in 1955 at a small Arkansas town, Batesville. Elvis was appearing at the White River Water Carnival. However, she came from a very poor family, and could not come up with $1.00 for a ticket.

Did you ever see Elvis live on stage ?

I saw Elvis only once in concert. It was at Kemper Arena, June 1977. I was 12 years old, one of Elvis' last concerts. We walked in just as "2001" was starting.

Although Elvis was in poor health, the concert was very exciting. I remember how funny it seemed to see ladies my mother's age screaming and fainting.

I've gone to a lot of concerts, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, etc. None of them compare to the excitement in the air when Elvis hit the stage.

When, why (and what) did you start collecting Elvis ?

The program and ticket stub from the Kansas City concert were the start of my Elvis collection. I still have them. Over the years, I bought an item, now and then. About 15 years ago it became an obsession. I focus on 1954-56 EPE, concert stuff, photographs. Although I love Elvis in the early '70s as a performer, collecting from that period has no interest for me.

What was your reaction when Elvis died on August 16, 1977?

It was a shock. The public really had no idea, or did not want to have an idea, that anything could ever happen to him. My aunt called my mom and told her. I started recording the news coverage and tributes on eight-track tape. I still have them as well.

What is your favorite Elvis single, album, film?

Favorite album: Elvis' Golden Records

Favorite Song: "Suspicious Minds"

Favorite Movie: "Viva Las Vegas"

I love the part when Ann-Margret brings her car into the garage and tells Elvis that it "whistles," and he answers that he doesn't blame it.

Ah, I guess you like cars and girls and rock 'n' roll, right?

Well, I really found Ann-Margret much more interesting than the car (laughs).

When did you start seriously collecting unpublished rare photos of Elvis?

I started really collecting photos when I bought the collection that had the Memphis Recording Service acetate in it.

Is that the same acetate where we talked in the beginning of our interview about?

Yes, that's correct. The acetate rightly got the most attention, but there was a lot of great stuff in that collection There were a lot of great, early photos in it. Stuff as early as 1947. That got my photo collecting really going.

What era of Elvis photos are you collecting and why?

Anything before 1960, 1956 and earlier being my special favorites. I don't collect anything past 1959 in general.

What kind of work do you do besides Elvis?

The Elvis stuff I do for fun. I'm the business manager for a large orthopedic medical center.

That's way different than doing the "rock 'n' roll dance" every day, Sean. Then I would have been your first patient, it would kill me nowadays. Oh, if only I was young again (laughs).

Okay, seriously Sean, up until now, what was your favorite project you did on Elvis?

Actually I have two favorites.

My book Elvis, Inc. I am very proud of. It meant something to me personally. It has gotten very good response from the fans over the years. My latest book is Elvis Presley Memorabilia: An Unauthorized Collectors Guide. There are over 600 photos, all of them color. A lot of rare stuff. Everything from 1955 concert posters to Vegas. Also I have in the book what I think is the earliest known Elvis autograph. I'm sure Russ Howe would want to "discuss" that.







Well Sean, if you want me to discuss this with Russ Howe, it means it would get me in the middle of this conversation, right? Ever heard of the one liner, "Don't shoot the messenger"? Well, that's how I would feel, Sean (laughs).

And what can we expect from you in the future? Can you tell us a bit more explicitly?

I'm already working on the second edition of the memorabilia book. I am looking for photos of pre-1977, non-record stuff, made outside the U.S. If any of your readers would like to submit photos I would welcome that. I'm also possibly going to do a book on the 1956 Tupelo concert. Lots of unpublished photos, some memorabilia, some stories.

How many books have you written about Elvis, Sean?

Elvis, The Lost Photographs, done with Joe Tunzi. A photo book, mostly from my collection, time period 1947-1962, roughly.

Oh yes, I really love this book, Sean, it's one of my favorites This is a valuable book to have in your private collection for every Elvis fan world-wide, who's into the '50s. Really, it's a GREAT book.

And Andy.lon, Elvis Inc.: The Fall and Rise of the Presley Empire.

Two parts to the book: the first is a look at the business dealings between Elvis, the Colonel and RCA, and also an examination of how the most successful entertainer in the history of the world died nearly bankrupt. The second half of the book is a behind the scenes look at the business of Graceland and the other activities of Elvis Presley Enterprises since Elvis died.

And the book My Boy Elvis: The Colonel Tom Parker Story. I have also written numerous magazine articles on Elvis, and consulted on three documentaries. To date I haven't done any non-Elvis projects.

Yes, I tried to read this book Elvis Inc. , but after all the figures and everything I began to feel stupid, thought I had to go back to school again, so, I closed the book after 30-40 pages and never read it again. It was too much for me to read all those calculations, geez. But maybe I'm a bit older now and have more wisdom (which I doubt ... LOL ... ) So, I promise you: I will TRY to read it again, Sean. I will let you know the outcome (laughs).

