A pivotal piece of music history, the acetate recording of Elvis Presley’s first-ever song, “My Happiness,” has commanded a remarkable $300,000 at auction. The sale took place at Graceland, the iconic former home of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” on what would have been his 80th birthday. An anonymous buyer secured the winning bid online, highlighting the enduring global fascination with Presley’s legacy.
The 78 rpm record, distinguished by its faded yellow label, initially sold for $240,000. This figure, however, excludes the 25 percent buyer’s premium, amounting to $60,000, which was paid to Graceland Auctions. The bidding for this historically significant artifact commenced at a substantial $50,000, underscoring its immense value to collectors and fans alike.
The auction featured a collection of other personal items belonging to Presley, including scarves worn during his electrifying concerts, gold necklaces bearing his “TCB” (Taking Care of Business) initials, prescription sunglasses custom-made for him, and his very first driver’s license. Yet, the undisputed centerpiece and primary draw was the “My Happiness” record. Its significance is amplified by its place at the very genesis of Presley’s meteoric career, a journey that tragically concluded in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The acetate recording remains in its original condition and is fully playable, offering a direct auditory link to Presley’s earliest musical endeavors.
In 1953, an 18-year-old Elvis Presley entered Sun Records in Memphis, the renowned studio operated by Sam Phillips, to record “My Happiness.” For this foundational recording, Presley, who hailed from a family without a record player, paid $4. According to accounts, Presley, eager to hear his work, left the acetate at the home of a friend, Ed Leek, as he did not have a record player readily available.
The record remained in Leek’s possession for sixty years, kept safely in a locked container. Following the passing of both Leek and his wife, the acetate was inherited by their niece, Lorisa Hilburn. Residing in Rockledge, Florida, Hilburn contacted Graceland, leading to the record being offered for public sale.
Post-auction, Hilburn expressed her astonishment at the record’s final sale price, admitting she had not anticipated such a high valuation. While she has already indulged in an iPad, her primary plan is to invest the remaining $240,000, with a portion allocated to funding her two sons’ college education. “I’m very happy,” Hilburn shared, her smile beaming as auctioneer Wendell Hanson finalized the sale. She described the experience as “surreal,” marked by pre-auction adrenaline followed by a sense of numbness once the bidding concluded.
Before ascending to the throne as the “King of Rock n’ Roll,” Presley was a reserved young man who had relocated to Memphis from Tupelo, Mississippi, with his parents. His passion for singing eventually led him to summon the courage to visit Sun Records.
On that particular day, Sam Phillips was absent, and Presley was assisted by Phillips’s colleague, Marion Keisker. Presley performed “My Happiness,” which became the A-side of the record, and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” for side B. These renditions were slow ballads, offering little indication of the revolutionary force Presley would soon become in the emergence of rock ‘n’ roll.
Following the recording session, Keisker meticulously noted Presley’s name and contact details, adding a commendation of his talent as a ballad singer. It was in 1954 that Presley recorded the more energetic “That’s All Right” at Sun Records. This track marked Presley’s inaugural hit, propelling him into a career of unprecedented success, marked by chart-topping songs like “Hound Dog” and “Suspicious Minds,” and starring roles in popular films such as “Jailhouse Rock.”
The narrative surrounding the “My Happiness” recording is a customary part of the tour at Sun Records, now a preserved museum. Beyond Elvis Presley, Sam Phillips also launched the careers of other music titans at Sun, including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
Jayne Ellen Brooks, the public relations director at Sun Records, emphasizes the profound importance of the “My Happiness” record. She states that it offers fans their initial exposure to Presley’s burgeoning talent. “This was a pop ballad song typically performed by female singers, so the choice of song is quite intriguing,” Brooks remarked. “It truly encapsulates Elvis before he became famous.”
In anticipation of the auction, devoted fans gathered outside Graceland, braving sub-freezing temperatures for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony. Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s former wife, and their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, were present at the morning’s heartfelt event.
The “My Happiness” acetate is more than just a recording; it’s a tangible link to the formative moments of an artist who would redefine popular music. This artifact serves as a testament to the humble beginnings of Elvis Presley, reminding us that even legends start somewhere. Exploring the early works and inspirations behind iconic artists like Presley provides invaluable cultural insights into the evolution of music and its impact on society. We encourage you to delve deeper into the rich history of early rock and roll and discover the foundational tracks that shaped the music we cherish today.