ELVIS PRESLEY. 1958
Year 1958. "A door to Hope".
"King Creole"
A new year for Elvis Presley 1958, the radical change, everything was perfect so far, Elvis had reached the top, he was at the artistic peak. All this despite his opponents and critics who wanted to force him to change his way of moving and dismiss his passing music. It was an important moment for him, because he had what he had dreamed of and he was about to make a film that was an opportunity for him as an actor. But on the other hand, he was afraid, because he was forced to do military service and from March things were going to change, it was once again losing himself in the unknown after having achieved success, not knowing how long his followers would last if he was two. years out of the middle.
It was a very difficult step for Elvis Presley who had so many questions to ask himself regarding the future that everything was somewhat chaotic. But Elvis was very cheerful and took things for the moment with enthusiasm, the filming and recording of the film "King Creole" gave him the energy and strength to move on.
Elvis was very motivated by the film, because he knew it was a great opportunity, because it was not the same as the previous ones he had made.
January 1958
Opportunity and Uncertainty
On January 10, 1958, Scotty and the band checked into the Hollywood Knickerbocker, arriving to record the soundtrack for the movie "King Creole" for Paramount. They were going to work on the soundtrack at Radio Recorders and later the filming of the film would begin.
The thing is, although they were working with Elvis again and everyone was very happy about it, his upcoming recruitment threatened their future and security. They did not know if they would continue on the payroll with any salary during this time, which was very unlikely and even less if Elvis would continue to have a future in the musical world once he got out of the military.
Nobody really knew, it was a question that Elvis himself asked himself over and over again, since his future was up in the air, but fortunately his present was even stronger and he focused on the movie he had to make, because for Elvis It was special and a great opportunity to work with great professionals.
The songwriters Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller were again in charge of the session, they were very good professionals, but they had many projects on the horizon and they would really contribute a lot to the production but problems finally arose and they ended up abandoning the project.
Paramount had given up on trying to get Elvis to record on the soundstage, the reason being that Elvis didn't like the size of the soundstage at all, he also didn't like how they engineered the recordings. For him and his musicians it was much easier to be able to record at the moment and if something went wrong to be able to repeat it, something that could never be done at Paramount.
It was clear that it was not the same to record for a film as for a record, so it was necessary for some songs to make two different versions and of course to record the film's soundtrack.
"King Creole" recording sessions
The conducting recording sessions were to be given on January 15, 16 and 23, 1958. Paramount.
Radio Recorders.11 February 1958 Paramount Sound Studio, Hollywood:
The music was to be set in the nightclubs of New Orleans. They wanted to give an authentic sound that was similar, they wanted to get authentic Dixieland sound. So Paramount hired some of Los Angeles' best session musicians for the recording: a brass section. Elvis' own band was again supplemented by pianist Dudley Brooks, and a second drummer as there was more complexity. in the rhythms. With Elvis, 14 musicians were working in the studio. It would be the largest group he had had up to now. In charge was the engineer Thorne Nogar, for him everything would be as usual. Also Paramount's music director, Charles O'Curran, as well as Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, had recently signed on as producers for RCA.
The Composers who were part of the production would be Leiber and Stoller themselves, who were Elvis's favorite writers of the moment, along with other Elvis Presley Music regulars such as Aaron Schroeder and Claude DeMetrius, who sent two rock 'n' roll songs. Also Ben Weisman and his partner Fred Wise came up with "Danny" as the proposed title cut, along with several other new songs.The session began with "Hard Headed Woman" by Claude DeMetrius. A very catchy and rhythmic song, with a brass arrangement that captured the spirit of New Orleans, while retaining the basic flavor of a rock 'n' roll trio. "Hard Headed Woman" was a sure hit, with the same spirit as the previous one, it also highlighted the rhythm and the interpretation of Elvis who sang to his liking.
“Trouble” a Muddy Waters-style stop-time blues, very punchy and performed with a classical opening. A song well suited to the defiant performance of the Elvis character, in his role as Danny Fisher. Leiber and Stoller helped the first day with arrangements of his own songs.and also some of the other tunes.
"Hard Headed Woman" and "Trouble", along with "Dixieland Rock", "New Orleans" and "King Creole", became the core of a soundtrack. With the theme "King Creole", they had a lot of problems due to the rhythm of the score, it was a double time rhythm, this would be difficult for Scotty and DJ.
Eighteen takes were done, but it would be hard to decide which one was the final one. In the end, the third and final take was chosen so that Elvis could review it later. January 16, 1958 They started with the song "Dixieland Rock", a very upbeat tune by Aaron Schroeder and Rachel Frank, aka Beverly Ross. They also recorded some wonderful ballads by Weisman and Wise, "As Long As I Have You", "Don't t Ask Me Why", sung with a very intimate and close interpretation of Elvis.
For the recordings that Elvis was going to make, he based himself on some demos that Jimmy Breedlove had recorded. These ballads by Ben Weisman and Fred Wise would not give the team any problems, since they were easy songs to perform and Elvis would also interpret them with great feeling.
Two versions were made, one for the film session and the other for the record.
With “Lover Doll” a very charming acoustic recording was made, since it was a very simple and straightforward song. Steve Sholes really liked this song, so he reinforced it with vocal overdubs. The song "Danny". I don't know, he recorded this day, it was not given importance and it was left to he one side. The reason was that the score did not have much strength compared to the rest. It was supposed to give the film its title but it was not like that, since a song was needed that would impact the public, that would hook and remain with the viewer. 01/23 1958 Leiber and Stoller influenced the change, because they knew that a more rhythmic theme like "King Creole" could be more successful for the film.
Neither Paramount nor the Colonel were convinced that "King Creole" was good enough, until an improved recording made days later. This was improved thanks to Steve Sholes, who wanted to improve the rhythm section and brought in Bernie Mattinson to help. D.J. Fontana on drums. Ray Siegel as Jordanaire Neal Matthews had to replace Bill on electric bass, because he was having trouble somewhere.
