ELVIS 78 rpm MGM lacquer test from "Girl Happy," 1964

$

900

This is a lacquer test pressing consisting of two songs frm the MGM film "Girl Happy," starring Elvis Presley (1965). On this disc, Elvis sings "Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce" b/w "I've Gotta Find My Baby" - In the film, these performances only lasted 1:30 each, but this disc includes the complete recorded performances, each lasting around 2:30. The discs include voiced slates and take numbers.  The session was done at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. Recording date is listed as June 16, 1964. The session is fully mixed, and monaural, complete with the Jordanaires' vocal backing and instrumental background. The background musicians include Scotty Moore, Billy Strange, and Tommy Tedesco on guitars, Bob Moore on bass, D.J. Fontana or Buddy Harman on drums, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Boots Randolph on saxophone. These are apparently the full versions of the two songs, which were then edited down when they were dubbed into the final film. They do not appear to be alternate takes, but the actual full performances of what is on the film. (Randolph's saxophone solo on "Gotta Find My Baby" is note-for-note what's in the film.) You can see and hear both performances from the film by searching YouTube, but please note that the recordings on this disc last for one minute longer than what you hear on the film and on the RCA Victor soundtrack LP.

The record is a 10" lacquer issued with the MGM Culver City studios logo at the top. Condition is E to E+. There are some slight after-effects of storage mold, which I have cleaned off. The record plays beautifully, with some slight crackle at the beginning of each side and occasional pops. Most of each recording is crisp and clear. This is not a dub from any other recorded performance. You should play it with a 78 rpm stylus of no less than 2.7 mm diameter.  There is an extra mounting hole punched into the label (see scans).  A beautiful copy. This is as late a U.S. 78 rpm disc that I have seen, and for it to be a record by Elvis Presley makes it a boon for the discerning collector. This record will be offered once. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer any.

I have a 100% feedback record with eBay and have been a seller of rare 78s for more than 10 years. My shipping is impeccable and you can rest assured that the utmost care will be taken in packing and shipping this historically important item.