Jack White has always been an advocate of restoring old recordings. It’s what motivated him to spend millions of dollars to revitalize recordings from the Paramount Records archive, from 1917-1932, that would surely have otherwise been lost. Now, White is up to it again, as it was just revealed that he was the anonymous buyer who spent $300,000 to purchase Elvis Presley’s first-ever record.
An interview in Billboard shares a quote from White, who strode into the Third Man Records office carrying a black leather briefcase: “This is the first recording ever made by Elvis Presley. On Record Store Day, Third Man Records will issue this on vinyl.”
While the record is indisputably Elvis’ first recording, from July 18 1953, there are varying stories behind its origins. One story claims that Elvis’ friend Ed Leek paid him four dollars to lay down some songs, while another suggests that Elvis entered the studio on his own accord, to record two songs for his mother.
Regardless, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” were printed, stored by Leek’s niece for decades, auctioned, and purchased by Jack White. The songs have appeared on many compilations throughout the years, but this is a whole new level. White’s devotion to music history and to vinyl remains unparalleled, and we’re grateful for it.
Listen to the two songs below. The recordings are primitive, but there’s no mistaking Presley’s iconic voice.
[Via Billboard]