Killing Joke guitarist Kevin “Geordie” Walker’s influence is vast: Metallica attempted to emulate his guitar snarl on their cover of “The Wait”; Kurt Cobain admittedly ripped off his riff to “Eighties” for “Come As You Are”; LCD Soundsystem synthesized his riff on “Change” and turned it into “Losing My Edge.” Other artists who praised Walker’s playing and Killing Joke include Jimmy Page, Trent Reznor, My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields, and all of Faith No More. Yet Walker himself never became a household name before his death on...
- 11/27/2023
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
Some movies are so iconic it’s hard to imagine that they were originally going to be radically different. Elvis Presley‘s movie Jailhouse Rock once had a completely different title. One of Elvis’ regular songwriters revealed why the film’s initial name was abandoned. In addition, he discussed what he thought about Jailhouse Rock.
Elvis Presley’s movie ‘Jailhouse Rock’ could have been called ‘Ghost of a Chance’
Mike Stoller co-wrote several Elvis tunes, including “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” “Little Egypt,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller revealed the first title of the movie Jailhouse Rock was abandoned in favor of the title of his song.
“I think [the original title] was Ghost of a Chance,” he said. “That changed, I think, as soon as they heard the initial recording. Which is not the one in the film, because the one in the film was blown out and had a bigger orchestra.
Elvis Presley’s movie ‘Jailhouse Rock’ could have been called ‘Ghost of a Chance’
Mike Stoller co-wrote several Elvis tunes, including “Hound Dog,” “Bossa Nova Baby,” “Little Egypt,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” During a 2022 interview with Variety, Stoller revealed the first title of the movie Jailhouse Rock was abandoned in favor of the title of his song.
“I think [the original title] was Ghost of a Chance,” he said. “That changed, I think, as soon as they heard the initial recording. Which is not the one in the film, because the one in the film was blown out and had a bigger orchestra.
- 9/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1956, Elvis Presley was a massively successful performer, but he also put on one of his worst-ever concerts in Las Vegas. He put on his first sit-down show at the New Frontier Hotel, a decision that ended up being a mistake. It didn’t take long for the crowd to turn on Elvis and for him to grow fed up with the concert situation.
Elvis did not enjoy an early performance in Las Vegas
In 1956, Elvis arrived in Las Vegas to perform two weeks of shows at the New Frontier Hotel. Elvis was still early enough in his career to have not yet played a sit-down show. Still, he was incredibly popular. It didn’t seem like it when he took the stage, though.
According to author Peter Guralnick in the book Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, you could hear a “pin drop” when Elvis began playing “Heartbreak Hotel.
Elvis did not enjoy an early performance in Las Vegas
In 1956, Elvis arrived in Las Vegas to perform two weeks of shows at the New Frontier Hotel. Elvis was still early enough in his career to have not yet played a sit-down show. Still, he was incredibly popular. It didn’t seem like it when he took the stage, though.
According to author Peter Guralnick in the book Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, you could hear a “pin drop” when Elvis began playing “Heartbreak Hotel.
- 8/27/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s songs have been a huge influence on Chris Isaak. For example, Isaak said one of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s tunes inspired him to make music. In addition, Isaak revealed the track made him want to “surrender.”
Chris Isaak found a copy of an Elvis Presley song that changed him at a junk store
Isaak is most known for two of his songs that appeared in 1990s cult classic movies. One is “Wicked Game,” which appeared in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart. That movie features several references to Elvis, including Nicolas Cage covering “Love Me Tender” and “Love Me.” Isaak’s other most famous song is “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” which appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” also played in the risque commercials for Eyes Wide Shut.
During a 1996 interview with Entertainment Weekly,...
Chris Isaak found a copy of an Elvis Presley song that changed him at a junk store
Isaak is most known for two of his songs that appeared in 1990s cult classic movies. One is “Wicked Game,” which appeared in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart. That movie features several references to Elvis, including Nicolas Cage covering “Love Me Tender” and “Love Me.” Isaak’s other most famous song is “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing,” which appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” also played in the risque commercials for Eyes Wide Shut.
During a 1996 interview with Entertainment Weekly,...
- 8/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s music and style were heavily featured throughout the television series Happy Days. The series, which focused on the decades of the 1950s and 60s, was a throwback to simpler times. The music reflected the eras and included some of Presley’s greatest hits. However, as the series’ cast ended its 11-season run, one Presley song took on a different meaning as it closed the book on the lives of the Cunningham Family and their friends.