And your book My Boy Elvis. Remember, Sean, that we both had to laugh, (before it was going to sell in public) the mistake your publisher made on the front cover, oh my God. I did feel sorry for you, but at the same time we had to laugh about this mistake they made. I was also a consultant once on a documentary a couple of years ago, right after he died, for the English television company ITV, but they showed the real Colonel Tom Parker, Sean (laughs). Tell the Elvis fans who this old man was, standing next to Elvis. It should have been the Colonel with Elvis. Was the book ever re-issued, Sean, with right photo on the front cover?

The book was never reissued. The "old man" on the cover was an official for the Texas Livestock Association. The photo was taken when Elvis was appearing at the Houston Astrodome. The picture was a mistake on the part of my publisher. The cover that I first saw had pictures of Elvis and the Colonel that I supplied. When the book shipped they changed the cover. My wife called me at my office one day and said, "The book is here. You aren't going to believe the cover."

Needless to say, I was shocked and furious. My publisher bought the photo from a stock photo house in New York who told them that the guy on the cover with Elvis was the Colonel. Unfortunately, it was too late to change the cover because several thousand copies had been printed and shipped.

Who is your favorite writer on Elvis books?

It's definitely Elvis author Lee Cotten, because of my tremendous admiration for his research. I also enjoy Alanna Nash.

What do you read (besides Elvis) and who is your favorite writer ?

My favorite non-Elvis author is Stephen King. Although I have a hard time finding time to read anything.

With whom do you still have contact in the Elvis world?

Other than a few collector friends, I don't really socialize or stay in contact with any "Elvis people." I usually talk with them when I'm working on a project, and then leave them alone. I do usually run into Ernst Jorgensen or Joe Tunzi or someone like that in Memphis each August.

Do you mean that every year Ernst is always in Memphis in August?

I think that he's there almost every year.

Who the hell is Joe Tunzi ? Oh, I remember, he has left the Elvis building (for the moment), that's the "Beatles specialist" who wrote a book about them. Did he run out of pictures on Elvis, Sean?

You mean, when he ran out of people like me who had Elvis pictures that he could use in one of his books?

Ouch, that hurts!

Well, Andy.lon , the truth always hurts.

What is your favorite Elvis website?

Elvis CD Collectors, Elvis News, and Elvis World Japan.

I think I will regret this interview Sean, you know WHY? See my little tear in my left eye? Well, this is between the fans and me, you don't need to hear this Sean, I think 7 years ago I found a 45 vinyl single with a song that Colonel Tom Parker wrote (his name is even mentioned on the label). The only time Colonel Tom Parker wrote a song that was published and released.

Sean did NOT know this, So, he was so excited I promised him he could have it for his collection to use it in his book. Which he finally did in his latest book Elvis Presley Memorabilia, showing the vinyl, and telling about this, and he promised me he would give me a credit, but he never did. That gave me a tear in my right eye, Sean (laughs). So, c'mon I'm waiting. C'mon, Sean, don't be shy now ...

Oops! You're right. i will make it up to you in the second edition. I love that record. It's one of the highlights of my Colonel collection.

Okay, I forgive you, this time. Tell me, what is your ultimate wish on a Elvis project in the future?

To find the "Pied Piper" film. That, or Elvis "Hayride" footage.

Do you have any, so we really can believe this "Pied Piper" really exists? If so, tell us some facts you can share.

I wish that I did have the film. I do believe that it is out there. I think that we will see it when the owner figures out how to bring it out commercially and keep Graceland happy.

On the music front, I'm working on a project involving another unreleased Elvis Memphis Recording Service acetate. I can not really go into any other details other than to say that it is spectacular.

Since you don't want to talk about the new, exciting acetate you found ... you really don't want to talk about it? Not a little bit? You made me curious.

I really can not talk about it other than to say that the song titles are ones that legend says that Elvis recorded.

If not okay, then I am going to ask you other questions. What do you know about "Uncle Pen"?

I have never actually heard it, so I cannot confirm it.

Well I have a friend who's got a tape, but I can't go in to details either. Except Elvis is using different lyrics to the same song. What about the song "Juanita," Sean?

What is "Juanita," Andy.lon ?

That's a song, Sean (laughs).

Well, Rufus Thomas claimed that Elvis sang this song several times on the "Louisiana Hayride" show, that's all.

"Careless Love"?

If you mean "Casual Love Affair," yes, it exists.

Did I say "Careless Love"? Well, I don't know sometimes. I'm getting confused with all these old titles, I think it's because of you, Sean, I don't know why. Maybe, because you are such a well-known specialist in the Elvis world. "Only You," Sean?

This exists too, Andy.lon.

Yes, I know, Sean. I also know when he recorded "Hound Dog" 33 or 35 takes, this is also on reel-to-reel, existing in binaural stereo. He also sang, to fool around, on the same recording session, "Only You." Did you also hear about this?

