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. During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. Memphis Mansions Henrik Knudsen fortuitously befriended Bill Black's family and was entrusted with the familys treasured scrapbook. Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips - Sun Records 1954. D.J. He was the oldest of nine children. He was winding them up for us'. [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 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. In the documentary film In the World Tonight, McCartney can be seen playing it and singing his version of "Heartbreak Hotel". Black learned to play music at the age of 14 on an instrument made by his fathera cigar box with a board nailed to it and strings attached. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. was strong enough to last through the money problems and the influence of the Colonel. In 1959, Black joined a group of musicians which became Bill Black's Combo. centennial high school guidance counselor. 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. 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. When Elvis was at Humes High School, he was on the boxing team. Elvis: How did Elvis bassist Bill Black die and whats his connection to Paul McCartney? It also shows how Presley felt about these musicians. Sidenote: The book also comes with a neat Bonus of a flexi-disc. 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. String of hit singles and popular LP releases.2. Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. After Bill's death, there were a few more minor hits for the Combo, and they continued to tour and be a popular draw. With Scotty as leader, they issued the Sun single 'Now She Cares No More For Me' / 'My Kind Of Carrying On' (SUN 202), on Saturday, 1st May 1954. First RCA sessions and such tracks as 'Heartbreak Hotel', Don't Be Cruel', My Baby Left Me', Hound Dog'.5. The single version, like most of his Sun work, features fine bass work from Bill. Groundbreaking Sun sessions and such tracks as 'That's All Right', Just Because', Blue Moon Of Kentucky'.2. 1. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. [3], During World War II, Black was stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Lee in Virginia. Your daddy would come down through there and get everybody to laughing and loosen them up. Bill was with him. 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. Sam Phillips remembers that he one time warned Elvis that Bill was this way, and would be likely to get in his face from time to time, tell him he was no good or couldn't sing', But that was just Bill's way. Colonel Tom also told Bill to cut back on the clowning around on stage. I haven't played a Flexdisc in years. He ran it under a truck while playing a date in Arkansas. Elvis auditioned for him. 2. Grand Ole Opry show, 2nd October 1954 - Elvis' only appearance there.3. - Elvis, on stage, 1954. may be re-printed for public display without permission. The manager came out. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. With Elvis receiving 50% of the fees, and Scotty and Bill splitting the other 50%, paying D.J. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." 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. [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. They were receiving just 100 dollars a week while at home, and 200 when on the road. Elvis has left the building. More so than Scotty. "I find I need excitement", he says. The King told his son Louis Black: If there's anything that y'all need, you just let me know and it's yours.. The Bill Black Combo undertook regular American and European tours. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. "I never resented that he had all the glory" Bill says, "But it's better this way". No one would steal Elvis' thunder again', Blackie's' routines were history. It appears that the spirited act from Bill during 'Blue Suede Shoes' on Berle's national tv show was the final straw for Parker. Elvis liked what he heard and we all know where that led. At age 6, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. 2 1/2 inch gauge locomotives for sale . 'Elvis: Murfreesboro '74'' FTD In-Depth Review: Book Review: Elvis Presley Concert At Madison Square Avenue In 1977 (Walter Twin): 'Elvis: The Bicentennial Show' 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: ELVIS ON TOUR - 45th Anniversary Deluxe IN-DEPTH REVIEW: 'Elvis:The Last Movies' FTD in-depth Review: 'Elvis: Lake Tahoe '74' FTD In-Depth Review: Book Review "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide". The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. It was too much sitting around with little else to do. At one time Carl too recorded as a singer for Sun, cutting the single 'You Are My Sunshine' / 'Tootsie' (Sun International 3526). replied that that wasn't so', No. He called a halt to such things. In 1961, the group even ventured onto the silver screen, appearing in the film 'Teen-Age Millionaire'. This done them nothing but good and they went on to become one of the most popular instrumental groups in the States during that final year of the '50s and the early '60s. 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. [23] A follow-up release, "White Silver Sands" (Hi 2021), was a Top 10 hit (#9) and, like its predecessor, topped the R&B charts for four weeks.