The ‘Happy Days’ cast in a side-by-side photo with entertainer Elvis Presley | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images What was the Elvis Presley song that ended ‘Happy Days’ 11-season run on ABC?
The final Happy Days episode wrapped up over a decade of stories surrounding Howard and Marion Cunningham (Tom Bosley and Marion Ross), their children Richie (Ron Howard) and Joanie (Erin Moran), and their friends.
The ‘Happy Days’ cast in a side-by-side photo with entertainer Elvis Presley | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images What was the Elvis Presley song that ended ‘Happy Days’ 11-season run on ABC?
The final Happy Days episode wrapped up over a decade of stories surrounding Howard and Marion Cunningham (Tom Bosley and Marion Ross), their children Richie (Ron Howard) and Joanie (Erin Moran), and their friends.
- 6/27/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was a wildly influential figure in the music industry. Plenty of rockstars still around today owe their love of the genre to the Memphis singer. Even non-American singers learned to love Elvis, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards. Richards said one Elvis song, in particular, showed him his rock n’ roll destiny.
Keith Richards knew he wanted to be a guitarist after listening to Elvis’ ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ Keith Richards | Mauricio Santana / Contributor
“Heartbreak Hotel” was released as a single in 1956 and reached No. 1 on the charts in the U.S. While it peaked at No. 2 in the U.K., it still had a major impact on many of the young British musicians who heard it. In his book, Life, Keith Richards recalled hearing the Elvis Presley song for the first time and needing to know more about the artist.
“The one that really turned me on,...
Keith Richards knew he wanted to be a guitarist after listening to Elvis’ ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ Keith Richards | Mauricio Santana / Contributor
“Heartbreak Hotel” was released as a single in 1956 and reached No. 1 on the charts in the U.S. While it peaked at No. 2 in the U.K., it still had a major impact on many of the young British musicians who heard it. In his book, Life, Keith Richards recalled hearing the Elvis Presley song for the first time and needing to know more about the artist.
“The one that really turned me on,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In January 1956, Elvis Presley recorded a song that would become one of his most famous hits. However, the hard-rocking song with dark lyrics spoke of such a sad tale; it led listeners to wonder about its origins. So, what is the real story behind “Heartbreak Hotel?”
Elvis Presley photographed in 1960, years after he scored his first hit with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was one of the first songs Elvis Presley recorded for RCA Records
“Heartbreak Hotel” was Elvis Presley’s first hit after a jump from Memphis-based Sun Records to Nashville’s RCA. It was one of five songs Presley recorded on Jan. 10, 1956, two days after his 21st birthday.
Musicians included in the recording session were guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black, drummer D.J. Fontana, Chet Atkins on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, and the vocal group the Jordanaires. Subsequently, the song’s story was...
Elvis Presley photographed in 1960, years after he scored his first hit with ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was one of the first songs Elvis Presley recorded for RCA Records
“Heartbreak Hotel” was Elvis Presley’s first hit after a jump from Memphis-based Sun Records to Nashville’s RCA. It was one of five songs Presley recorded on Jan. 10, 1956, two days after his 21st birthday.
Musicians included in the recording session were guitarist Scotty Moore, bassist Bill Black, drummer D.J. Fontana, Chet Atkins on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, and the vocal group the Jordanaires. Subsequently, the song’s story was...
- 4/27/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Like most musicians, The Monkees Mike Nesmith felt the influence of Elvis Presley’s music as a young man. Presley made his mark on the sounds of the 1950s and early 60s and how musicians performed. However, Presley’s influence went way beyond his music for The Monkees guitarist. Nesmith and the king of rock and roll had a legendary history together without meeting.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
Elvis Presley and Mike Nesmith shared a musical connection but never met | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley became a rock and roll superstar 12 years before The Monkees’ debut
Shortly after graduating from Humes High School in June 1953, Elvis Presley began to explore the idea of a music career. That July, he entered Sun Studios, where he cut a 45-rpm record, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.”
One year later, in 1954, Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black entered Sun Studios to record “That’s All Right Mama.
- 4/15/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
From the minute he burst out of Memphis in the mid-1950s, Elvis Presley became a figure of American myth. But what about Baz Luhrmann’s extravagant and expansive movie about the singer, “Elvis?” Is it more mythmaking, or does it stick to the facts about the life and career of Elvis Aaron Presley?
