Rockin’ The King (Various Artists)

10″ LP with covers of Elvis Presley’s groundbreaking hits of the 1950s. When Elvis Presley exploded in 1956, the swivel-hipped rocker’s avalanche of hits provided ample fodder for BELL RECORDS. Arthur Shimkin’s budget-priced label subsisted on a steady diet of well-done covers that utilized top New York studios and some of the city’s leading session musicians, BELL’s roster of vocalists trying hard to capture the feel of Elvis’ groundbreaking rock and roll. This collection brings together a dozen BELL covers of Presley smashes; the best known artist that BELL assigned to tackle Elvis’ songbook being R&B sax blaster Buddy Lucas, who did full vocal justice to Hound Dog and Don’t Be Cruel. Ex-big band crooner Artie Malvin got the call to croon Love Me Tender and rock out on Jailhouse Rock and I Beg Of You, while BELL perennial Barry Frank belted Too Much, (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, and Love Me. BELL singers Eddie Mercer, Bob Adams, Ronnie Martino and Jerry Pearl only got one shot apiece at Presley’s hit-dominated output, each acquitting himself admirably. This album is a truly singular tribute to the King!