It was hard to admit that Elvis did everything perfectly being relatively inexperienced, he took everything the first time and did it at any pace. But his musicians who were amateurs were not. They were young but not ready to take on every new demand that a Hollywood score might place.
Fortunately everything would work out and the song was finished successfully. The song's intro was altered, it was changed to highlight the Jordanaires singing the words "King Creole" before Elvis entered. Also Scotty Moore came up with a finger-bleeding guitar solo, this would give the song a true pure rock'n'roll flavor.
The song "Young Dreams" would be recorded and then Elvis wanted to do some additional songs for the next singles session that RCA would do. But Elvis had relied so much on the advice of Leiber and Stoller, that when they failed in the session all his enthusiasm fizzled out. For this reason he would miss the day, he could not do his job well, the next thing was a disaster, it is as if he had thought they were his lucky charm and this was not the case. He had already shown before that he knew what he was doing, but he was discouraged, since they had become two good friends and they had failed him. But it's part of another, more complex story that Colonel Parker brought about, which is why they had to drop Elvis.
Everything was ready to film the film "King Creole", in our opinion, the best film by Elvis Presley.
https://youtu.be/p8Ec_AD63Pk
"Following the Path of the King..."
KING CREOLE Canciones
"Trouble"
"Trouble" by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
A song that Elvis enjoyed at all times when interpreting it. The strength and security with which it was done and the double intention of the lyrics would give an intensity to the theme that would leave its mark on the film. Elvis was magnificent, defiant and with a voice that conveys everything, as well as initially singing in a lower register than usual.
With "Trouble" by Leiber and Stoller, Elvis sang a traditional blues and a change of rhythm that makes this song a score that leaves a mark, it is one of the best moments in Elvis's voice.
The introduction of the song with wind instruments in a slow and traditional way gives it a wonderful touch.
This song was recorded at Radio Recorders on January 15, 1958 for the film "King Creole".
It was released on the film's soundtrack EP and LP. Since then he has appeared on "Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2", "Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller", "The Great Performances", "The King Of Rock 'n' Roll", "Artist Of The Century", "Elvis 2nd to None", "Elvis By The Presleys", "Hitstory", "Elvis R'n' B" and 2007's "The Essential Elvis".
On his return to TV, Elvis sang it on the 1968 "Elvis" Comeback Special" for NBC. Logically it would be included on the LP. On many Comeback bootlegs.
There are many alternate versions that were included on "Memories", "The '68 Comeback Special" and FTD's "Burbank '68" and "Let Yourself Go". Elvis performing the medley was featured on the 2007 international DVD release "Elvis #1 Hit Performances".
Elvis would also interpret it in Concert in the 1970s. Of the same would be published in the FTD "Closing Night" and "Southern Nights", "Writing for the King", etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mcr_b0T7nd8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvdW75-yJUI
"Crawfish"
"Crawfish" by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman
Elvis recorded this song on Radio Recorders on January 15, 1958, for the film "King Creole." with a creole sound”.
In the original version of the film, he was accompanied by Kitty White who introduced the melody, but she was cut from the record version, but it was magnificent.
Elvis turns to this song that is so insinuating and with a vocal game that makes it special.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGproTHaWWk
The lyrics had a double intention, insinuations, it was witty:
"Look, I got it / Look at the size / Naked and cleaned before your eyes / Sweet meat, look."
One could glimpse a sexual meaning that at the time would have been scandalous.
It was included in the EP and LP of the same. Initially a longer version of the song was recorded for the film with singer Kitty White, but on LP it would be cut.
The song has since been included on "Worldwid Gold Award Hits Vol. 2", reissues of "The King Of Rock & Roll" and :King Creole". An unedited version appeared on "Essential Elvis Vol. 3".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQOlgXaSDy8
"King Creole
"King Creole". Another Leiber and Stoller classic that Elvis recorded on January 23, 1958 at Radio Recorders, although it was tried days before but it would not be an acceptable version. They had problems with the rhythm and the players had to make several changes until it could be recorded correctly in another session.
"King Creole" had to be re-recorded for the song to be considered for the film's title. Elvis' performance is brilliant and energetic. He uses several vocal registers to finish giving life to the song along with the chorus. Although it has wind accompaniment, but Elvis dominates the song perfectly.
Scotty created a guitar solo that gave the song the punch and instrumental hook that was missing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cOCr110_sU
It was released on the soundtrack EP and, shortly after, on the soundtrack LP.
It was later included on "Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2", "Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller", "The "Great Performances". Also on re-release of "Elvis' Gold Records Vol. 2", "Elvis 2nd to one", "Hitstory", "Elvis Movies", "Elvis Rock" and "Elvis at the Movies".
Alternate takes were included on the 1990 LP "Essential Elvis Vol. 3". and the soundtrack album re-released in 1997. Also in "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", etc,etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvj6pbGOVyQ
KING CREOLE Songs
"Lover Doll"
"Lover Doll" by Sid Wayne and Abner Silver
A slow tempo sweet and soft sung song by Sid Wayne and Abner Silver for the King Creole soundtrack, recorded by Elvis on January 16, 1958 on Radio Recorders.
A ballad type song in calm air, of which two versions were made. One with a choir and the other with the accompaniment of the Jordanaires.
The song was published on the EP "King Creole Vol. 1" version without the Jordanaires, the overdub, the overdub was included on the soundtrack LP.
Later in " Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2" and "The King of rock and roll". The undubbed version resurfaced on the 1991 album "Essential Elvis Vol. 3" and the 1997 reissue of "King Creole", etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf8YP1wFrto
"New Orleans"
"New Orleans" A composition by Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett. This score would be Bennett's personal favorite of the many he wrote for Elvis.
It was recorded at Radio Recorders on January 5, 1958 for "King Creole".
"New Orleans", The song opens with a solid trumpet intro by John Ed Buckner.