In a way, doing a fact-check on a Baz Luhrmann movie is silly. This is the director who relocated Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” from Verona to South Beach Miami, who started the movie “Moulin Rouge!” with the card “Paris 1900” and then within 10 minutes brought in songs from “The Sound of Music,” Nat King Cole, the Beatles and Nirvana.
The fun of Luhrmann is that you don’t get historical accuracy, you get a delirious kind of Baz-mania.
Also Read:
‘Elvis’ Film Review: Baz Luhrmann Gleefully Distorts Legend’s Life in Extravagant Biopic
Still, “Elvis” lays...
In a way, doing a fact-check on a Baz Luhrmann movie is silly. This is the director who relocated Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” from Verona to South Beach Miami, who started the movie “Moulin Rouge!” with the card “Paris 1900” and then within 10 minutes brought in songs from “The Sound of Music,” Nat King Cole, the Beatles and Nirvana.
The fun of Luhrmann is that you don’t get historical accuracy, you get a delirious kind of Baz-mania.
Also Read:
‘Elvis’ Film Review: Baz Luhrmann Gleefully Distorts Legend’s Life in Extravagant Biopic
Still, “Elvis” lays...
- 6/23/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
From Warner Brothers Pictures Comes Visionary Director Baz Luhrmann’S Highly Anticipated Big Screen Spectacle, Elvis.
Austin Butler Lights Up The Screen As The Larger-than-life Icon Elvis Presley, Alongside Tom Hanks As His Infamous Manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Spanning Three Decades, Luhrmann’S Drama Takes Audiences From Memphis To Las Vegas And All Stops In Between.
The Film’S Soundtrack Features Classic Elvis Hits As Well As Reinvented Versions From Some Of Today’S Hottest Artists, Including Grammy Winner Doja Cat.
See Elvis Only In Theaters June 24Th
Rated PG-13. May Be Inappropriate For Children Under Thirteen.
Enter to win passes for you and a guest to attend the Advance Screening of Elvis on June 16th 7Pm at The AMC Esquire Theater.
Enter Here: http://wbtickets.com/YXAYj65618
Elvis is an epic, big-screen spectacle from Warner Bros. Pictures and visionary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley,...
Austin Butler Lights Up The Screen As The Larger-than-life Icon Elvis Presley, Alongside Tom Hanks As His Infamous Manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Spanning Three Decades, Luhrmann’S Drama Takes Audiences From Memphis To Las Vegas And All Stops In Between.
The Film’S Soundtrack Features Classic Elvis Hits As Well As Reinvented Versions From Some Of Today’S Hottest Artists, Including Grammy Winner Doja Cat.
See Elvis Only In Theaters June 24Th
Rated PG-13. May Be Inappropriate For Children Under Thirteen.
Enter to win passes for you and a guest to attend the Advance Screening of Elvis on June 16th 7Pm at The AMC Esquire Theater.
Enter Here: http://wbtickets.com/YXAYj65618
Elvis is an epic, big-screen spectacle from Warner Bros. Pictures and visionary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley,...
- 6/10/2022
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis had it’s star-studded premiere on Wednesday night at the Cannes Film Festival. One of the big tentpole movies to show at the festival, the biopic on the King of Rock and Roll was enthusiastically received.
Variety reported “The film received an uproarious 12-minute standing ovation, the longest of this year’s festival so far. As the the cheers went on and on, a teary-eyed Butler hugged an equally-emotional Priscilla Presley, who flew to the South of France to give her blessing for the movie about her late husband.”
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ standing ovation during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2022. Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ standing ovation during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2022. Jerry Schilling, Tom Hanks, Priscilla Presley, Olivia DeJonge, Austin Butler, Alton Mason, Catherine Martin, Toby Emmerich and Baz Luhrmann...
Variety reported “The film received an uproarious 12-minute standing ovation, the longest of this year’s festival so far. As the the cheers went on and on, a teary-eyed Butler hugged an equally-emotional Priscilla Presley, who flew to the South of France to give her blessing for the movie about her late husband.”
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ standing ovation during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2022. Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ standing ovation during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2022. Jerry Schilling, Tom Hanks, Priscilla Presley, Olivia DeJonge, Austin Butler, Alton Mason, Catherine Martin, Toby Emmerich and Baz Luhrmann...
- 5/26/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
From Oscar-nominated visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler and Oscar winner Tom Hanks.
