Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. [3], Albums with themes included Bill Black's Combo Plays Tunes by Chuck Berry, Bill Black's Combo Goes Big Band, Bill Black's Combo Goes West, and Bill Black's Combo Plays the Blues. Harry and Meghan were . Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound. It made for a strange mix. We never rehearse outside of record sessions. Elvis was canceled after two weeks and wouldn't appear in the town before July 1969. Fontana, with various star guest artists, was released. Elvis grew up in a segregated version of America, spending time at black music clubs, reportedly inspired by blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. His antics on stage twirling his bass, riding it as if it was a bronco to be tamed, trading corny jokes with Elvis delighted the audiences. Scotty also had Bill come by later in the session, which is said to have taken place on Sunday afternoon, 27th June 1954. Posted on . A cool collector's item. Fontana Interview with Scotty Moore Scotty Moore Way Ahead Of The Gang (1973) The Bosses' Men Induct The King's Men- 2009, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/article-blackie.shtml. That same evening, the duo wrote a letter of resignation. It's a mind-boggling feat of simple minimalism which doesn't run counter to the creation of a pivotal work. Beautifully matching Scotty Moore's biography That's All Right, Elvis at last we have a fascinating exploration of Paul Belards Don't Be Cruel, Elvis - The Bill Black Story. As much as the King binge-ate, he felt guilty and upset about packing on the pounds he so famously added to his sparkly jumpsuit-covered frame in the 1970s. This was in an effort to treat a brain tumor that had been found. [citation needed]. . Black was a highly skilled musician and was a major contributor to the unique sound of Elvis early recordings. Then that night, after the job, we went back to the hotel. Colonel Tom also told Bill to cut back on the clowning around on stage. With all that was building and happening behind the scenes, it's really no surprise that Scotty and Bill did eventually leave Elvis, around the middle of September '57. Contact the author to order: pbelard@hotmail.com, Elvis Firearm & Weapon Collector An [17], In 1955, Black went to RCA Victor along with Presley and Moore when Presley's contract was sold to that company. The lineup was Black (bass), Joe Lewis Hall (piano), Reggie Young (guitar), Martin Willis (saxophone), and Jerry Arnold (drums). But when he was alone in private, the King liked to close the shades and also turn down the temperature. Bill Black. While Young was in the army, his position was filled by Hank Hankins, Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world." Bill's contribution to Elvis' success went beyond the bass playing. Scotty left the band, The Blue Moon Boys (Elvis, Scotty, Bill Black and drummer D.J. When did Bill Black leave Elvis? Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers purchased Lyn-Lou Studios after Bill Black's death in 1965. He started playing his guitar and sang along with him". After Elvis had left, Scotty asked Bill what he thought. Interestingly, today Bills double bass is owned by Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, who played the instrument on his latest solo album McCartney III. The words in the song are so heavy; that song could be written for today. And they'll be sellin' the same ol' price of only a quarter. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . He was chatting to Linda and said, That old bass is just sitting in the barn. [3], During World War II, Black was stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Lee in Virginia. Elvis said that. Black was an important part of the early Presley sound with his slap stand-up bass and ebullient onstage manner. As the story goes, he (Bill Black) couldn't get the bass part right on the electric bass so he got frustrated and walked out. He's big-hearted, naturally high-strung, not hot-tempered. That material being recorded at American Sound Studios. During a break, as Elvis had done during the first recording session, it was Bill that started kidding, slapping the bass and singing that song. Austin Butler spoke about having a health scare after he wrapped filming Elvis as he walked the red carpet at Sunday's 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. . Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Groundbreaking Sun sessions and such tracks as 'That's All Right', Just Because', Blue Moon Of Kentucky'.2. Thanks to Bill Black'sdaughter Nancy Black Shockley andgranddaughter Carriefor correcting the names of Bill's wife and children. bakericious banana cake; how do uponor thermal actuator work; stepping hill hospital jobs vacancies; nice france mask rules; how many days until june 1 2023 His death occurred during his third operation that doctors had hoped would eradicate the tumor permanently. Except for the RCA reissue of "Mystery Train" and "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" (with Scotty and Bill), they were no longer credited on record labels. These three, later four, men, stood together while the world at large often condemned their every move and all they stood for. [7] Neither musician was overly impressed with Presley, but they agreed a studio session would be useful to explore his potential. In December 1956, Bill said', When we get together with Elvis and the Jordanaires we have a lot of fun. This was mainly due to the others in the group being wiry and angular. Fontana to their ranks. This seems to be backed up by the fact that Elvis cut the vocal track sometime after the backing was recorded. 