A mix of half spoken, half sung performance, also of various styles, part jazz, part blues, and part rock. Once again a good arrangement and a magnificent performance in the voice of Elvis, with a lot of vocal and insinuating play.
It was released on the EP (Vol 1) and the LP "King Creole"
It was later included on "Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2," "Elvis Sings The Blues," "The King Of Rock And Roll," and "Platinum: A Life in Music."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w78wUvEbedw
"Young Dreams"
Elvis recorded this Martin Kalmanoff and Aaron Schroeder composition on Radio Recorders on January 23, 1958 for the King Creole soundtrack and associated EP and LP.
"Young Dreams"
A mid-tempo ballad.. On this song, Elvis tried something a little different, as he sings part of the encore in a much lower voice to add light and shadow to the recording.
It was hardly a subtle approach, but it shows how eager he was to do his best in these sessions and above all to look for a difference to the rest.
It was published in "Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2", "The King Of Rock & Roll" anthology and "King Creole" album reissues etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUvqi8H66cU
KING CREOLE Canciones
"Dixieland Rock"
"Dixieland Rock", a song by Claude Demetrius and Fred Wise for King Creole on January 16, 1958 on Radio Recorders.
A strong Rock Jazz arrangement that Elvis interprets with force, with claw, in his style and enjoying the song. Accompanied in the choirs with the Jordanaires.
The version was issued on "King Creole EP Vol. 2" and slightly altered for the soundtrack LP.
The song was reprized for the 1971 album "Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2", "The King of Rock and Roll", also on reissues of "King Creole", and 2006 album "Elvis Rock".
https://youtu.be/0s_VBPxG_nw
"Danny"
"Danny", a song written by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, which could have been the title of the film. It would be recorded on February 11, 1958, although the track was eventually scrapped and not released until years later.
It was a score that really had nothing to do with the rest of the songs.
Although the interpretation is good, it has nothing to do with the atmosphere of the film, although it tells the story of the protagonist. Very in the style of the moment but it was really a very simple song to be able to represent the film
It was initially thought to give the film a title. But they realized that it was not a song that had a hook, so they had to banish the idea.
The song was removed from the picture and then in 1960, retitled "Lonely Blue Boy", it became a huge international number 1 for Conway Twitty.
It was first published posthumously in Elvis: "A Legendary Performer Vol. 3" in 1978. It has since been featured in the "King Of Rock & Roll" anthology, also on the 1997 RCA re-release of
the soundtrack of 'King Creole' and in 'Essential Elvis Vol. 3'.
https://youtu.be/UPLonXjzChg
"As Long As I Have You"
"As Long As I Have You" by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman
A song composed by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, recorded during the King Creole sessions at Radio Recorders on January 16, 1958.
A wonderful song in the voice of Elvis, sung in a warm and intimate way. With an emotional melody in his voice, Elvis would turn to ballads in a very personal way.
It was initially released on the "King Creole" movie EP and LP. Later in "Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2".
A shorter recorded version of the song was used in the film and was first released on "Essential Elvis Vol. 3" in 1991, also includes the vinyl version.
Other versions were also included in "The King Of Rock And Roll" anthology and the 1997 "King Creole" reissue.
Another ballad with a fuller arrangement.
Ben Weisman, one of the two songwriters, said that he was very inspired by Elvis to write and it is true that when you write a score, if you have a particular image or feeling regarding the subject or the person that you are writing for, obviously the song will He comes to unite the interpreter very easily.
When Elvis sings "As Long As I Have You" it was very emotional. If we look at the last scene where his father comes out and Elvis looks at him with tears in his eyes. Really everything would be very well spun in this film, but logically the music helped a lot to give meaning and closeness to the public.
Ben Weisman was lucky enough to have in his possession a wonderful tape where Elvis sang the song "As Long As I Have You", recorded in the studio only for its author.
https://youtu.be/WabQjRiKgSw
"Don't Ask Me Why"
"Don't Ask Me Why" written by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, Elvis recorded this ballad on Radio Recorders on January 16, 1958.
Like all ballads, Elvis perfectly dominated this intimate style with great vocal control.
It was the first of the ballads to be recorded. Released as a single with the B-side of "Hard Headed Woman" on June 1, 1958, it peaked at number 28 on the Billboard charts, but peaked at number 2 on the R&B charts and stayed in the Top 100 for nine weeks. total.
After the release of King Creole, it appeared on the soundtrack LP and was subsequently released on "A Touch of Gold EP Vol. 3".
Also on "Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2" and "The King of Rock 'n' Roll."
https://youtu.be/xaVTHLGNaHE
"Steadfast, Loyal and True"
An atypical theme within what are the compositions of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It would be a special request from the director and the producer to be able to listen to a song that could be a school anthem and this is what they did.
Elvis recorded two versions of this simple song.
The film version was recorded on January 16, 1958 at Radio Recorders, and an LP version with overdubs by the Jordanaires (in Nashville, June 19) at the Paramount Soundstage on February 11, 1958.
The song was published on "Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller" and included in the anthology "The King Of Rock And Roll". The original version was included on "Essential Elvis, vol. 3" in 1991, also on the 1997 re-release of "King Creole" and "Today, tomorrow & Forever".
Elvis sings it in the movie when he is asked to sing his school song. But it is not a song that has great interest.
https://youtu.be/7R3TzSNyUbo
The Reality of Dreams"The realization. "King Creole"
Elvis was so interested in the film that he read the book before filming began. He believed that this role was decisive for him, because he was going to be absent for two years and this worried him.
Elvis had to cut his sideburns and lose eight kilos to characterize himself in his leading role, at the direction of director Michael Curtiz.
Sometimes he did not understand him well because of his Hungarian accent, but from the first moment Elvis told him that he would do whatever the director asked.
On January 13, 1958, Elvis showed up to carry out the pre-production of the film, he was delighted, he arrived with his gang from Memphis to work on the film.
Elvis was enthusiastic and funny but serious about his role, he would show all his interest in acting and follow the advice of his peers and the director.