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays B.B. King,...
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson plays Elvis’s mother, Gladys, Richard Roxburgh portrays Elvis’s father, Vernon, and DeJonge plays Priscilla. Luke Bracey plays Jerry Schilling, Natasha Bassett plays Dixie Locke, David Wenham plays Hank Snow, Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays B.B. King,...
- 2/18/2022
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The first trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s biopic on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll has just been released and it is amazing. The film is simply called Elvis. The Warner Bros. Pictures’ drama stars Austin Butler and Oscar® winner Tom Hanks. Check out the trailer above!
Austin Butler in “Elvis.” © Warner Bros.
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), as seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story also delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker that spanned over two decades, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre...
Austin Butler in “Elvis.” © Warner Bros.
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), as seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story also delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker that spanned over two decades, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Starring alongside Hanks and Butler, award-winning theatre...
- 2/17/2022
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Richard Roxburgh and Helen Thomson, to play Elvis’s parents.
A host of Aussie actors have joined the main cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic, including Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson, David Wenham and Dacre Montgomery.
They join the previously announced Austin Butler in the titular role, Tom Hanks as manager Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, and Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling.
Roxburgh, who has previously worked with Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge!, will play Elvis’s father, Vernon, and Thomson his mother, Gladys.
The roles were initially to be filled by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rufus Sewell, but both actors have had to leave the Warner Bros. project after it was shutdown and subsequently delayed due to Hanks contracting Covid-19.
Wenham will play Hank Snow and Montgomery TV director Steve Binder. The biopic will also star Natasha Bassett as Dixie Locke, Xavier Samuel as Scotty Moore, Leon Ford as Tom Diskin,...
A host of Aussie actors have joined the main cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic, including Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson, David Wenham and Dacre Montgomery.
They join the previously announced Austin Butler in the titular role, Tom Hanks as manager Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, and Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling.
Roxburgh, who has previously worked with Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge!, will play Elvis’s father, Vernon, and Thomson his mother, Gladys.
The roles were initially to be filled by Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rufus Sewell, but both actors have had to leave the Warner Bros. project after it was shutdown and subsequently delayed due to Hanks contracting Covid-19.
Wenham will play Hank Snow and Montgomery TV director Steve Binder. The biopic will also star Natasha Bassett as Dixie Locke, Xavier Samuel as Scotty Moore, Leon Ford as Tom Diskin,...
- 9/17/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Here’s a partial list of musicians we lost in the 2010s: Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Chuck Berry, Ornette Coleman, B.B. King, Etta James, Whitney Houston, Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen, Prince, Merle Haggard, Kitty Wells, João Gilberto, Ravi Shankar, Tabu Ley Rochereau, David Mancuso, Amy Winehouse, Abbie Lincoln, Gil Scott Heron, George Jones, George Martin, George Michael, Allen Toussaint, Donna Summer, Phife Dawg, Prodigy, Adam Yauch, Heavy D, Captain Beefheart, Robert Hunter, Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Otis, Big Jay McNeely, Levon Helm, Kate McGarrigle, Guy Clark, Pete Seeger, Ralph Stanley, Gregg Allman,...
- 12/11/2019
- by Will Hermes
- Rollingstone.com
About two minutes into “Outta My Head,” from the new album Free Spirit by pop-r&B star Khalid, a strange, foreign sound bubbles to the song’s shiny disco-pop surface. It’s a squiggly, pitchy thing that echoes the melody for about 15 seconds before receding into the background.
Could it be … yes, it’s a guitar solo!
The solo on Khalid’s album, played by John Mayer, is a way for the genre-hopping Khalid to show off his omni-directional vision. But in 2019, there’s no denying that the flashy guitar-breakout moment,...
Could it be … yes, it’s a guitar solo!
The solo on Khalid’s album, played by John Mayer, is a way for the genre-hopping Khalid to show off his omni-directional vision. But in 2019, there’s no denying that the flashy guitar-breakout moment,...
- 4/17/2019
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Three days before Christmas, Chris Isaak’s longtime bass player Rowland Salley headed for Lac+USC Medical Center, where former Isaak guitarist James Calvin Wilsey, the man behind the dreamy sound of Isaak’s multimillion-selling hit, “Wicked Game,” was hospitalized. “I’d driven to the L.A. hospital to see him,” Salley said. “I took my uke, fully expecting to walk into the room, sit down, talk some turkey and catch up. Even play a few songs. Such was not the case.”
