Although featured in a movie, Jailhouse Rock comes from 1957. Smack in the middle of the 1956-58 string of legitimate hits.
The slam on Elvis's show tunes reflects his post-Army era when he recorded a string of dreadful show tunes. I didn't say he recorded only dreadful show tunes. But he did record a string of dreadful show tunes.
“But he did record a string of dreadful show tunes. “
I absolutely agree. Many were beyond horrible, especially when looking at them now. I was 6 years old in 1965 and I have to admit that my friends and I thought Elvis was about the coolest thing ever. Man did we love to playact the roles in his movies and sing the songs.
Not much real value in that-but to a six year old, man those were good times.
One does wonder though what might have been if he could have pursued his own interest.