Introduction:
“When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” is a classic song famously covered by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. While originally written by Wiley Walker and Gene Sullivan and first recorded in the early 1940s, Elvis’s rendition brought the song to a massive new audience and remains the most widely recognized version. Elvis Presley recorded his take on this tune on September 2, 1956, a pivotal year in his explosive rise to superstardom.
Elvis’s recording of “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” was released in 1956. It was featured on his second album, simply titled “Elvis”. This album followed his groundbreaking debut and further cemented his place in the burgeoning rock and roll landscape. The song also appeared on the EP (Extended Play) record “Elvis, Volume 1”, also released in 1956. These releases were crucial in disseminating Elvis’s unique sound to a rapidly growing fanbase.
The genre of “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again,” as performed by Elvis Presley, can be categorized primarily as Rock and Roll, infused with strong elements of Country and Rockabilly. This fusion was characteristic of Elvis’s early style, blending the raw energy of rhythm and blues with the storytelling and instrumentation of country music, underpinned by a youthful, rebellious rock and roll sensibility. The recording features the classic lineup of Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, along with backing vocals by The Jordanaires, creating the signature sound that defined early rock and roll.
While not released as a standalone single, “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” achieved notable success as an album track. Its popularity contributed to the strong sales of both the “Elvis” LP and the “Elvis, Volume 1” EP. The song itself reached number 19 on the Billboard Top 100 chart based on the strength of its EP sales, demonstrating its significant appeal to the record-buying public. Furthermore, Elvis famously performed the song on his third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on January 6, 1957, a performance that was viewed by millions and further cemented the song in the public consciousness and showcased his dynamic stage presence. Its inclusion on a major network television show at the height of his early fame underscores its importance in his repertoire at the time. This continued exposure solidified “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” as a memorable track within Elvis Presley’s legendary discography.