Salley found his former bandmate, who had suffered with...
Salley found his former bandmate, who had suffered with...
- 1/28/2019
- by Michael Goldberg
- Rollingstone.com
One of the coolest gatherings in rock & roll history happened in July 1996. Over three days, Keith Richards, Elvis’ sidemen Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana – plus Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko of the Band – all got together at Helm’s Woodstock, New York barn studio to record a track. The occasion was All the Kings Men, an LP honoring Presley on the 20th anniversary of his death. But it was not a typical tribute album; Elvis’ original band members oversaw and played on it. It also included strong new...
- 11/28/2018
- by Patrick Doyle
- Rollingstone.com
For much of the Sixties, Elvis Presley’s most visible presence was on the big screen, in a seemingly endless series of films that ranged from fun (Viva Las Vegas) to forgettable (Easy Come, Easy Go). For that reason alone, the King’s December 3rd, 1968, "comeback" special for NBC was a welcome return to form. Yet, entirely on its own it remains simply one of Presley’s finest moments as an electrifying entertainer, and a landmark event that revolutionized the presentation of live music via television.
On November 30th, a comprehensive,...
On November 30th, a comprehensive,...
- 10/23/2018
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
Fifty years on, this made-for-tv special feels weirdly old and new at the same time
Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its broadcast, this made-for-tv special, which revived the ailing career of the then slightly foxed superstar Elvis Presley, continues to enchant. That is partly because the singer is on form here, performing in a way he probably never would again, harking back to his charismatic 1950s pre-army, pre-Hollywood prime.
Electrically alive on a TV soundstage in front of an adoring crowd, Presley revels in their worship and glows with joy in his own God-given talent. It is a reminder of what a skilled musician he was, especially during the bits where he jams on stools with his old backing band buddies, including the incomparable lead guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer DJ Fontana.
Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its broadcast, this made-for-tv special, which revived the ailing career of the then slightly foxed superstar Elvis Presley, continues to enchant. That is partly because the singer is on form here, performing in a way he probably never would again, harking back to his charismatic 1950s pre-army, pre-Hollywood prime.
Electrically alive on a TV soundstage in front of an adoring crowd, Presley revels in their worship and glows with joy in his own God-given talent. It is a reminder of what a skilled musician he was, especially during the bits where he jams on stools with his old backing band buddies, including the incomparable lead guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer DJ Fontana.
- 8/15/2018
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
D.J. Fontana, a drummer who performed with Elvis Presley during some of the key moments of his career, has died. Fontana died Wednesday in his sleep at age 87, according to his son, David Fontana, who posted the news on Facebook.
Fontana was the last surviving member of Presley’s backup trio during his early, classic period. Bassist Bill Black passed in 1965 at age 39, while guitarist Scotty Moore died in June 2016 at age 84. Fontana played on his Sun Records recordings and such landmark hits as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” He was also there for Elvis’s 1968 comeback television special, which is being re-released this summer.
Dominic Joseph Fontana was born in 1931 and began working with Presley in 1954, teaming with the King on the popular radio program Louisiana Hayride, which taped in Fontana’s hometown of Shreveport, La. Fontana was an on-call percussionist for the production.
“The manager of the Hayride...
Fontana was the last surviving member of Presley’s backup trio during his early, classic period. Bassist Bill Black passed in 1965 at age 39, while guitarist Scotty Moore died in June 2016 at age 84. Fontana played on his Sun Records recordings and such landmark hits as “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock.” He was also there for Elvis’s 1968 comeback television special, which is being re-released this summer.
Dominic Joseph Fontana was born in 1931 and began working with Presley in 1954, teaming with the King on the popular radio program Louisiana Hayride, which taped in Fontana’s hometown of Shreveport, La. Fontana was an on-call percussionist for the production.
“The manager of the Hayride...
- 6/14/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Rob Wasserman, a Grammy-winning bassist and composer best known for his long collaboration with Grateful Dead member Bob Weir, has died on Wednesday, CBSSFBayArea reported. He was 64. Weir had posted that Wasserman was in ill health earlier Wednesday, saying on Twitter, “My great friend Rob Wasserman is facing a serious health struggle today. Please share the strength of our family with him and his family.” Two hours later, the rocker tweeted that his “beautiful” friend had passed away. “May Rob’s warmth and music live in your hearts as it always has in mine,” Weir wrote. Also Read: Scotty Moore,...