King Creole is the best considered film in terms of Elvis Presley's filmography, due to a set of factors that would not come together in later films. The direction by Michael Curtiz, a good director.
The script of the film that was better than the previous and later films. The music with great composers and songs appropriate to the story. Good actors who accompanied the cast and a magnificent interpretation of Elvis Presley who turned to his role as Danny Fisher.
Produced by Hal B. Wallis for Paramount Pictures
The story was adapted from Harold Robbins's 1952 novel A Stone for Danny Fisher.
In the film, the role of Danny Fisher changed his character from a boxer to a singer, and the location was changed from New York to New Orleans. The title was changed due to the strength of the film's main theme, which would be "King Creole".
The Film King Creole
.The film was released on July 2, 1958, with a good reception from critics and his performance. Commercially it would also be a success since it reached number five in the position of highest grossing films by Variety magazine.
Regarding the shooting of the film,
King Creole was filmed out of sequence, that is to say that they did not follow a logical temporal order and as a result, this could give rise to small errors, due to the use of postures in the actors, costumes...
When Elvis sings "Don't Ask Me Why" and "As Long As I Have You", the group behind the band pretends to play saxophones, clarinets and trombones, but these instruments were actually over-recorded for the soundtrack since they don't exist. .
Elvis plays an acoustic guitar that should be electric, pretending to play the solo that Scotty Moore is really playing. This is why he turns with a knowing smile to look at him as he touches Scotty.
Filming for some songs was done with almost no close-ups and was done with very few camera angles.
However in "Trouble" close-ups were requested, after the filming of the song had been done.
Obviously for Michael Curtiz this was a serious film and he would not think of it as a musical, but as a story that is adorned with music since the protagonist is a singer.
There were scenes with songs that were filmed but would later be discarded in the film's montage, such as the song "Danny".
"Steadfast, Loyal And True" or "As Long As I Have You" were recorded in the scene where he first meets Carolyn Jones (Ronnie), to choose which was more suitable.
Scenes that were longer were cut, for example the moment when Elvis took Dolores Hart (Nellie) to the hotel room. It would be cut and never published, only a handful of still images remain.
The environment with the actors, director would be the most suitable to play a good role, since Elvis felt really good.
He was invested in his role as Danny, which he played in a very honest and natural way. There was great potential in him and great talent in his way of acting that did not go unnoticed by anyone, both the director and his fellow actors appreciated it.
The cast is made up of good actors like Walter Matthau in the tough role, Dolores Hart as a naive girl, Carolyn Jones as a femme fatale but deep down sensitive, and Dean Jagger as the weak and ineffective father, the same dynamic as in teen-type films of the time.
Actor Walter Mathew described Elvis as very bright as well as being highly intelligent. He understood his character and how to portray him by simply being himself throughout the story. He was not even exaggerated, at all times he was natural.
Carolyn Jones said that she spent the day asking questions, talking about her family and his house. She suggested that to really learn the trade, he should consider taking acting classes.
Elvis was very excited about this film, for him it represented his great opportunity within the cinematographic medium and he believed that from this film everything would be shot.
Elvis put a lot of energy into his role, his interpretation was very natural and his concern to make it all believable. For Elvis it would be a dream come true to be a real actor and he thought that this film would open the doors for him to play serious roles, but unfortunately he had to do his military service soon.
When he finally saw the movie, Elvis was very proud of his performance and he would always say that this would be the best he ever did.
"Following the Path of the King..."
the soundtrackThe quality of good music."King Creole"
The film's soundtrack was also a well-deserved success. The single "Hard-Headed Woman" reached number one on the Billboard chart, number two on the R&B chart, and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The soundtrack LP would go to number two on the Billboard chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA, for sales of 500,000.
Also the two EPs
Volume 1 and Volume 2 also each sold around a million copies.
"Elvis Presley, the Actor"
King Creole
When Elvis Presley acted in the movie "King Creole" he would take a big step in his artistic career towards his great dream, to be a great actor.
His Danny character in the film conveys much more with his performance than he could imagine. During the film we can observe all his movements, his phrases, moments that are recorded with great naturalness and strength, which is transmitted to the viewer.
Elvis knew a lot about the pain that can be suffered from rejection, from loss and from lack of value, which was what he had to play in his role.
Really, the experience in his young life could be brought to his character, because he was always a different boy and for this reason he felt the rejection of others, he would also have felt the loss, when they went from one house to another and due to the lack in his life. family and the lack of value, you could see it reflected in many cases in your own family or social environment.
Danny was a boy who loses his home, his mother and finds himself immersed in a neighborhood where he has to defend himself from the world and face the change in his father, who had lost his business and everything is going to have repercussions in an aggressive attitude towards the others. the rest.
Elvis shows us in many scenes the good work of him, such as when he talks to the director of his institute how he had to work before getting to class to earn money and help in his house. When other boys played he was cleaning, delivering or picking up to earn money. His attitude is defensive at all times against the environment and Elvis understands the character and carries it to the end.
Even that duality in his way of looking at the two female characters represented by the naive and good girl who wants a serious relationship and the other girl from the world, more mature and experienced who invites him to temptation. In these moments he also reflects in the way of looking at them different performance of him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwjYfqzm3V0
The scene where his father is hospitalized where you can feel the pain through his expression, his look is authentic, dramatic.
Of course about the music, the songs and his interpretation as a singer we can only say, impeccable. The songs are very well adapted to the movie script so it's easy and everything can be enjoyed. The rest of the actors also play a good role, so Elvis would feel sheltered and supported by his companions with whom he would come to have confidence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2gnjGUrgHc
The whole character is very well interpreted by Elvis Presley, who had a good review from the press who said, "In addition to singing, he knows how to act."
It is true that this was a good opportunity to move forward and from then on choose good characters, suitable scripts to continue on this path and reach the chosen goal, which was to be a good actor.