No. The "Only You" I knew about was a live version.

What about the medley "(We're Gonna) Rock Around The Clock"/"Good Rockin' Tonight"?

I have heard rumors of this, but have not heard it.

Well, Sean, I heard it, and it was great to hear this, really exciting.

You left out "Little Mama" which is fantastic. It's too bad that BMG can not open its purse wide enough.

Yeah, right, well, I heard that it's exciting, but I don't know this. It really would be great if BMG would shake their wallet upside down once in a while. But we heard this over and over again, "it's not commercial enough." Most of the Elvis fans nowadays are '70s fans, this is also a reason that it won't sell worldwide. It's a shame though, don't you think?

I keep hearing that stuff about the fans "wanting '70s stuff." I guess they have sales numbers to back this up. I just find it hard to believe that if promoted properly, "Little Mama" does not have more commercial potential than "take 137" of "Burning Love."

http://www.ep.gold.com/interviews/ONeal.html

[Greg1995]

The funny thing is that today I was thinking if the 3rd private acetate was really recorded (and exists).

Just lately I have spoken to Sean O'Neal and asked him if he believes there was a 3rd acetate and he said "No".

We have three receipts for three private Presley's acetates. The last one is dated June 9, 1954 - just a little over two weeks Elvis was requested by Sam Phillips to record Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" (acetate just recently found and released - a MIRACLE). I do believe there was something going on in June 1954...

There is still some stuff from the SUN-era waiting to be discovered. Just in almost 10 years these were uncovered:
- 1947 bike picture of Elvis in Memphis
- March 27, 1953 Humes High talent show
- 1953 Humes High bus trip picture
- 1954 unreleased Blue Light Studio portait (from Dixie Locke)
- October 1, 1955 "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" live Hayride recording
- May 1954 Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" acetate
- March 5, 1955 Hayride acetate including "Little Mama"
- May 26, 1955 Meridian, MS "That's All Right" live recording
- lots of unpublished pictures

There is one unreleased Hayride acetate from August 13, 1955

And I hope soon to be heard:
- June 1955 "Peace in the Valley" duet and interview recorded at KOSY radio station in Texarkana

I will keep digging!

[pmp]

The funny thing is that today I was thinking if the 3rd private acetate was really recorded (and exists).

Just lately I have spoken to Sean O'Neal and asked him if he believes there was a 3rd acetate and he said "No".

We have three receipts for three private Presley's acetates. The last one is dated June 9, 1954 - just a little over two weeks Elvis was requested by Sam Phillips to record Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" (acetate just recently found and released - a MIRACLE). I do believe there was something going on in June 1954...

There is still some stuff from the SUN-era waiting to be discovered. Just in almost 10 years these were uncovered:
- 1947 bike picture of Elvis in Memphis
- March 27, 1953 Humes High talent show
- 1953 Humes High bus trip picture
- 1954 unreleased Blue Light Studio portait (from Dixie Locke)
- October 1, 1955 "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" live Hayride recording
- May 1954 Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" acetate
- March 5, 1955 Hayride acetate including "Little Mama"
- May 26, 1955 Meridian, MS "That's All Right" live recording
- lots of unpublished pictures

There is one unreleased Hayride acetate from August 13, 1955

And I hope soon to be heard:
- June 1955 "Peace in the Valley" duet and interview recorded at KOSY radio station in Texarkana

I will keep digging!

Finding a picture tucked away in someone's attic is very different to finding a master recording on acetate of a song there is no record of. The same is true for those live recordings. Everyone's known (or guessed) he sang those songs in a live setting for years.

[drjohncarpenter]

The funny thing is that today I was thinking if the 3rd private acetate was really recorded (and exists).

Just lately I have spoken to Sean O'Neal and asked him if he believes there was a 3rd acetate and he said "No".

We have three receipts for three private Presley's acetates. The last one is dated June 9, 1954 - just a little over two weeks Elvis was requested by Sam Phillips to record Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" (acetate just recently found and released - a MIRACLE). I do believe there was something going on in June 1954...

There is still some stuff from the SUN-era waiting to be discovered. Just in almost 10 years these were uncovered:

- 1947 bike picture of Elvis in Memphis
- March 27, 1953 Humes High talent show
- 1953 Humes High bus trip picture
- 1954 unreleased Blue Light Studio portait (from Dixie Locke)
- October 1, 1955 "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" live Hayride recording
- May 1954 Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" acetate
- March 5, 1955 Hayride acetate including "Little Mama"
- May 26, 1955 Meridian, MS "That's All Right" live recording
- lots of unpublished pictures

There is one unreleased Hayride acetate from August 13, 1955

And I hope soon to be heard:
- June 1955 "Peace in the Valley" duet and interview recorded at KOSY radio station in Texarkana

I will keep digging!