- 6/30/2016
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Scotty Moore, longtime guitarist and close friend to Elvis Presley, died on Tuesday. He was 84. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist performed on the King’s classic hits such as “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” Moore, who had been in poor health in recent months, died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee, the Commercial Appeal reported. Also Read: Mack Rice, Soul Legend and 'Mustang Sally' Songwriter, Dies at 82 His death was confirmed by several friends, including Phillips Recording Service engineer Matt Ross-Spang. “We lost one of the finest people I have ever met today,” he wrote on Instagram.
- 6/29/2016
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
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Richie pursues the King of Rock n Roll, Mr Elvis Presley, in the latest episode of HBO and Sky Atlantic's Vinyl...
This review contains spoilers.
1.7 The King Of I
In some ways, episodes six and seven of this season could be regarded as a connected pair. Both episodes worked as an extended examination of Richie’s emotional travails and both of them used a particular narrative device to do so. In last week’s episode, the twist was that, in thinking that Ernst really was accompanying him, Richie knew less than the audience (assuming that, in this post Fight Club/Sixth Sense cultural environment, you all saw the reveal coming). This week, it’s Richie who knows more about his Las Vegas adventure and the viewer who has to be clued in after the fact. It was a subtle way of suggesting that Richie is back in control,...
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Richie pursues the King of Rock n Roll, Mr Elvis Presley, in the latest episode of HBO and Sky Atlantic's Vinyl...
This review contains spoilers.
1.7 The King Of I
In some ways, episodes six and seven of this season could be regarded as a connected pair. Both episodes worked as an extended examination of Richie’s emotional travails and both of them used a particular narrative device to do so. In last week’s episode, the twist was that, in thinking that Ernst really was accompanying him, Richie knew less than the audience (assuming that, in this post Fight Club/Sixth Sense cultural environment, you all saw the reveal coming). This week, it’s Richie who knows more about his Las Vegas adventure and the viewer who has to be clued in after the fact. It was a subtle way of suggesting that Richie is back in control,...
- 3/29/2016
- Den of Geek
Elvis Presley's personal record collection is to go under the hammer at an auction in London. The King handed a stack of 26 discs, including tracks by Ray Charles, Fats Domino and Sammy Davis, Jr., to his guitarist and pal Scotty Moore in 1968 and asked him to transfer them to reel-to-reel tapes.
But Moore has now decided to sell off the collection after the "Blue Suede Shoes" hitmaker never asked for his music back. Moore says, "Elvis left me the briefcase with the records and asked me to mail the tape back to his house in Memphis. I made a safety copy for myself and kept the records and tape in my studio in Nashville. Elvis never asked for the records to be returned."
Presley's collection is now expected to earn as much as $187,500 when it is sold at the Fame Bureau auction house on Thursday, May 27.
But Moore has now decided to sell off the collection after the "Blue Suede Shoes" hitmaker never asked for his music back. Moore says, "Elvis left me the briefcase with the records and asked me to mail the tape back to his house in Memphis. I made a safety copy for myself and kept the records and tape in my studio in Nashville. Elvis never asked for the records to be returned."
Presley's collection is now expected to earn as much as $187,500 when it is sold at the Fame Bureau auction house on Thursday, May 27.
- 5/25/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
London, May 24 – Elvis Presley’s record collection that set him on the path to stardom is set to go under the hammer.
The 26 discs were handed over by Elvis to his friend, manager and first guitarist Scotty Moore in 1968. Now, however Moore has decided to auction the record collection.
The auction is expected to fetch 125,000 pounds.
Some famous hits on the collection include Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill, Sammy Davis Junior’s Because Of You and Carl Perkins’ Matchbox.
“In early January 1968 I got a call from Elvis. We were soon to meet in Nashville to record at RCA’s.
The 26 discs were handed over by Elvis to his friend, manager and first guitarist Scotty Moore in 1968. Now, however Moore has decided to auction the record collection.
The auction is expected to fetch 125,000 pounds.
Some famous hits on the collection include Fats Domino’s Blueberry Hill, Sammy Davis Junior’s Because Of You and Carl Perkins’ Matchbox.
“In early January 1968 I got a call from Elvis. We were soon to meet in Nashville to record at RCA’s.
- 5/24/2010
- by News
- RealBollywood.com
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