'Blackie' was buried in Forest Hill Cemetary, Memphis. Legend has it that Bill just couldn't get the bass line right on the smaller instrument, and the bass track was everything to the number. Nothings going to happen with it.. Sidenote: I never realised Starlight Wranglers lead-singer Doug Poindexter had quit the music business as early as 1954. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. Black worked at the Firestone plant. "[3], Black's widow sold Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers the rights to use the name Bill Black's Combo. D.J. At age 6, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. 5. More so than Scotty. Along with two other guitarists and a fiddler, they performed country music tunes by Hank Williams and Red Foley in Doug Poindexter's band, the Starlight Wranglers. The miserable life Elvis leads Bill Blacks interview from 1962. EIN Website content Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Following Elvis' early, solo, visits to the Memphis Recording Service, to cut two personal acetates, Sam had Scotty arrange for the young singer to come over to his home for a try-out session. It even added its sound to The Beatles 'reunion' track', Real Love', in 1995. For Elvis' final 50's session, on the 10th - 11th June '58, Bill was replaced by Bob Moore, and Scotty by Hank Garland. His son Louis would frequently visit Graceland. The line was being drawn. "I find I need excitement", he says. 'Blackie' with John 'Ace' Cannon and Hank Hankins, The Bill Black Combo - with 'Ace' Cannon, Hank Hawkins and a very young Bobby Emmons (later included on Chips Moman's Elvis Memphis Sessions) playing keyboards. Recording for their new company of RCA went well though, despite all of this background 'noise', and Bill contributed a simple but very effective 'plodding' bass line to 'Heartbreak Hotel', the song which would introduce Elvis Presley to the world stage, and young musicians in so many other countries. Fontana was Elvis drummer from 1957 to 1968 and was a key member of the Memphis Mafia. Other notable Elvis drummers include Ronnie Tutt, who played on many of Elvis most famous recordings, and Karl Perazzo, who currently plays with the Elvis tribute band Elvis Lives. Scotty recalled that Bill saved the session: Bill is the one who came up with Blue Moon of Kentucky. All of this was sometimes done while he was wearing an oversized pair of bloomers! It also shows how Presley felt about these musicians. By 1956, the friendship was already pulling apart, with Bill, Scotty and D.J. He'd left town to work around a week before Bill died. The bassist was buried next to his father William Patton Black Sr at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. This was after it had done some 20, 000 miles. Ironically, twelve years later, Elvis Presley himself would be pronounced dead at the same hospital. "[3], In 1952, Black began playing in clubs and on radio shows with the guitarist Scotty Moore. Fontana. Actor Elliott Street portrayed Black in the TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell. The show was carried by 190 CBS stations across the south, between 8pm.- 11pm., and there's no way to measure the huge boost this gave the boys and their style of music. Elvis: How did Elvis bassist Bill Black die and whats his connection to Paul McCartney? Shepard, Billy Swan and others. The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. .. Of one thing Bill is certain - he won't leave the road again except to rest and visit friends from time to time. But for a white artist at that time it was easier . [8], On July 5, 1954, the trio met at Sun studios to rehearse and record a handful of songs. And if that isn't a great recommendation for an Elvis book, then what is? Former Beatle Paul McCartney again entered the picture when he purchased Bill's trademark 'dog house' bass, the one with the white trim that appeared with him on tv and film. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. Instead, Elvis would pay his respects by visiting Bills family privately after the funeral. Again this was over money. It appears that the spirited act from Bill during 'Blue Suede Shoes' on Berle's national tv show was the final straw for Parker. During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. (Theres a delightful photograph of Henrik with Bill Blacks daughter on page 14). Black himself was not well enough to make the tour. Bill, like others involved with Elvis, thought little of the Colonel and had no time for him. Willie was a bassist for the country music pioneer Jimmie Rodgers and his influence is heard today in the work of top country artists such as Tim Mckinley and Keith Urban. Elvis liked what he heard and we all know where that led. Elvis would chat with him, tell him about his father, Bill. Their version being recorded at the Norman Petty Studio, Clovis, New Mexico, where Vee's idol Buddy Holly cut his hits. After an early take, Phillips can be heard on tape saying, "Fine, man. There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presley's band. Fontana, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Elvis Presley - Las Vegas 1956. Returning to Memphis, following his stint in the U.S. Army, Bill worked at Firestone Tyres and Ace Appliance Co., plus played in one or two local groups, before joining up with the Starlight Wranglers. Possibly the restriction of access too was on the orders of the Colonel. [14], Black and Moore became Presley's backup group and were paid 25% of his earnings. The number of photographs and relevant memorabilia in the book is extremely impressive and the design very stylish- with each chapter introduced by an old-fashioned silver gelatin styled image. According to Louis Black, Presley said, "If there's anything that y'all need, you just let me know and it's yours. In a temper, which was rare for him, he threw the guitar down and walked out. 'Elvis: Ohama, Nebraska '74' FTD in-depth Review: Elvis / Orchestra Copenhagen 2018 Concert Review: 'The Complete 50s Movie Masters And Session Recordings' In-Depth Review: Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher: (Book Review) Counting Down Elvis His 100 Finest Songs (Mark Duffett). He was going to put us in jail. He was a member of some of the most famous groups of all time, including The Who, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who, the Red Hot Chili Peppers Flea, and Atoms For Peaces James Jamerson. It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar. Eight of the recordings by Bill Black's Combo placed in the Top 40 between 1959 and 1962. Classic movie 'Jailhouse Rock'.7. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. "[3] Fontana called Black the mainstay of the band in the early days. Black performed as an exaggerated hillbilly with blacked-out teeth, straw hat and overalls. Elvis Presley lived most of his life and career in the limelight. The single version, like most of his Sun work, features fine bass work from Bill. The Bill Black Combo also cut an instrumental version of Elvis' 1956 classic, on which Bill had played bass', Don't Be Cruel (To A Heart That's True)'. was mainly due to the others in the group being wiry and angular. The combination made for the classic rock and roll sounds, which paved the way and still effects listeners like a million volts all these years later'.Blackie' was every bit as important within that unit as any of the other three, even if he's not as well written up as them. On entering the army in 1958, according to Scotty Moore, Elvis never said 'goodbye' but', So long. Then Elvis' voice comes in supported by Scotty's guitar licks, which already displays the fluidity which allowed him to move between genres, be it jazz, pop, R & B, country and ballads.. We practice a little bit. The Bill Black Combo created musical history in 1964 when they became the opening act for the Beatles (at their request) on their historic 13-city tour of America after their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. She'd joked with Bill and Johnny's wives that the 'pretty boy' was her boyfriend! Bill Black was one of the key players at the start of the rock 'n' roll explosion yet there has never been a good biography about his personal story and involvement in Elvis's incredible journey until now. Mae would later receive co-writer credit, with Tommy Durden and Elvis, for 'Heartbreak Hotel'. In 2022, Adam Dunn portrayed Black in the movie Elvis, starring Austin Butler. Filming took place in Queensland, Australia and the first stills and trailer are still yet to be unveiled by the studio. Holifield, April 1955. [26] The studio recorded many Bill Black Combo albums (with billings such as "The Best Honky Tonk Band in America" and "The band who opened for the Beatles")[citation needed] and produced number-one country hits for Charly McClain, T.G. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. The first months of 1957 were taken up by the making of Elvis' second movie, 'Loving You'. They had auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry in October 1954, but they failed to impress the people in charge, or the audience, and were not invited back. Interview with guitarist Reggie Young(Member Bill Black Combo) Bass links rock and roll royalty Interview with D.J. Selected back issues of old on-line newsletter. Hell, thats differentthat's a pop song now, nearly bout. Around the mid-SO's, Elvis' family moved opposite Ruby Black. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. Yours truly Bill Black. why did bill black leave elvis why did bill black leave elvis It was truly the end of an era. Another comment from Scotty Moore tells how well Bill got on with everyone; 'He never met a stranger'. The reason being that the acoustic instrument was big enough to house the family hound dog! His friendship with rockabilly star Glen Glenn Returning to Bill Black's character. He plucked like crazy at the strings of his 'dog house', and sang the lyrics in a high falsetto voice, bringing both amusement and inspiration to those present. It is unfortunate that Elvis fans have never had a chance to truly hear Bill Black's version of events through a long, in-depth interview or autobiography but Paul Belard has tracked down some very interesting band interviews - along with post-Elvis newspaper articles - which do provide a good look at Bill Black's side of the story. One of the real joys I found about the book was seeing all the later photographs of Blackie playing with his combo or standing with friends and seeing that cheeky smile on his face. To a great extent, they were the creators of the Sun Elvis sound. Until Now! Nashville Bassist Bob Moore stated, Bill Black is a legend, its easy as that. "That is something that you saw in his SAP for this particular D.C. crime bill, and if Congress sends him a bill making D.C. a state, he'll always, always be sure to sign it, because he's been talking about that for the last two decades, but vetoing the bill heading to his desk now won't make D.C. a state, and so those are the things . Between the 23rd April and 6th May 1956, Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. He's playing bass with the Johnny Burnette Rock 'N' Roll Trio, where he replaced Dorsey. We're taking a little break and he starts beating on the bass and singing "Blue Moon of Kentucky," mocking Bill Monroe, singing the high falsetto voice. While in the Army, he met Evelyn, who played guitar as a member of a musical family. 2. A key book for anyones collection. On Thursday, 21st October, he died during an operation to try and remove part or all of the growth. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. You can push him only so far, tho. Reggie reunited the group at Scotty's suggestion, just for the one track. Overall Verdict: Packed full of rare photos and new stories to add to the Elvis' legacy, this is a truly fascinating book. Ben Vaughn grew up in the Philadelphia area on the New Jersey side of the river. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world., Bills contribution to Elvis success went beyond the bass playing. Later, Buddy Emmons joined the Combo on organ. William Patton Black Jr. (September 17, 1926 - October 21, 1965) [1] was an American musician and bandleader who is noted as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Bill believed, and rightly so, that he and Scotty were important and should have no problem talking with Elvis, more so than all the females and hangers-on who contributed little or nothing to the act. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. The band was together five years, releasing two albums and touring the U.S. several times. Bill replied, in his typical blunt style', Well, he didn't impress me too damned much!' This includes 45 pages about the second part of his career plus 70 pages of tributes, a look at his legacy, lots of rare photographs plus his vinyl releases. Memphis Mansions Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the familys treasured scrapbook. After various attempts at songs, the group 'stumbled upon' the sound which gave them 'That's All Right (Mama)', on Tuesday, 6th July 1954. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. Fontana and his astounding double-bass that anchors Heartbreak Hotel. The song ends with Elvis' rhythm guitar and a waning bass, without any contribution from Scotty. In the album credits, Bruce Thomas mentions his electric Wal bass guitar as part of Declan McManus Punch The Clock. [3] Black also developed a "stage clown" persona in the same way that Maddox entertained audiences. Hancock, at the Naval Station, San Diego, on Tuesday, 3rd April 1956. At the time Doug Poindexter was the featured vocalist. [22] "Smokie, Part 2" became a No. Bill is happier leading his own combo than he was in those mad days with Elvis. Apart from the fact that he'd just completed 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' in Hawaii, he'd told Evelyn that he wouldn't go because he didn't want to turn a private affair into a circus by being present. Bill will be played by Adam Dunn in next years Elvis biopic from director Baz Luhrmann. [21] Carl McVoy replaced Hall in the studio, while Bobby Emmons replaced him on tour. On this twofer, David Hood in the bass chair with Muscle Shoals Swamper, you can get away with listening to extended live slabs of Traffic On The Road. The best thing to come out of the Vegas stint was the group catching Freddie Bell and the Bell Boys doing an outrageous version of Leiber and Stollers 'Hound Dog'. Speaking at the British Fan Club 'Party', at Mablethorpe, on Wednesday, 3rd November 1999, longtime Elvis pal Red West commented, when talking about fun and games on the road, simply', Bill Black was one of the craziest guys I ever met'. Indeed, Scotty and D.J. Later outfits, like the Mar-Keys and Booker T. and The MG's, would owe much to the music made by the Combo in its heyday. I love his