A lot to unpack here, but the suggestion that we have not quite run out of things to hear (or see) from the early days is well taken.

A few questions and clarifications:


Questions:

- When did you speak with Sean O'Neal?
- He says "no" in 2021 to a third acetate? This implies he found out something, as he used to think there was one, what could it be?


Clarifications:

- Several of the items in your list have been known for many years, but were in private hands.
- For example, the Peer Music demo of "Without You" has been known for over 40 years. Only recently was the singer identified.
- The 5-26-1955 Meridian recording is the entire nationally-broadcast half-hour of the Rodgers Festival, only Elvis' song has been released.
- The fluke "wire recording" of "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" which surfaced on YouTube in 2012 is from 10-29-1955.
- Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.
- The 8-13-1955 Hayride acetate contains the same songs done a week later, but in terrible quality, no official release will be forthcoming here.
- The KOSY Radio duet couldn't have been in June. You stated elsewhere the Browns were present, but they weren't touring with Elvis then.





The receipts you speak of were uncovered and discussed here, by me, almost exactly 18 years ago (wow):

If you have the GREAT new Ger Rijff book "The Rock and Roll Years, Volume One" a secret or two is revealed.

On the sixth page is the receipt for Elvis' January 1954 Sun acetate. Presley apparently cut the tracks on Monday, 04 January and picked up the acetate on Wednesday, 06 January.

It is very similar to the 09 June 1954 receipt discussed a few months ago, which supports the latter's authenticity:

http://www.elvisrecordings.com/s540605.htm

Perhaps, after FIFTY years, 2004 will provide us with a place to hear the two songs Elvis cut for Sam Phillips on Saturday, June 5, 1954.

The peerless Master & Session Web site has now posted both Sun acetate receipts. Presley shelled out at least $16.50, a large sum for a teenager in 1954. Perhaps he wanted to be noticed ...



January 4, 1954 visit:

r540104.gif

June 5, 1954 visit:

r540605s.jpeg

Note that super collector Sean O'Neal confirmed in an interview that "Casual Love Affair" does indeed exist. Let's hope it finds a home on BMG, along with the flip side.

Are there more Sun acetates? Perhaps. Although no receipt may exist -- Sam Phillips would've paid for any rehearsal acetates he made specifically with Elvis.

Today, there is some belief that one or both may be very good forgeries.

I wish we knew for sure. Ger Rijff is no longer with us, and Sean O'Neal may be changing his tune.

Note the *date* of the receipts is not the same as the *date* of the visits.

You can see the visit dates are as I noted back in 2003: January 4th and June 5th. Sam would call Elvis in to try-out a number of songs three weeks after the date of the June 5th visit.

One thing no one can deny, I'm dedicated to the early days.

[TJ]

In the interview, Sean says:

"On the music front, I'm working on a project involving another unreleased Elvis Memphis Recording Service acetate. I can not really go into any other details other than to say that it is spectacular...

I really can not talk about it other than to say that the song titles are ones that legend says that Elvis recorded."

He then talks about "Casual Love Affair" separately:

"If you mean "Casual Love Affair," yes, it exists."

This implies that neither of the song titles featured in the planned project were "Casual Love Affair". What happened to that project?

If he is now saying that there was not a third acetate, does that mean that he no longer believes that "Casual Love Affair" exists? Or does he no longer believe that the songs that were going to feature in the project exist? He referred to the project as "spectacular", which does suggest that he'd heard the songs.

[drjohncarpenter]

In the interview, Sean says:

"On the music front, I'm working on a project involving another unreleased Elvis Memphis Recording Service acetate. I can not really go into any other details other than to say that it is spectacular...

I really can not talk about it other than to say that the song titles are ones that legend says that Elvis recorded."

He then talks about "Casual Love Affair" separately:

"If you mean "Casual Love Affair," yes, it exists."

This implies that neither of the song titles featured in the planned project were "Casual Love Affair". What happened to that project?

If he is now saying that there was not a third acetate, does that mean that he no longer believes that "Casual Love Affair" exists? Or does he no longer believe that the songs that were going to feature in the project exist? He referred to the project as "spectacular", which does suggest that he'd heard the songs.

All good questions. Do you have a Facebook account? Maybe you could ask him there on our behalf?

[TJ]

All good questions. Do you have a Facebook account? Maybe you could ask him there on our behalf?

Done. I'll report back if he responds.

[drjohncarpenter]

When ...

This is your 178th post on this topic. That's an average of almost two for every page of this discussion.

This was your 1st post on this topic, page 2, almost eleven years ago:

E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T....John !!!

Food for thought.

[Domino]

E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T....John !!!

Food for thought.

Kind of confirms the reason they are attacking this topic when you consider most of what we know about this topic was presented at the beginning and hasn't changed.