Everything was pointing in that direction, but military service, confusion and overconfidence in his manager Tom Parker caused him to spoil that very promising future.
Although he was still able to make a movie that could have a decent script, over time the Colonel forgot his promise to choose painful scripts, music that did not have great quality and the result would be to reject the good opportunities that were offered for economic reasons that they offered. easy money.
Sometimes dreams come true, but as in the story at midnight they turn into a pumpkin.
"Following the Path of the King..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2VEgIarL-4
"An encounter like no other between two rebels"Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley. February 1958
During the breaks in the making of the film "King Creole", Elvis would meet other actors, it was normal, since he could coincide both in the studios and in the dining room. One day he saw Pat Boone in the studios and greeted him singing, Elvis was delighted to have finally seen him in person. Another day at lunchtime he was with Jan Shepard, his partner in the film and they were at the studio restaurant. Next door at a nearby table sat Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, when Cornel Wilde approached them and asked Elvis for an autograph for his daughter. Elvis was amazed, he still didn't realize his scope as an artist because he said: "Can you believe Cornel Wilde wants my autograph?" Jan told Elvis that Marlon Brando was sitting behind him and looking at them. Elvis got very nervous because he was shaking and didn't dare turn around. Jan told him when they got up to push the chair to give him a chance to have a excuse to introduce He did so and finally they shook hands and greeted each other, when they were leaving Elvis said: "My goodness, I shook hands with Marlon Brando!" The legendary rebel Marlon Brando was one of the favorite actors of Elvis, his movies as well as James Dean, who was his favourite. Everything related to him as an actor called Marlon Brando's attention, his appearance on the screen, his rude attitude. He was like James Dean, whom he admired and was very sorry for his death, because Elvis would have wanted to meet him. But Marlon Brando was alive and Elvis had a dream of meeting him at some point, face to face. This wish came true in February 1958, at the end of his stay in Hollywood. Although the two greeted each other and spoke for a moment, neither showed importance to the meeting, nor the real emotion they felt for meeting in person. After this Marlon Brando walked away while Elvis sat down again. They never became friends, but it would really be difficult, since Elvis would go out on several occasions with Rita Moreno, the actress who had also dated Marlon. Rita Monero would say that she went out with Elvis to make Marlon jealous, that he had been unfaithful and with whom she had a complex relationship for eight years. This could be the reason that a friendship that could have been entirely logical did not come later. But it is true that the temperament of Elvis and Marlon Brando was very different, since despite the image of him as a rebel, Elvis was a person who normally accepted the rules and always tried to do the right thing and Marlon was not like that at all. Brando was a true rebel since he was a teenager, his attitude was really contradictory and he always did what he wanted despite the consequences. The two were shocked by the luck to see each other at this moment, since the two admired each other for their style, their interpretation and their special difference from the rest of the medium. They were two incomparable artists who, due to different circumstances, would be considered two rebels at the time. Unfortunately, there are no photographs of this meeting or of any other that could have taken after this. "Following the King's Path..."
Studio RCA Recording Sessions Elvis Presley
February 1, 1958:
Radio Recorders, Hollywood
With the recordings for "King Creole" done, more songs were needed to fulfill Elvis Presley's commitment to RCA. And above all to have fresh material for publication while serving in the military. The forced contract of him was to record 4 singles a year.
Steve Sholes had "Onee Night" saved as a possible release, but Elvis refused because he considered until he had a chance to break the record he had held in January 1957.
Elvis was interested in two tunes that he had rehearsed at the final King Creole session, the songs "Doncha 'Think It's Time" and "My Wish Came True". By then Jerry Leiber, who was helping Elvis on the recordings at the time, was hospitalized with pneumonia. Elvis wanted to postpone this session but it was impossible.
This discouraged Elvis enough that he did not end up convinced that he had made good recordings. Elvis had learned that the best way to make the recordings was under his absolute control,
, so rather than risk making more mistakes, he overlapped the parts himself.
He Banned "Your Cheatin' Heart" was not published for seven years.
The session was complicated, there were mistakes because Elvis was affected by his departure and Steve Sholes was in a panic because they couldn't record for a long time. Everything was a bit chaotic.
"Following the Path of the King..."
"My wish came True"
A completely different song to the songs recorded by Elvis Presley
, For the vocal accompaniment and instrumentation. Elvis interprets this score in a caramelized way, with an exuberant choral accompaniment, the soprano's voice stands out over the choral melody.
Elvis previously recorded it on Radio Recorders on September 6, 1957, although Elvis tried to perfect it on February 1, 1958.
It was difficult to get the master take, because Elvis would not settle.
It was issued as a Single on June 23, 1959, as a B-side to "A Big Hunk of Love". it reached number 12, on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over a million copies.
The track was included on the album "Elvis' Gold Records Vol. 2". Later in "Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2", "The King of Rock and Roll", also in "Hitstory".
"My Wish Came True" was composed by Ivory Joe Hunter.
American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, and pianist. He had several hits on the US R&B charts. beginning in the mid-1940s, he became known for his hit recording of "Since I Met You Baby." He was known as The Boogie Baron and also as The World's Happiest Man Alive.
Elvis met him and invited him
to Graceland in the spring of 1957. The two spent the day together, singing "I Almost Lost My Mind" and other songs. Hunter commented about Elvis's personality: "He's very spiritually minded...he showed me all the niceties and I think he's one of the best." Elvis recorded several Hunter songs, "I Need You So", "My Wish Came True", and "Ain't That Lovin' You, Baby". Subsequently
he would record "I Will Be True" and "It's Still Here" in May 1971.
Hunter wrote more than 7,000 songs.
https://youtu.be/5o4UlwHFX2Y
"Doncha' Think It's Time"
Elvis recorded this track by Clyde Otis and Willie Dixon on Radio Recorders on February 1, 1958, but it was previously attempted on January 23, but it would not come out to Elvis' liking, who did not stop and they would have to record about 50 takes.
