Country radio stations said Elvis sounded too Black to play, and the stations that played rhythm and blues said he sounded too much like a hillbilly. He'd known his friend was quite ill though and thought it a matter of time until he was lost. Elvis sense of rhythm was uncanny. The Bill Black Story: How The Bass Player For Elvis Presley Helped To Her singer/songwriter/actor son, Hoyt, would compose another track known to Elvis fans', Never Been To Spain', covered in the '70s. An example of off-stage fooling around was described by D.J. While Young was in the army, his position was filled by Hank Hankins, Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill. Fontana and his astounding double-bass that anchors Heartbreak Hotel. Part Two The Bill Black Combo, plus his recording studio and publishing. . Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. [22] "Smokie, Part 2" became a No. 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. Yours truly Bill Black. The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. Getting Elvis's Legacy Right - The Atlantic "Would He Still Be King?". 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)'. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection. Bob Tucker replaced him on dates. [6] Black slap played the double bass with Moore on lead guitar, while Presley played rhythm guitar and sang lead. This seems to be backed up by the fact that Elvis cut the vocal track sometime after the backing was recorded. The new film will focus on the relationship between the star and his manager during his career from the 1950s through to the 1970s. Fontana) because of two things, Elvis promised better pay for the band but didn't uphold his promise as he was not confident enough to go against Dutch immigrant ( real name: Andreas Cornelia van Kuijk) later known as Colonel Tom Parker. But Bill would never play with him again. The miserable life Elvis leads Bill Blacks interview from 1962. "I don't think anyone should criticize him until they try to put themselves in his shoes and figure out what they would do. Elvis would chat with him, tell him about his father, Bill. Apart from Bill, there were younger brothers Johnny', Jack' (who would also become a musician), and Kenny, and sister Mary-Ann. centennial high school guidance counselor. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. In the documentary film In the World Tonight, McCartney can be seen playing it and singing his version of "Heartbreak Hotel". In the album credits, Bruce Thomas mentions his electric Wal bass guitar as part of Declan McManus Punch The Clock. When Elvis Presley first shot to fame in 1956 he had a trio called The Blue Moon Boys with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. McCartney has used the instrument on various recordings of his since 1979. Having gone on to form the Bill Black Combo, the bassist became ill in the early 1960s. A key book for anyones collection. 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. The band released blues instrumental "Smokie" for Hi Records (Hi 2018) in December 1959. Both it and American are now long gone. "It makes me feel good when I make people happy, listening and dancing to my music". William Patton Black Jr. was born on September 17, 1926, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a motorman for the Memphis Street Railway Co. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. 5. The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. The line-up included: Bill Black - bass.Carl McVoy - piano.Reggie 'Reg' - Young - guitar.Martin Wills - saxophone.Jerry Arnold - drums. While he had been doing his military service in Virginia in the mid-'40s, Bill had met 15-year-old Evelyn. I suspect the reason why he hadn't adopted it is because he was known for his on-stage . As well as the 'Hayride', which they would perform on at least fifty times, well into 1956, there were countless one-night stands which also made them tight as a unit and helped establish them. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Black, Moore and the drummer D. J. Fontana toured extensively during Presley's early career. Elvis Don't Be Cruel is featured along with The Bill Black combo version of the same song. He was an important part of the Elvis Presley band, and he helped to create the unique sound that was associated with Elvis Presleys music. A cool collector's item. 4. The Warner Bros movie stars Austin Butler as The King and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker. D.J. The rise to 250 dollars coincided with concerts at San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles, between Saturday, 26th and Tuesday, 29th October 1957, and shows in Hawaii, on Sunday and Monday, 10th - 11th November, that same year. (August 1117, 2007). Fontana continued to work with Elvis, appearing on the much-praised 1968 'Elvis' TV show, and they continue to work together now, touring the world, playing for and meeting the fans. This caused a lot of bitterness at the time, including threats to quit. why did bill black leave elvis - jcaccounting.co.nz String of hit singles and popular LP releases.2. [4] Black and Moore also played in a band with Paul Burlison, Johnny Burnette, Dorsey Burnette on steel guitar, and a drummer. (Theres a delightful photograph of Henrik with Bill Blacks daughter on page 14). In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. Elvis Presleys first bass player was Bill Black. He's just an all-American boy, and all the American girls like him. With the move to RCA, their contribution was not diminished. Elvis didn't attend the funeral. Millie Kirkham - Bob Hayden Interview for EIN: "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide" 2017- Shane Brown Interview. These three men had bonded in a way Sam Phillips could only have dreamed of. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. He ran it under a truck while playing a date in Arkansas. When Elvis entered The Memphis Recording Service for an audition on June 26, 1954, he was a very different singer from those who had come through those doors since Sam Phillips opened the studio in 1950. nc high school coaching jobs; why did bill black leave elvis. Thanks to Bill Black'sdaughter Nancy Black Shockley andgranddaughter Carriefor correcting the names of Bill's wife and children. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo . The Combo's sound of danceable blues became a popular accompaniment for striptease dancers. Elvis grew up in a segregated version of America, spending time at black music clubs, reportedly inspired by blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. In that year it featured on 'Baby's Request', the closing number on the Wings album 'Back To The Egg'. You can push him only so far, tho. Bill Black - Wikipedia Directly across the street from American Sound, Bill at one time ran Lynn-Lou, a small recording studio. In 1963, Bob Tucker joined the Bill Black Combo as a road manager and guitar/bass player. Paul said how he had quite a few acquaintances in Nashville and one of them knew Bills family. Black's body was buried, next to his father, William Patton Black Sr., at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. We have rehearsals, but we never rehearse, if you know what I mean'. In 1954 it fast became a battered-looking object, resembling, according to author Peter Guralnick, something', held together with baling wire'. While the thousands of miles might have been destroying the bass, the recording sessions, radio work, and concerts had seen the friendship between the three men grow in leaps and bounds, confidence building with each new experience. With the move to RCA, their contribution was not diminished. Another comment from Scotty Moore tells how well Bill got on with everyone; 'He never met a stranger'. At the time Doug Poindexter was the featured vocalist. His father, Vernon, did. At one time Carl too recorded as a singer for Sun, cutting the single 'You Are My Sunshine' / 'Tootsie' (Sun International 3526). why did bill black leave elvis - maingila.com Fontana, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Elvis Presley - Las Vegas 1956. 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 offered then another 50 dollars and, for a short time, the rift was healed. Smokie Pt.2 - #17 - 1959.White Silver Sands - #9 - 1960.Josephine - #18-1960. Bill had left home before the Presley's moved into the building. 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). Part One The Elvis Years - is 140 pages. He was chatting to Linda and said, That old bass is just sitting in the barn. Classic movie 'Jailhouse Rock'.7. Bill Black | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame You can hear him doing this during the unedited version of the Bob Neal', Texarkana Interview', recorded for the radio in Memphis during August 1955. why did bill black leave elvis - ms-cf.org 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. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family at this difficult time, and we hope that his music will live on through his legacy. "I find I need excitement", he says. The bassist was buried next to his father William Patton Black Sr at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. As was common at the time Bill was growing up, people entertained themselves by playing an instrument. Bill Black/Combo Post-Elvis Peaks: 1. This was mainly due to the others in the group being wiry and angular. They married in 1946 and returned to Memphis. List Of Elvis Drummers The people had come to see', Ma boy', and the rest of them were just the support. Why did Scotty leave Elvis band? - Quora Illustrated Compendium, The Starlight Wranglers, with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, Elvis with Bill Black rockin' out together - April 5, 1955, Elvis and his new car - Tampa, Florida, August 5 1956. "[3] Fontana called Black the mainstay of the band in the early days. But its a great sound and as long as the part Im doing is simple, I can manage it., DON'T MISSElvis Presleys three non-negotiable rules for new girlfriends WATCH[VIDEO]Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii co-star Angela Lansbury on 'caring' King[BLUE HAWAII]Elvis ex Mindi Miller's first date with The King: Remarkable energy[MINDI MILLER]. For Elvis, his future now lay in Germany. String of hit singles and popular LP releases. I haven't played a Flexdisc in years. As a joke, Elvis picked it up and volunteered to do it and that's what made it on the record - Elvis playing the bass part. Early TV appearances - altering national entertainment.6. 'Elvis' Fact or Fiction: What's Real and What's Not in - Variety 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. He's playing bass with the Johnny Burnette Rock 'N' Roll Trio, where he replaced Dorsey. That same evening, the duo wrote a letter of resignation. After Elvis had left, Scotty asked Bill what he thought. That material being recorded at American Sound Studios. They created a very fresh and lively sound that was destined to make a large impact on exposure. You hear a competent unit before a largely unresponsive audience of older gamblers. Sidenote: I never realised Starlight Wranglers lead-singer Doug Poindexter had quit the music business as early as 1954. In 2005, Clay Steakley portrayed Black in the 2005 CBS miniseries Elvis, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Elvis said, From Memphis Tennessee, One of the best bassmen in the business. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. After various attempts at songs, the group 'stumbled upon' the sound which gave them 'That's All Right (Mama)', on Tuesday, 6th July 1954. This was around 1954-55. April 21, 2009. The Holifield's owned record stores and also booked concerts by artists such as Johnny Cash and Elvis. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. 2. When Elvis Presley first shot to fame in 1956 he had a trio called The Blue Moon Boys with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. Groundbreaking Sun sessions and such tracks as 'That's All Right', Just Because', Blue Moon Of Kentucky'.2. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. [17], In 1955, Black went to RCA Victor along with Presley and Moore when Presley's contract was sold to that company. [3], He began playing the upright double bass, modeling his "slap bass" technique after one of his idols, Fred Maddox, of Maddox Brothers and Rose. Scotty Moore. Early life and career [ edit] Early in 1963, Black sent from two to five different versions of the Combo to different regions of the country at the same time, while staying off the road himself, wanting to concentrate on his business, family and his health.[3]. This features a fine section on all the key players, the protagonists being Bill Black, Scotty Moore, Sam Phillips, DJ Fontana, Elvis Presley - plus The Starlight Wranglers - all of whom are neatly encapsulated. After Bill's death, there were a few more minor hits for the Combo, and they continued to tour and be a popular draw. Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. You realize how important this matter is. Fontana to their ranks. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. Scotty met Sam in 1952, after the guitarist had come out of the U.S. Navy. Combo picked to be one of four American acts supporting Beatles' first U.S. tour. The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. He wanted it made clear who the star was. The research is impressive, as are all the delightful stories about this great musician. EIN Website content Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Shepard, Billy Swan and others. Charles risks having relationship with Harry and Meghan's children The Combo was driven by a strong mix of bass, sax and keyboards. The early part of the book also explains how Blackies joking antics on-stage often saved an Elvis performance from a difficult crowd. John Entwistle was a rock bassist who had an enormous impact on the industry. [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. Elvis takes great care to show the origins of the singer's musical stylings, putting the spotlight on the Black artists who inspired him. Its a remake of Bob Dylans folk tune Too Late, performed in reggae style. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? 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. He was kind of mocking Bill Monroe, singing in a high falsetto voice. Black's main stand-up bass is today owned by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, who received the instrument as a birthday present from his wife Linda in the late 1970s. Ben Vaughn grew up in the Philadelphia area on the New Jersey side of the river. Starting back in 2017 author Paul Belard has published multiple books looking back at Elvis' legacy often examining a specific time period, but never an in depth biography. This was during the making of the classic 'Jailhouse Rock' movie, Elvis' third. '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. Moore and Black had been promised an opportunity to jam with Elvis after the session, on Presley's studio time. Black himself had been ill for the past year and a half and unable to travel. [2][3] His father played popular songs on the banjo and fiddle to entertain the family. What's the lowdown? [15] Moore and Black left the Starlite Wranglers after the success of "That's All Right," jealousy within the group forcing them to split. They were introduced by Frank Page and performed both sides of that first release (SUN 209). Bell's version, meanwhile, came out on a single in 1955 (TEEN 101), backed by 'Move Me Baby'. Costume designer Bill Belew conceived the iconic ensemble -- as well as a gold lame jacket and a white two-piece suit that Elvis wore in the special -- and went on to create the flamboyant . Prior to the link up with the Wranglers, Scotty Moore and Bill Black once backed up local boy Dorsey Burnette at a club. "[3], Black's widow sold Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers the rights to use the name Bill Black's Combo. This was while talking with Mae B. Axton', I really am lucky to have those two boys', cause they really are good. [3] Black also developed a "stage clown" persona in the same way that Maddox entertained audiences. In 1961, the group even ventured onto the silver screen, appearing in the film 'Teen-Age Millionaire'. Elvis did another song in his shows that I'm stealing, 'You Gave Me a Mountain.' I'm bringing that back, too." 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. How long did Bill Black play with Elvis? - Promisekit.org When did Bill Black leave Elvis? [3] At the age of sixteen, Black was performing "honky-tonk" music on acoustic guitar in local bars. Bill Black. Bill Black had two distinct phases of his career in which he made a notable mark on early rock & roll music: first as the rockabilly bass player for Elvis Presley and then as a bandleader of Bill Black's Combo, which scored numerous instrumental hits in the early '60s. His day job at the time was cleaning and blocking hats at his brothers' dry cleaning firm. For Scotty and Bill, the first show on departing from Elvis in '58 was back in Memphis. While Elvis would claim in 1956 that he'd never met Scotty or Bill before Sun Records, he was friendly with Johnny Black, so must have at least been aware of older brother Bill. Rather strangely fans will find Elvis version is actually driven by Bill Blacks bass-line while The Bill Black Combo version lacks Bill Blacks input and instead features more of a jangly yakety-sax! Bill Black looked for a future elsewhere, he went after his dream, and a more permanent career within music. 03 Jun. 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. Elvis Presley: The Early Years - 2007-01 - MS 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.. Despite this, the fact remains that John Entwistle may be best remembered for his contribution to country music. Elvis then picked it up and played the part himself.