[3][22]. Regarding That's All Right Belard neatly explains, "Listening to "That's All Right" with the speakers turned up, one can revel in the gloriously rich colors this trio creates. "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 . [5], In July 1954, Sam Phillips, of Sun Records, asked Black and Moore to play backup for the as-yet-unknown Elvis Presley. Fontana and his astounding double-bass that anchors Heartbreak Hotel. He was only 39, and just weeks short of his 40th birthday. The book also includes plenty of reminiscences from Bill Blacks colleagues, including a delightful interview with his brother. Eventually they would have two daughters, Nancy, Leigh-Ann and a son Louis. 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. Moore and Black had been promised an opportunity to jam with Elvis after the session, on Presley's studio time. The private letter from Bill Black to Tom Diskin says it all, Dear Tom, [1] [3][27], After two surgeries and lengthy hospital stays, Black died of a brain tumor on October 21, 1965, at age 39. As I've already noted, some thought Johnny was the better of the two. Classic movie 'Jailhouse Rock'.7. The miserable life Elvis leads Bill Blacks interview from 1962. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. The line-up for the reformed group included Reggie and Scotty on electric guitars, Michael Leech on bass, Bobby Wood on piano, Ace Cannon on saxophone, Bobby Emmons on organ, D.J. This was during the early 1960s. Around the mid-SO's, Elvis' family moved opposite Ruby Black. Actor Blake Gibbons portrayed Black in the short-lived 1990 TV series Elvis, starring Michael St. Gerard. Bill's death obviously hit Elvis very hard and the book includes this positive note - 'Bill's children acknowledged Elvis was always kind to them. "Would He Still Be King?". Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Gladys and later Elvis was also buried there, prior to their being moved to Graceland on Sunday, 2nd October 1977. Another reason is that they felt Presley was not giving them enough credit for their contributions to his music. The upbeat sound was original. Fontana, how he and Scotty got on with Bill, during a trip to Scotland in October 1993, since it was well known that Elvis didn't get on with him, D.J. 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. [6] Black slap played the double bass with Moore on lead guitar, while Presley played rhythm guitar and sang lead. He's just an all-American boy, and all the American girls like him. 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. 1. 4. Bill himself stopped road work in the early '60s, when ill health started to take its toll. He's living just as clean and religious a life as any entertainer. 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. It would be very fitting if the trio ofRonnie Wood,Nicky Hopkins, and Ian McLagan all contributed a single cut to the collection. This was around 1954-55. 5. Bill kept his bass at the Moore house since by then the Black's already had two children and little room for the huge instrument. Ace Cannon took over the group on Black's death, though the name remained the Bill Black Combo. For Elvis, his future now lay in Germany. He was going to put us in jail. The band hadn't been used on 1956's 'Love Me Tender'. I somehow think not. It was the beginning. Bruce Thomas (born August 14, 1948) is a rock bassist from England who is best known for his work with the Attractions, a band that performed and recorded alongside Elvis Costello in 1977. why did bill black leave elvis. For Elvis' final 50's session, on the 10th - 11th June '58, Bill was replaced by Bob Moore, and Scotty by Hank Garland. Bill and Scotty were heavily involved in constructing a song. This includes a lengthy Memphis Press-Scimitar interview from December 1956. 5 of the Best Finnish Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Bands. 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. The balance fit the group's performances. Black's onstage personality was a sharp contrast to the introverted stage presence of Moore. 'Blackie' with Joe Coughi, owner of Poplar Tunes record store and 'Hi Records' studio. The group also played the Bon Air Club. Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 08:46, List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart, "Official Legal Title of Crudup's (and Elvis's) "That's All Right", "Elvis Presley's Sun Recordings: SUN Studios, Memphis Tennessee: Elvis Articles:: 'For Elvis Fans Only' Official Elvis Presley Fan Club", "RCS Label Shot for RCA Victor (N.J.) 6357", "RCS Label Shot for RCA Victor (N.J.) 6380", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Black&oldid=1141091970, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 08:46. Other tracks have him screaming and shouting in the background. Black himself had been ill for the past year and a half and unable to travel. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. Until Now! Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley and Bill Black - 1954. The bassist was buried next to his father William Patton Black Sr at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. Tillman Franks, bassist and Johnny Hortons manager, praised Bill in making Elvis a success: Bill Black, the way he hit his bass fiddle, he sounded like a band all by himself. D.J. (These three were million sellers)Don't Be Cruel - #11 - 1960.Blue Tango - #16 - 1960.Hearts Of Stone - #20 - 1961.Ole Buttermilk Sky - #25 - 1961. By late 1955, the three had added drummer D.J. why did bill black leave elvis. The final show surfaced on 'Elvis Aron Presley' in 1980. While Young was in the army, his position was filled by Hank Hankins, Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill. Early TV appearances - altering national entertainment.6. Elaine Beckett -Easy Come Easy Go costar- Interview: Interview With Elvis author - : Gillian G. Gaar. Yet when the session was over, they were told to pack up and leave. 