Even then the released track was spliced together from three different takes.
"Doncha' Think It's Time" was issued as a single in April 1958. As a B-side to "Wear My Ring Around your neck". It peaked at number 21 on the charts.
It was included on the LP, "Elvis' Gold Records Vol. 2". Later on "Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2", "Essential Elvis vol. 3" and "The King of Rock and Roll", etc.
Alternate takes were included on "Essential Elvis Vol. 3" and "Today, Tomorrow and Forever".
Four takes and the original master single from that February session are on the FTD release "50,000,000 Million Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong" etc.
https://youtu.be/jmupTG5Nb6Y
Clyde Lovern Otis, was a songwriter and record producer, best known for his collaboration with singer Brook Benton and for being one of the first African-American A&R executives on a major label.
He wrote almost 800 songs. Initially known for recording
Nat King Cole's song about him in 1956.
He joined Mercury Records as head of A&R in 1958 and began writing and producing material for Brook Benton. With well-known songs like "It's Just a Matter of Time", "Endlessly", "So Many Ways", "Kiddio" and the novelty song, "The Boll Weevil Song", etc.
Winner of a Grammy Award in 1994 for producing Natalie Cole's "Take a Look," Otis received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 2000.
The other composer Willy Dixon, was a blues bassist, singer, music composer and record producer and boxer.
He was the music producer for the Chicago record company Chess Records, being considered one of the main exponents in the creation of Chicago blues.
Willie Dixon wrote a large number of famous blues songs, mainly using the double bass on his early recordings. As
29 Ways", "300 Pounds Of Joy", "Back Door Man", "Big Boss Man", "Bring It on Home", "Close to You" –etc.
"Your cheatin' heart"
Elvis recorded this Hank Williams composition from 1952. It became a number 1 country hit for Williams.
Elvis recorded it on February 1, 1958 on Radio Recorders.
Elvis's version was not published for seven years, because he did not like the result.
It was included in "Elvis For Everyone", later in "Welcome To My World", "Essential Elvis Vol. 3", "The King of Rock and Roll", "The Country side of Elvis", etc.
A very covered song
Ray Charles, Patsy Cline and Don McLean, etc. Joni James had a #2 Billboard Top 100 hit.
Alternate takes on the Elvis version began with UK "The EP Collection Vol. 2", "Essential Elvis vol. 3", "Great Country Songs", etc. An alternative was mistakenly released on a "Readers Digest" LP. The release of "FTD 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong" features two alternatives, etc.
It is a song written and recorded by country music singer-songwriter Hank Williams in 1952. It is considered one of the greatest country standards. Williams was inspired to write the song while he was driving with his fiancée from Nashville, Tennessee, to Shreveport, Louisiana. After describing his first wife, Audrey Sheppard, as "Cheatin Heart", cheating heart
Hiram "Hank" Williams (was a celebrated American singer-songwriter and musician. He is considered one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century. Williams recorded 55 singles that reached the top 10 on the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, five of which were released posthumously, including 12 that reached number 1, .
Williams has been popularly called "the king of country music".
"Wear my ring around your neck"
It was a very simple score with a catchy air that in Elvis' voice was a playful song. Elvis recorded this song by Bert Carroll and Russell Moody on February 1, 1958 on Radio Recorders. And for the master of "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", Elvis had to re-record on the 26th, days later and also the piano part.
It was issued in April 1958, as a single with the B-side "Doncha' Think It's Time". It peaked at number 3 on the charts and easily sold a million.
It was included on the "Touch of Gold Vol. 2 EP" and on the "Golden Records Vol. 2". It is later included in "Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits vol. 1", "The King Of Rock and Roll", "Artist Of The century", "Elvis 2nd To None", "Hitstory" and "Elvis Rock", etc.
The song was issued as a single in 1983, serving as the B-side to "I Was The One". A studio session take was included on "Essential Elvis Vol. 3", also included on FTD reissue of "50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong", "Elvis' Golden Records Vol. 2", etc.
https://youtu.be/blmeWAWjlyk
LP "Elvis´Golden Records"
March 21, 1958
Compilation album by American musician Elvis Presley, released by the RCA Victor record company in March 1958.
It reached number 3 on the Billboard charts. Elvis enjoys reasonable success eventually selling close to six million sales in the United States alone. It was the first of four compilation albums, it was certified gold on October 17, 1961 and platinum on May 20, 1988 by the RIAA.
It compiles Elvis's hits during the years 1956 and 1957, in the absence of new material, since Elvis would begin his military service. Currently 6 times platinum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9awp8E2uX6M
The beginning of a parenthesis in the life of Elvis Presley
Military service
March 24, 1958
Elvis Presley had to appear before the draft board where he will meet with twelve other recruits to transfer them to the bus that will take them to the Kennedy Veterans Memorial Hospital. To say goodbye to him, Anita Wood, his girlfriend at the time and his parents along with some friends, accompanied him. There was also Colonel Parker who was advertising the movie Elvis had made, handing out "King Creole" balloons to the people who had come to see Elvis.
After a physical exam they would take the army bus to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
Along the way, Elvis meets Rex Mansfield, from Dresden, Tennessee, who is taken aback by one of his closest friends in the military.
On this day, they cut their hair in the traditional way in front of reporters and photographers, who were evidently there to take note of everything that was happening and because it was great news. Elvis makes a silly comment because he can't say anything else... "Hair today, the day after tomorrow"
He is assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, General Patton's "Hell on Wheels" team, stationed at Fort Hood, Killeen, Texas. On the 28th he begins his training that will last six months before being sent to Germany.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGA2nOXyrxs
What for any young man like Elvis would be private, for poor Elvis was a kind of circus around him, who kept taking photos and taking notes of how he undressed, they did tests, cut his hair and swore before the flag. Obviously, if he already had confusion, all this, although it was publicity to keep his public informed, for Elvis it would be one more nuisance and even a little humiliating, since it was no longer a movie or a performance, but his own life.