[ICanHelp]

Most of us have remained fairly open minded, if not downright indulgent, to the idea that Elvis actually recorded Tiger Man at Sun. The fact remains, however, that almost no solid evidence -- other than Elvis' statements

Totally worthless.

Worth quite a bit, and the reason why so many of us remain open to the possibility.

[jetblack]

Food for thought.

Kind of confirms the reason they are attacking this topic when you consider most of what we know about this topic was presented at the beginning and hasn't changed.

No one is attacking the topic they are stating their opinions.

It says something that in ten years you are no further forward in stating 'Tiger Man' was recorded, released as his second record and is out there somewhere. It is ALL rhetoric.

Zero evidence yet we all still go round in circles.

Andy

[Greg1995]

The funny thing is that today I was thinking if the 3rd private acetate was really recorded (and exists).

Just lately I have spoken to Sean O'Neal and asked him if he believes there was a 3rd acetate and he said "No".

We have three receipts for three private Presley's acetates. The last one is dated June 9, 1954 - just a little over two weeks Elvis was requested by Sam Phillips to record Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" (acetate just recently found and released - a MIRACLE). I do believe there was something going on in June 1954...

There is still some stuff from the SUN-era waiting to be discovered. Just in almost 10 years these were uncovered:

- 1947 bike picture of Elvis in Memphis
- March 27, 1953 Humes High talent show
- 1953 Humes High bus trip picture
- 1954 unreleased Blue Light Studio portait (from Dixie Locke)
- October 1, 1955 "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" live Hayride recording
- May 1954 Jimmy Sweeney's "Without You" acetate
- March 5, 1955 Hayride acetate including "Little Mama"
- May 26, 1955 Meridian, MS "That's All Right" live recording
- lots of unpublished pictures

There is one unreleased Hayride acetate from August 13, 1955

And I hope soon to be heard:
- June 1955 "Peace in the Valley" duet and interview recorded at KOSY radio station in Texarkana

I will keep digging!

A lot to unpack here, but the suggestion that we have not quite run out of things to hear (or see) from the early days is well taken.

A few questions and clarifications:


Questions:

- When did you speak with Sean O'Neal?
- He says "no" in 2021 to a third acetate? This implies he found out something, as he used to think there was one, what could it be?


Clarifications:

- Several of the items in your list have been known for many years, but were in private hands.
- For example, the Peer Music demo of "Without You" has been known for over 40 years. Only recently was the singer identified.
- The 5-26-1955 Meridian recording is the entire nationally-broadcast half-hour of the Rodgers Festival, only Elvis' song has been released.
- The fluke "wire recording" of "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" which surfaced on YouTube in 2012 is from 10-29-1955.
- Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.
- The 8-13-1955 Hayride acetate contains the same songs done a week later, but in terrible quality, no official release will be forthcoming here.
- The KOSY Radio duet couldn't have been in June. You stated elsewhere the Browns were present, but they weren't touring with Elvis then.





The receipts you speak of were uncovered and discussed here, by me, almost exactly 18 years ago (wow):

If you have the GREAT new Ger Rijff book "The Rock and Roll Years, Volume One" a secret or two is revealed.

On the sixth page is the receipt for Elvis' January 1954 Sun acetate. Presley apparently cut the tracks on Monday, 04 January and picked up the acetate on Wednesday, 06 January.

It is very similar to the 09 June 1954 receipt discussed a few months ago, which supports the latter's authenticity:

http://www.elvisrecordings.com/s540605.htm

Perhaps, after FIFTY years, 2004 will provide us with a place to hear the two songs Elvis cut for Sam Phillips on Saturday, June 5, 1954.

The peerless Master & Session Web site has now posted both Sun acetate receipts. Presley shelled out at least $16.50, a large sum for a teenager in 1954. Perhaps he wanted to be noticed ...



January 4, 1954 visit:






June 5, 1954 visit:






Note that super collector Sean O'Neal confirmed in an interview that "Casual Love Affair" does indeed exist. Let's hope it finds a home on BMG, along with the flip side.

Are there more Sun acetates? Perhaps. Although no receipt may exist -- Sam Phillips would've paid for any rehearsal acetates he made specifically with Elvis.

Today, there is some belief that one or both may be very good forgeries.

I wish we knew for sure. Ger Rijff is no longer with us, and Sean O'Neal may be changing his tune.

Note the *date* of the receipts is not the same as the *date* of the visits.

You can see the visit dates are as I noted back in 2003: January 4th and June 5th. Sam would call Elvis in to try-out a number of songs three weeks after the date of the June 5th visit.

One thing no one can deny, I'm dedicated to the early days.

I spoke to Sean in July of 2020. See the attachment.

Elvis was also present at The Prisonaires recording session on June 1, 1953 when they cut "Just Walkin' in the Rain". He helped Johnny Bragg with some phrasing. Sam must have been there and maybe Elvis should have caught his attention,, but the official account is that it happened a year later.

