

Starting with 1956’s seminal one-two punch of Elvis Presley and Elvis—cue the firecracker incitement of “Blue Suede Shoes”—this career-defining nine-album set tracks The King’s shrewd evolution from scene-crashing country boy to soft-featured mainstream pinup. Twanging romps like “Ready Teddy” and “So Glad You’re Mine” highlight his assured blending of raw blues, country, and pop ingredients into a tumultuous yet tender hybrid. Even when soundtracking his own movies and crooning Christmas chestnuts, the man oozes larger-than-life charisma to this day.