Who doesn’t love Elvis? Many musicians come and go, but Elvis remains an American icon. His distinctive voice, hairdo, and hip-swiveling are recognizable across all generations. My love for Elvis started when I was young—I remember watching Jailhouse Rock as a kid and desperately trying to dance like the King in my living room. (Spoiler: I never quite nailed it.)
Because Elvis is such a household name, you probably already own an Elvis record or two. But if you want to expand your collection or dive deeper into Elvis’s discography, this article is for you. We’ll explore the best of Elvis Presley’s records for you to collect and help you build a collection any fan would envy.
THE CROWN JEWELS
Before Elvis became the King, he recorded over twenty songs at Sun Studio. These recordings may not feature the most recognizable Elvis hits, but they’re very special for collectors. Sun Records was Elvis’s first label, and his work during this period is often considered the foundation of rock and roll.
Pressings from this era are highly sought after, especially if kept in mint condition. You’re very likely to find a good listing on platforms like eBay. But if you’re hunting for vintage originals, just be careful with what you buy. Some indie presses print re-releases using the Sun Records logo. These reissues aren’t meant to be deceptive and typically include clear labeling in the listing, but it’s still a good idea to double-check before making a purchase!
Some other highly sought-after singles are the RCA Victor Gold Standard Series. These 45 RPM reissues originally featured a distinctive gold label and are very collectible. The Gold Standard Series has a long history and is very popular among Elvis collectors. Some of the rarest pressings from this series are the orange labels. Notable for their unremarkable bland design, these are now prized by Elvis’s collectors for their scarcity.
THE ALBUMS
Casual Elvis may know him best for his number-one hits, but his discography covers much more. Elvis was great at various genres, including gospel, country, and rock and roll. For me, one album that really shows his versatility as an artist is his self-titled debut, Elvis Presley. Recorded during Elvis’s rise to fame, many original pressings are listed online for collectors. Some copies have sold for as cheap as $10—which is crazy for a vinyl this old.
My favorite Elvis album is the soundtrack to Blue Hawaii. While I think the movie isn’t anything special, the music is at another level. I’ve always loved Hawaiian music, and I adore the steel pedal guitar; it’s my favorite instrument. Plus, this album gave us “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” For me, that’s the best Elvis song ever.
And, of course, we can’t talk about Elvis’s albums without mentioning the Elvis (1968) soundtrack and From Elvis In Memphis. The late ‘60s weren’t kind to Elvis—music was rapidly evolving, and his career had stagnated. These two albums helped prove Elvis’s comeback by refining his electrifying stage persona, but the sound is also more mature. If you get the chance, add these to your collection—you’ll feel the magic.
THE COMPILATIONS
Box sets, compilations, and collections are where Elvis truly shines. Elvis constantly topped the charts through his hit singles, and many of his best songs have been thoughtfully compiled into box sets. If you’re going to check out just one recommendation from this article, I strongly urge you to listen to Elvis: 30 #1 Hits. It’s a collection of the King’s most noteworthy songs. You can easily find it on vinyl, too.
I usually recommend vinyl in these articles, but some of the best Elvis box sets were released as CD collections. For vinyl lovers like me, this sounds crazy. However, the love and effort put into these box sets can’t be understated. My favorite ones are the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s masters. These were released during the 1990s, and the accompanying stamps and booklets are filled with charm.
The most complete CD box set is Elvis: The RCA Album Collection. It consists of 60 (yes, sixty!) discs, and each CD is made to look like the original RCA vinyl. This set was released in 2016, but it’s a bit tricky to find a fair price today. I recommend you check your local music stores before venturing online.
THE VERDICT
During his lifetime, Elvis sold millions of copies. Some of his albums were certified gold in less than a year—a remarkable feat. Because there were so many made, there are plenty of original copies of Elvis’s albums and singles out there. If you want to expand your collection, hunting down those originals is a great place to start. Early reissues pressed shortly after the originals are also abundant and of great quality.
That said, there are many Elvis’s box sets out there. These are usually remastered or high-fidelity releases of the originals. However, some can feel gimmicky or redundant, and, in many cases, they may also be much more expensive than the originals. Unless you’re a die-hard Elvis fan looking to expand your collection further, I’d recommend focusing on the essential releases before diving into the more niche box sets.
David Espino-Lozada is a writer and editor with a passion for literature and poetry. He has published numerous articles and is also involved in writing sci-fi for video games. An avid collector, David has an extensive collection of books, music, and vintage male clothing. When he’s not writing, he enjoys diving into the depths of the internet and libraries, indulging his fascination with the world of collectibles and heirlooms.
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