I have no problem believing Elvis did a 3rd private demo record.

The problem with the known receipts is the price. It doesn't match. IIRC it should be 4.00$ for two sides rather than 8.25$.

[Swedish]

Elvis was also present at The Prisonaires recording session on June 1, 1953 when they cut "Just Walkin' in the Rain". He helped Johnny Bragg with some phrasing.

Where are this info coming from?

[Greg1995]

Elvis was also present at The Prisonaires recording session on June 1, 1953 when they cut "Just Walkin' in the Rain". He helped Johnny Bragg with some phrasing.

Where are this info coming from?

Johnny Bragg's recollections.
The funny thing is that the back side label of the 1953 " My Hapiness" acetate was "Softly and Tenderly" by The Prisonaires.

Also I do think Elvis might have made some public, unprofessional appearances between the 1953 Humes High talent shows and the June 1954 Sun Records audition.

[pmp]

Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.

A landmark book, over a decade in the making, and no evidence found that Tiger Man was ever recorded at Sun

"Food for thought."

[Greg1995]

Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.

A landmark book, over a decade in the making, and no evidence found that Tiger Man was ever recorded at Sun

"Food for thought."

The book is from 2012 and could be easily upgraded with new information and pictures that have surfaced from the time of its release.

It is not complete overview of the early days (and never will be), because there always will be some new stuff turning up.

As for the 3rd private acetate the only document and proof we have is the receipt. Also logic and common sense may indicate that there was/is the 3rd private demo recording.

As for "Tiger Man" at Sun we have no evidence, paperwork, anything. But think of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". Elvis performed this song often during the Sun days (we even have live recording) and we even have two 1955 radio station acetates of it (KDAV and WJOI). However we have exactly no proof, documentation etc of the song being tried-out or recorded at Sun Studios. But the logic and common sense says given the fact that we have 1955 live or radio performances of it, Elvis probably must have at least tried this song at Sun.

Also take the "How Do You Think I Feel?" session tape. If we didn't have the recording of Elvis trying this song out at Sun, we wouldn't even probably consider it was tried out, no known live performances of the song in 1954-1955.

Also "My Baby's Gone" WHBQ acetate. No information before that of Elvis recording this slow version at Sun. And we wouldn't even imagine and consider Sam Phillips pressed the actual acetate and sent it to DJ Dewey Phillips and gave it a chance on the radio.

Sadly, we will never hear the entire September 1954 "Good Rockin' Tonight" session as it was recorded over with the Prisonaires recording session.

I would love if Elvis had covered 1955 Billy "The Kid" Emerson's "Red Hot". Good song and rhytm.

Many mysteries and many possibilities...

[Sebastian E]

Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.

A landmark book, over a decade in the making, and no evidence found that Tiger Man was ever recorded at Sun

"Food for thought."

The book is from 2012 and could be easily upgraded with new information and pictures that have surfaced from the time of its release.

It is not complete overview of the early days (and never will be), because there always will be some new stuff turning up.

As for the 3rd private acetate the only document and proof we have is the receipt. Also logic and common sense may indicate that there was/is the 3rd private demo recording.

As for "Tiger Man" at Sun we have no evidence, paperwork, anything. But think of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". Elvis performed this song often during the Sun days (we even have live recording) and we even have two 1955 radio station acetates of it (KDAV and WJOI). However we have exactly no proof, documentation etc of the song being tried-out or recorded at Sun Studios. But the logic and common sense says given the fact that we have 1955 live or radio performances of it, Elvis probably must have at least tried this song at Sun.

Also take the "How Do You Think I Feel?" session tape. If we didn't have the recording of Elvis trying this song out at Sun, we wouldn't even probably consider it was tried out, no known live performances of the song in 1954-1955.

Also "My Baby's Gone" WHBQ acetate. No information before that of Elvis recording this slow version at Sun. And we wouldn't even imagine and consider Sam Phillips pressed the actual acetate and sent it to DJ Dewey Phillips and gave it a chance on the radio.

Many mysteries and many possibilities...

According to Ger Rijff, the receipt is a forgery. It should therefore not be considered evidence for the existence of a third acetate.

Guys, have to disappoint you again. The above invoices are almost surely fake. Made by the frikkin' Germans who ripped me and many other collectors off by selling so called 'original' pieces ...that were made by an expert forgerer!!

https://theelvisforum-phoenix.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10916&start=15#p131702

Interesting that Sean O'Neil now no longer sticks to his statement from the old interview. So there is currently no concrete evidence that there was ever a third acetate.

[Greg1995]

Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.

A landmark book, over a decade in the making, and no evidence found that Tiger Man was ever recorded at Sun

"Food for thought."

The book is from 2012 and could be easily upgraded with new information and pictures that have surfaced from the time of its release.