All this happened for Elvis a radical change of situation and of course customs in his usual life. What would be normal for a young man who has to do military service would be harder for him, because he was giving up his success at the top, despite those who still did not accept him, because he had won over his audience, which was the majority and left everything behind for two years that would come with doubts and uncertainty.
Elvis Presley had not known any different treatment nor did he want favoritism, because he only expected to be one more like the other soldiers.
However, RCA and Steve Sholes, its producer, were restless and really worried because it would be difficult from now on to release new material, unless they took advantage of some permission from Elvis, to be able to record.
They had published a few days before a new LP that brought together fourteen songs, Elvis's most successful to date, "Elvis'Golden Records". It was unknown to everyone what was going to happen in the absence of his most important artist and there was much confusion. But the intention was to have the public entertained with already known material and with the new Elvis film.
It was a hiatus in Elvis's life that could take its toll on his career as an artist, since two years was a long time away in between. Anything could happen...
"Following the King's Way..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XwKHBSuQEA
RCA Recording Sessions. June 10, 1958
ELVIS PRESLEY.
Studio B. Nashville.
RCA Victor had a new studio in Nashville at the corner of Seventeenth Avenue South and Hawkins Street. Studio B was where the June 1958 session was to be recorded.
These sessions were prompted by pressure from Steve Sholes for new material to release, in Elvis's protracted absence. It was already planned that from September he would have to go to Germany to continue his military service. A photo session was held during Elvis Presley's leave for two weeks in June for the recording in Nashville.
Freddy Bienstock had contacted the composers to obtain more scores to offer good material because they wanted to release a new single.
In Nashville, at RCA's new Studio B, Chet Atkins assembled a group of session musicians that would come to be called the “Nashville A-team,” made up of well-known musicians. They were the best of the moment, the most competent band to accompany Elvis Presley. Since they had definitely ruled out Scotty and Bill as chaperones and they wanted the sessions to be productive.
The guitarist Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland, was the one who stood out the most from this team of musicians, due to his own recording career, he had created a new form of music, "hillbilly jazz". He had already played with Elvis in the fall of 1957, when Scotty and Bill quit.
Dj Fontana the Drummer was the only remaining member of the original group, which was accompanied on percussion by Buddy Harman on Bongos. Bob Moore was the new bass. Floyd Cramer was the pianist and had already played with Elvis in the Hayride days. Finally the wonderful Jordanaires that vocally enriched Elvis's work.
It was a different environment that surrounded these sessions, that had nothing to do with Radio Recorders, they wanted to do a lot of takes so that Steve Sholes could choose the best work and perfect the songs. Everything was very professional and as a consequence more active, there was not much relaxation.
The interesting thing about this is that Elvis felt much more secure because the result that the musicians brought was a solid endorsement.
During the songs they contributed his best work and even the arrangements made it easier for the type of recordings that had to be made.
"I need your love tonight."
During this song, Elvis was having fun and in complicity with the musicians, he would use word games to give the lyrics more intention. The atmosphere was light and lively considering that the lyrics were very simple and without any special message.
Ray Walker replaced Hugh Jarrett as bass singer in the Jordanaires. He was accepted by Elvis easily, as he started asking him to double several words and lines in the first song, while the rest just said "ooh". Ray and Elvis shared a microphone while Ray dubbed various words and lines.
The atmosphere continued to rise, Hank Garland's guitar did a great solo and although it seemed to be simple the song was not accepted by Elvis until take eighteen.
"A Big Hunk O' Love" a song also lively but with a bluesy accent. You hear a spirited Elvis voice and crisp, clean backing.
"Ain't That Loving You Baby" was composed by Clyde Otis and Ivory Joe Hunter when they were in Louisiana after a duck hunt, they got a call from Hill and Range, asking if they had any songs for Elvis and they said yes. But the reality is that they sat down to compose and wrote this song
There hadn't been the same energy in this song that there was in the first, so Chet Atkins would come out of the control booth and grab a guitar, playing a walking bass line that would help the rhythm. But they were not yet satisfied. They would play it in two different rhythms, one version faster than the other.
"(Once in a while there's) a fool like that."
This song was a hit in 1953 for Hank Snow and Tom Diskin encouraged Elvis to record it. During the recording Chet Atkins played rhythm guitar.
In the last song "I Got a Stung", Elvis, who was very involved and at full speed, was already tired with the musicians. Mistakes were already being made because of this fatigue. At the end Elvis would alter the melody and say during the recording: "Man, you better hurry, my brain is getting weaker by the minute."
A session against the clock that the soldier Elvis Presley had attended because of his commitment and with his best intentions.
So far Elvis had made 16 albums and each one had sold more than a million dollars, was what Steve Sholes told the press. Elvis chose all of his songs and was a once-in-a-lifetime artist.
"Following the King's Way..."
The irreplaceable absence.Gladys Love Smith.
August 14, 1958.
Of all the good and bad circumstances that Elvis lived through throughout his life, she would be a part directly or indirectly. Her greatest happiness, friendship, affection and love for her were for Gladys. Her greatest loss, her inconsolable pain and her greatest absence were also from her mother.
When Gladys passed away, her son and her husband were plunged into an existential void. Logically it was what many of us suffer with a family loss, but Elvis suffered it in a very special way, because he was a person who would never have such a special person.
When Elvis arrived at the Hospital at dawn, she had already passed away, he could not assimilate it. Elvis would not stop touching her and they had to ask him to restrain himself.
Elvis called the base to notify and Anita Wood to go with him, she was in New York performing and as soon as the show was over she would go that night.
The next morning the press witnessed that inconsolable pain in Elvis, who was hugging his father crying. They were both sitting on the front steps of Graceland, completely broken. Elvis was never ashamed of his feelings, he told reporters that he was heartbroken.
Without stopping crying he explained to them that she was the reason for his life and she was always his favorite girl.