quote, There was no way of knowing success was coming to Presley. Frankly, I thought the boy would starve to death. Your daddy would come down through there and get everybody to laughing and loosen them up. Prior to the link up with the Wranglers, Scotty Moore and Bill Black once backed up local boy Dorsey Burnette at a club. Sidenote: From the Sept 9 1956 Ed Sullivan Show Elvis was paid $6029, Col Parker took $4166 while Scotty Moore and Bill Black only got paid $165 each! This was mainly due to the others in the group being wiry and angular. He was moving to California. According to Black's son Louis, Moore said, "Elvis used to just stand up there and not move, and Bill would jump around on the bass. Don't pay him no mind'. The people had come to see', Ma boy', and the rest of them were just the support. With Elvis receiving 50% of the fees, and Scotty and Bill splitting the other 50%, paying D.J. Despite any misgivings, Bill might have held after that first short meeting, the two began to work with Elvis in the tiny studio at 706 Union Avenue, an address they were destined to make world-famous. how did the british take over fort duquesne? wasn't at the funeral either. Like Elvis', and many other families of the period in the south, his family wasn't a rich one. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips - Sun Records 1954. New link to Dua Lipa. The group also played the Bon Air Club. "I don't think anyone should criticize him until they try to put themselves in his shoes and figure out what they would do. Indeed, Ruby and Gladys are said to have been on friendly terms (I have found no reference to Ruby's husband and the children's father). As Elvis did everything to the extreme womanizing, pill-taking, gunning, eating he also dieted with little to no concern for his personal well-being. In May of 1955, Elvis gave both Scotty and Bill due credit. List Of Elvis Drummers He was the oldest of nine children. The importance of bass-player Fred Maddox on Bill Black's playing style An example of off-stage fooling around was described by D.J. If you have any interest in Elvis early sound, American early sixties music, or always wanted to know more about Bill Black then this book is an essential purchase. With all that was building and happening behind the scenes, it's really no surprise that Scotty and Bill did eventually leave Elvis, around the middle of September '57. Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Elvis joined him. Johnny Black too worked at Firestone. With all the touring, it almost seemed that the large bass had a permanent bunk on the roof of the car back then. Her singer/songwriter/actor son, Hoyt, would compose another track known to Elvis fans', Never Been To Spain', covered in the '70s. EIN Spotlight: The Memphis Sessions - 50 Years ago Today: 'Elvis: The Searcher - Additional Stories' Spotlight: 'Orgies and Orgasms: Presley in the Press 1956'- an in-depth, Elvis at Madison Square Garden 40 Years Ago. With the move to RCA, their contribution was not diminished. In 1962 Bill finally handed over leadership and took a backseat. Having gone on to form the Bill Black Combo, the bassist became ill in the early 1960s. How Should Artists Fund Their Career in Music? There is some film footage from the period too. McCartney has used the instrument on various recordings of his since 1979. In the documentary film In the World Tonight, McCartney can be seen playing it and singing his version of "Heartbreak Hotel". Elvis certainly capitalized on this through his choice of material and performance stylehis sexualized scandalousness was linked in large part to the fact that he was imitating, or referencing,. Rumors of instrumental releases came and went. Some of his vocal horsing around can be heard at the start of a 'Hayride' version of 'That's All Right', which is widely available these days. There must have been fifteen or twenty people there, kids, so they all jumped in behind him. Both it and American are now long gone. John Entwistle was a rock bassist who had an enormous impact on the industry. This was the same resting place as Elvis mother who had died in 1958 and later the original grave of The King himself in 1977 before both were moved to Graceland. James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'On Stage' and Elvis' Legacy in 2010: 'What was Elvis searching for?' [9] During the break, Presley began "acting the fool" with Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right (Mama)," a blues song. The Combo linked up with another musical phenomenon when, along with fellow American artists the Exciters, Jackie DeShannon, and the Righteous Brothers, they supported The Beatles on their first tour of the States during late summer 1964 (19th August - 20th September). Very sadly Bill Black died of a brain tumour in October 1965, he was only 39 years old. Another reason is that they felt Presley was not giving them enough credit for their contributions to his music. A born joker in both image and nature. Elaine Beckett -Easy Come Easy Go costar- Interview: Interview With Elvis author - : Gillian G. Gaar.
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