This five-disc set was the first release in BMG's effort to present Elvis's recorded legacy in a manner befitting the most important musical artist of his time. The strategy was simple--showcase, in chronological order, remastered versions of the King's 1950s output, from his sessions with Sam Phillips at Sun Studios (where they arguably invented the very notion of rock & roll) through his 1958 Army induction. Not everything Elvis recorded in the '50s was great (just as not everything he recorded in Hollywood was rotten), but there are dozens of tracks here that, quite simply, can make a bad day seem all that much better. Which surely still makes him the king of something. Suffice it to say this is one box set that lives up to its title. --Bill Holdship

Customer Rating:
Summary: A must have
Comment: The definitive collection of Elvis' 1950's output. What makes it great is that you get all of the Sun material plus the Christmas music,misc. live and alternate takes and an obscure audio interview. If you are a true Elvis fan then you wont find buying this set. Its worth every penny.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The King Of Rock & Roll The Complete 50's Masters
Comment: I have this box set the sound quality is very good. If you want the complete 50's collection you must have this box set it is all you will need. I also have the 60's and 70's box set masters to complete my collection and all are great i highly recommend this to all Elvis Fans. I have been a long time fan and i know quality when i hear it and this is definitely great quality buy it.

Anne

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Word "Essential" Is Often Over-Used - But Not Here
Comment: If you're an Elvis Presley fan there is no need to go into the details of the music that gave birth to R&R - it's all here. Everything he recorded in the 1950s. If you were born in 1977 or later and only know of The King from hearsay, this box-set is a musical history lesson.

Adding to the lustre of this wonderful collection from RCA Victor is the multi-page book containing numerous photographs, record label reproductions, including the Sun 78 rpm issues, all his LP/EP covers, poster reproductions, a complete 1950s discography, and reams of fascinating liner notes by Peter Guralnick.

There is also an advertisement giving you a compete listing of Elvis videos, along with a sheet of 36 "collectable" stamps depicting his album covers.

All in all, a marvelous collection which truly lives up to the adjective "essential" like no other.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: "Hold me close, hold me tight...."
Comment: This is the definitive early Elvis recordings collection to own as well as begin one's journey when understanding where the roots of rock and roll began and forever changed the face of popular music. It is appropriately titled, ELVIS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL: THE COMPLETE 50's MASTERS. These are master recordings that cover the years 1953-1959, and includes all of his legendary and classic hits, such as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," and "Don't Be Cruel." Once one hears the somewhat haunting opening track, "My Happiness," a song made famous by Connie Francis, and subsequent unreleased tracks within the five CDs that have not been heard before, there is no doubt that Elvis had indeed an immaculate voice where he crossed musical genres and boundaries: blues, country, soul, gospel, rock and roll, and rockabilly; undoubtedly he said it all during a Sun recording session, " I don't sound like nobody."

RCA and BMG music exceptionally and lovingly compiled this box set. Besides the five CDs, there also includes a beautifully presented souvenir book that provides a detailed chronology of Elvis's recordings, which includes his Sun and RCA records session dates as well as soundtrack sessions, catalog numbers of each US and UK album release, and most importantly, the book illustrates the excitement of Elvis mania with the display of photographs, singles, album covers, and short anecdotes and reminiscences of various sessions as noted by Peter Guralnick.

ELVIS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL box set will leave one breathless. Elvis Presley was one of a kind, and continues to be emulated by fans and new generations alike as they discover and rediscover his music. Indeed, Elvis is still everywhere.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The Complete 50's Masters
Comment: Do yourself a favor and order this collection along with the 60's & 70's. There are songs you won't find on other CD's, and hear Elvis as a regular "guy" just makes you love him more.

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