It is not complete overview of the early days (and never will be), because there always will be some new stuff turning up.

As for the 3rd private acetate the only document and proof we have is the receipt. Also logic and common sense may indicate that there was/is the 3rd private demo recording.

As for "Tiger Man" at Sun we have no evidence, paperwork, anything. But think of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". Elvis performed this song often during the Sun days (we even have live recording) and we even have two 1955 radio station acetates of it (KDAV and WJOI). However we have exactly no proof, documentation etc of the song being tried-out or recorded at Sun Studios. But the logic and common sense says given the fact that we have 1955 live or radio performances of it, Elvis probably must have at least tried this song at Sun.

Also take the "How Do You Think I Feel?" session tape. If we didn't have the recording of Elvis trying this song out at Sun, we wouldn't even probably consider it was tried out, no known live performances of the song in 1954-1955.

Also "My Baby's Gone" WHBQ acetate. No information before that of Elvis recording this slow version at Sun. And we wouldn't even imagine and consider Sam Phillips pressed the actual acetate and sent it to DJ Dewey Phillips and gave it a chance on the radio.

Many mysteries and many possibilities...

According to Ger Rijff, the receipt is a forgery. It should therefore not be considered evidence for the existence of a third acetate.

Guys, have to disappoint you again. The above invoices are almost surely fake. Made by the frikkin' Germans who ripped me and many other collectors off by selling so called 'original' pieces ...that were made by an expert forgerer!!

https://theelvisforum-phoenix.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10916&start=15#p131702

Interesting that Sean O'Neil now no longer sticks to his statement from the old interview. So there is currently no concrete evidence that there was ever a third acetate.

I've read that too, that's why I sad it might be a forgery along with the other two receipts.
Almost to good to be true to have them all, but as I've said before I have no problem imagining Elvis cut 3rd private acetate.

[pmp]

Hundreds of photos from the early years were found and first published in 2012 by Ernst Jørgensen in his landmark A Boy From Tupelo.

A landmark book, over a decade in the making, and no evidence found that Tiger Man was ever recorded at Sun

"Food for thought."

The book is from 2012 and could be easily upgraded with new information and pictures that have surfaced from the time of its release.

It is not complete overview of the early days (and never will be), because there always will be some new stuff turning up.

As for the 3rd private acetate the only document and proof we have is the receipt. Also logic and common sense may indicate that there was/is the 3rd private demo recording.

As for "Tiger Man" at Sun we have no evidence, paperwork, anything. But think of "Shake, Rattle and Roll". Elvis performed this song often during the Sun days (we even have live recording) and we even have two 1955 radio station acetates of it (KDAV and WJOI). However we have exactly no proof, documentation etc of the song being tried-out or recorded at Sun Studios. But the logic and common sense says given the fact that we have 1955 live or radio performances of it, Elvis probably must have at least tried this song at Sun.

Also take the "How Do You Think I Feel?" session tape. If we didn't have the recording of Elvis trying this song out at Sun, we wouldn't even probably consider it was tried out, no known live performances of the song in 1954-1955.

Also "My Baby's Gone" WHBQ acetate. No information before that of Elvis recording this slow version at Sun. And we wouldn't even imagine and consider Sam Phillips pressed the actual acetate and sent it to DJ Dewey Phillips and gave it a chance on the radio.

Sadly, we will never hear the entire September 1954 "Good Rockin' Tonight" session as it was recorded over with the Prisonaires recording session.

I would love if Elvis had covered 1955 Billy "The Kid" Emerson's "Red Hot". Good song and rhytm.

Many mysteries and many possibilities...

But the reason we have How Do You Think I Feel was because Sam recorded it, kept it, and passed the tapes on. He did the same with I Got a Woman, Satisfied, the early version of Trying to Get to You, When It Rains It Really Pours, Harbor Lights, Tomorrow Night, and for the tracks that RCA went on to release in the 1950s that Sam mostly had no interest in releasing (I Love You Because, Blue Moon, Trying to Get to You,

Bearing that in mind, it blows out of the water the notion that Sam would record over important recordings just to save tape. We know that it was his practice to keep every master because he did the same for the likes of Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. He might have recorded over outtakes sometimes, but there is no evidence he recorded over something he considered a finished product.

And yet here we have it put forward that a song was considered a master, thought enough of to press acetates and give out to DJs, but Sam didn't keep the recording and pass it on to RCA with all the others I've listed! It makes absolutely no sense that he would keep the Sun ballads but record over something he considered viable for Elvis's second record. Not only that, but we have no paperwork, no-one's heard it, and Elvis wasn't known to sing it live during the 1950s.

And, yet again, trying a song out is not what is being argued here. It's being argued that a master created and it was a planned second record. And we KNOW both from how he treated Elvis's masters and those of other artists that Sam would not have recorded over such a recording or not handed the tape over.

