Elvis Presley’s first guitar played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey and eventual rise to fame. In 1946, when Elvis was just 11 years old, his mother, Gladys, purchased him his first guitar as a birthday gift. The guitar was not a traditional acoustic model; instead, it was a relatively inexpensive beginner’s instrument – a 1940s-era Kay “Texan” guitar.
Elvis’s fascination with music and his determination to learn how to play the guitar were evident from the start. He took lessons from local guitarist Lee Denson and also received guidance from his family and friends. Over time, he developed his unique style and incorporated a variety of musical influences, including gospel, country, and rhythm and blues.
Elvis and the guitar were inseparable during his time in Tupelo, throughout high school in Memphis, at the first recording sessions at Sun records, and on the road performing early in his career. Back in the summer of 1955, Elvis and the band toured throughout the South. Red West was Elvis’ friend from their high school days, and Elvis asked him to travel with them. During off-time, Red took an interest in guitar playing, and Scotty Moore taught him the basics.
Can you match the lyrics to the correct Elvis Presley song?