When Elvis went into the RCA studio to record Hound Dog and then Don't Be Cruel,he insisted on 30 takes before he was satisfied that he had Hound Dog just perfect. After listening to the replays, he choose take number 28. Don't Be Cruel came easier. He nailed it in only 8 takes.

During this marathon session, they were snapping candid photos, which appear on this page and the next. They reveal the myriad of emotions that accompanied Elvis' work to record his best efforts.