[Greg1995]

The tapes handed over in December 1955 did not include all the masters, as RCA had to use dubs from SUN singles before they could release them. We don't know what other masters may have existed in addition to the known recordings.

RCA dubbed "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "You're a Heartbreaker" from SUN singles. Maybe the reason for that was that the original session reel was either recorded over, erased, mis-labelled or lost. As we all know Sun Records inventory was pretty much a mess at that time regarding tapes, session logs and other documentation.

[pmp]

The tapes handed over in December 1955 did not include all the masters, as RCA had to use dubs from SUN singles before they could release them. We don't know what other masters may have existed in addition to the known recordings.

RCA dubbed "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "You're a Heartbreaker" from SUN singles. Maybe the reason for that was that the original session reel was either recorded over, erased, mis-labelled or lost. As we all know Sun Records inventory was pretty much a mess at that time regarding tapes, session logs and other documentation.

My point being that we do not know exactly what other masters were "recorded over, erased, mis-labelled or lost". Maybe more than the two you mentioned...

It is just as likely that RCA lost the tape as Sam Phillips. Of the 15 tapes we know of, more than half were sent to Indy in 1957 and never seen again!

[Greg1995]

The tapes handed over in December 1955 did not include all the masters, as RCA had to use dubs from SUN singles before they could release them. We don't know what other masters may have existed in addition to the known recordings.

RCA dubbed "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "You're a Heartbreaker" from SUN singles. Maybe the reason for that was that the original session reel was either recorded over, erased, mis-labelled or lost. As we all know Sun Records inventory was pretty much a mess at that time regarding tapes, session logs and other documentation.

My point being that we do not know exactly what other masters were "recorded over, erased, mis-labelled or lost". Maybe more than the two you mentioned...

It is just as likely that RCA lost the tape as Sam Phillips. Of the 15 tapes we know of, more than half were sent to Indy in 1957 and never seen again!

They were probably dumped in 1959 as RCA documentation says so...

[drjohncarpenter]

I spoke to Sean in July of 2020. See the attachment.

Elvis was also present at The Prisonaires recording session on June 1, 1953 when they cut "Just Walkin' in the Rain". He helped Johnny Bragg with some phrasing. Sam must have been there and maybe Elvis should have caught his attention,, but the official account is that it happened a year later.

I have no problem believing Elvis did a 3rd private demo record.

The problem with the known receipts is the price. It doesn't match. IIRC it should be 4.00$ for two sides rather than 8.25$.

So O'Neal has definitely changed his mind about a third acetate since the interview from about 18 years ago. It would be interesting to learn what information he came across that changed his mind. And ask about the "other recordings" he knows about.

I trust all the clarifications in my previous post were duly noted. It is important to get your facts right.

On that note, I question your assertion that Elvis was in Sun Studios helping lead singer Johnny Bragg with phrasing. There is little evidence to support this beyond a Bragg recollection. And the fact that neither Sam Phillips nor Marion Keisker ever mentioned such a thing happening seems quite important.

Even more significantly, Elvis was still a senior at Humes High School on Monday, June 1, 1953. He couldn't have possibly been present at an all day session unless he skipped school. Just two days later was his graduation ceremony at Ellis Auditorium. So it is a big mistake to write "Elvis was present."

[Fish]

I spoke to Sean in July of 2020. See the attachment.

Elvis was also present at The Prisonaires recording session on June 1, 1953 when they cut "Just Walkin' in the Rain". He helped Johnny Bragg with some phrasing. Sam must have been there and maybe Elvis should have caught his attention,, but the official account is that it happened a year later.

I have no problem believing Elvis did a 3rd private demo record.

The problem with the known receipts is the price. It doesn't match. IIRC it should be 4.00$ for two sides rather than 8.25$.

So O'Neal has definitely changed his mind about a third acetate since the interview from about 18 years ago. It would be interesting to learn what information he came across that changed his mind. And ask about the "other recordings" he knows about.

I trust all the clarifications in my previous post were duly noted. It is important to get your facts right.

On that note, I question your assertion that Elvis was in Sun Studios helping lead singer Johnny Bragg with phrasing. There is little evidence to support this beyond a Bragg recollection. And the fact that neither Sam Phillips nor Marion Keisker ever mentioned such a thing happening seems quite important.

Even more significantly, Elvis was still a senior at Humes High School on Monday, June 1, 1953. He couldn't have possibly been present at an all day session unless he skipped school. Just two days later was his graduation ceremony at Ellis Auditorium. So it is a big mistake to write "Elvis was present."

In most countries I would assume that there are no more lessons two days before a graduation ceremony. Elvis could perhaps have had the day off? I have no knowledge regarding high school education programmes in the fifties in the US so this is an honest question. However, it seems unlikely that Elvis helped out in Sun. I am sure other people, like Sam, would have mentioned this at some point.