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]. [citation needed]. It has since become a catchphrase and punchline. "Elvis has left the building" is a phrase that was often used by public address announcers at the conclusion of Elvis Presley concerts in order to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of an encore. Black and Moore said they got $100 a week when they are not on the road, and $200 a week when they are on tour. how did the british take over fort duquesne? Later, Buddy Emmons joined the Combo on organ. ", Over the next 15 months, the trio released five singles, toured across the South, and appeared regularly on the Louisiana Hayride. I, for one, was more than a little amazed at the number of places I had to look to collect this information, which I hoped to put together in a form which would help in some way towards righting a wrong, and giving a somewhat clearer picture of just how important Bill was in the Elvis Presley story and beyond it. The research is impressive, as are all the delightful stories about this great musician. Bill was with the group for almost three years before Elvis came on the scene. Sidenote: I never realised Starlight Wranglers lead-singer Doug Poindexter had quit the music business as early as 1954. [10] When the other two musicians joined in, Phillips taped the song. How & where do I sell my Elvis collection. 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. We never rehearse outside of record sessions. In December 1956, Bill said', When we get together with Elvis and the Jordanaires we have a lot of fun. There have been many Elvis drummers over the years, but the most famous is probably D.J. 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. Scotty and Bill's friendship seems to have grown fast and strong. Millie Kirkham - Bob Hayden Interview for EIN: "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide" 2017- Shane Brown Interview. The early part of the book also explains how Blackies joking antics on-stage often saved an Elvis performance from a difficult crowd. 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. That was necessary for us because we played for a lot of country crowds that weren't used to people jumping up and down on stage."[20]. It's a mind-boggling feat of simple minimalism which doesn't run counter to the creation of a pivotal work. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. Apart from Bill, there were younger brothers Johnny', Jack' (who would also become a musician), and Kenny, and sister Mary-Ann. In reading all I can find that has been written over the years, it appears that the friendship between Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. 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. The bass can be seen in the video clip to McCartney's song "Baby's Request". Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers purchased Lyn-Lou Studios after Bill Black's death in 1965. In the album credits, Bruce Thomas mentions his electric Wal bass guitar as part of Declan McManus Punch The Clock. Bill Black especially seemed to get more fed up during the making of the movie. 3. It was during one of these hectic tours, during 1954, that Bill is credited with totaling Elvis' 1951 Lincoln Continental. Part Two The Bill Black Combo, plus his recording studio and publishing. The Holifield's owned record stores and also booked concerts by artists such as Johnny Cash and Elvis. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. It wasn't until Elvis sought to officially change it to the more traditional spelling that he learnt that, despite the document, state records did indeed already have him registered as Elvis Aaron. There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presley's band. I've never seen him blow his top more than once or twice, and that was when he was just worn out.". Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. But Bill would never play with him again. With things going so well, the three quit their day jobs, also around October '54. Carl McVoy, an original group member, was the cousin of Sun rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, plus Mickey Gilley and evangelist Jimmy Swaggart. That same evening, the duo wrote a letter of resignation. In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. 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! Between the 23rd April and 6th May 1956, Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. Hits included 'Smokie Part 2' (HI 2018), written by Bill, and 'White Silver Sands' (Matthews) (HI 2021), in 1959 and '60. READ MORE:Elvis' love for his drummer Ronnie Tutt shared in tributes by Priscilla and Linda. On April 4, 2009, Bill Black was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They deduced (correctly) the Colonel was working against them. Paul said how he had quite a few acquaintances in Nashville and one of them knew Bills family. 17 U.S. pop hit, and made number one on the "black" music charts. 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. In that year it featured on 'Baby's Request', the closing number on the Wings album 'Back To The Egg'. Ive been playing it ever since. Elvis grew up in a segregated version of America, spending time at black music clubs, reportedly inspired by blues, gospel and rhythm and blues.

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