The fans were at the gate and knew that the funeral would take place in his house in the traditional way. Elvis wanted to share his pain with the fans but the Colonel forbade it.
Anita would arrive at dawn to comfort him. George, Alan, Nick Adams, Lamar and another group of guys were willing to stay there until the end. They had to administer a sedative to Elvis, who was asleep when the Memphis Funeral Service went to retrieve the body at 9 in the morning.
Chet Atkins went to the funeral, but the presence of Bill and Scotty was missed. Dixie, she went there too and Elvis went straight for her. The two hugged for a few minutes.
The Blackwood Brothers, who were Gladys and Elvis's favorite quartet, were behind the altar and began to sing at the funeral. Elvis and Vernon were sobbing. DJ Sumner, who was already a friend of Elvis, received the notes from him, because Elvis asked for more. songs.
He had never seen a man suffer so much from the loss of his mother.
Several times during the service, Elvis nearly fainted. Anita was behind him and saw him crying without being able to stop.
When it was all over, only Elvis, Vernon, James Blackwood and their friend Captain Woodward, from the Police Department, were left at the foot of the coffin.
Elvis leaned over the coffin, kissed his mother, and whispered, "Mom, I would give every
penny I have and I'd dig ditches again just to have you back with us."
In the cemetery there were more than five hundred people, onlookers and acquaintances. Father and son were still inconsolable. At the end Elvis leaned sobbing over the coffin saying: "Goodbye, dear mom, goodbye. I love you so much... You know I have lived my whole life for you."
Four friends dragged him into the limo.
Later at the house, Elvis was waiting for Dixie whom he wrapped in his arms. They entered the house and the only person he saw was the grandmother. Elvis fired everyone else because he knew that she understood him very well. They talked and talked and cried together.
They talked about Gladys remembering the time he knew her, about all the fun and silly things they did.
She told him how special it was to be with someone she had known for so long and that she loved and accepted him for who she had been then. Elvis told him, "I wonder how many of my friends today would be here if this was five years ago? Not many, because they're all looking for something from me."
Elvis confessed to her that he wanted to leave the life she led.
Dixie asked her then
"Why don't you do it? You've already done what you wanted. You've reached the top, why don't you stop and go back?" Elvis replied, "It's too late for that. Too many people depend on me. I'm too tied up. I'm too in to get out."
Red West, who was in the navy, had asked permission to go to the funeral, but I don't know if they gave it. Although he also had to leave due to his father's illness, although when he arrived he had already passed away.
He and Elvis had shared so much in the past two years and this too would bond them. Despite the pain, Elvis went to the funeral the next day, showing his affection for Red.
Alan Fortas, Gene Smith and Lamar Fike accompanied him and when he saw Red he gave him a hug and said:
"My mom was here yesterday right where your father is now. Red" he couldn't say much more.
In the following days, Elvis, after such a big emotional fall, had a fever and reached almost 40 degrees, according to the doctor, he hardly ate, they extended his leave for five days, and his friends tried to cheer him up.
But without a doubt this episode was the saddest in the life of Elvis Presley, who never stopped adoring his mother.
"Following the Path of the King..."
Colonel Parker's negotiations on Elvis Presley's film career
October 1958
Colonel Parker manages to get a new contract from Hal Wallis, the producer, who agrees to pay $175,000 for the first movie to be shot after the Army. As well as increasing the payment $75,000 on King Creole and $150,000 more than what Elvis would have been entitled to under the original contract.
Three more films are included in this new contract with payment of $125,000, $150,000 and $175,000 against 7% percent of "gross receipts" after the film has been released. The first movie to be filmed would be "G.I. Blues".
The Colonel is also continuing negotiations to include a renewed deal with 20th Century Fox for a $200,000 movie, an option for a second movie at $250,000 and a 50-50 split of profits after all expenses have been recovered. It would be the films "Flaming Star" and "Wild in the Country".
Everything was being handled at the pleasure of the Colonel in whom Elvis had placed all his trust, while he was doing his military service.
Single "One Night"
October 1958
Songs
"One Night" by Dave Bartholomew, Pearl King and Anita Steinman.
"I Got Stung" by Aaron Schroeder and David Hill
The song "One Night" was recorded much earlier, on January 18, 1957, but the original was not published until 1983. The problem was the lyrics that were not entirely appropriate to the morality of the time and Elvis would return to to record it again on February 23, 1957, in order to adapt and publish it, the lyrics were rewrote until finally it could be recorded. Elvis had many doubts when he recorded the song "One night" and for this reason its publication was delayed so long, but it was a score that he nailed perfectly. The reason was the suggestive lyrics that were included in the score, the Colonel thought it was inappropriate, but Elvis never gave up on losing such a good score.
It would finally be published in October 1958 and would reach number 4 on the Billboard and with the B-side, "I got stung" reached number 8 on the charts.
Considering everything that had happened before, they would be good positions, but moderate although they could have been a complete success, but being away from home and absent, also influences your sales.
Both songs were in competition, the proof is that around 1.5 million copies were sold, this meant that the Single could keep up the image of Elvis. It reached number one twice on the UK Singles Chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o74j7t1tKs
"Success at a Distance"
End 1958
Elvis was in a particular and strange moment in his life, during his stay in Germany, because although he was doing military service, during this time he was able to be free as he had not been before.
He didn't have the fans chasing him every moment and neither did the press. For this reason, on his leave, he took the satisfaction of visiting places that he never could if he had been controlled. His image would have fallen to the ground if he had been associated with some indecent place or had been photographed doing something that did not fit his image. Although they were always careful that nothing got beyond the people he trusted and during 1958 he more or less tried not to do anything strange, just party and meet new girls.
The press did not have photographs of anything he did, only posing with a fan or if he attended some place, but they were photos that were highly studied and publicity if they were obtained. In addition, Elvis would have to move to a private house in Bad Nauheim so that his privacy would be safe.
It is true that they had leaks but fortunately they were unconfirmed rumors, for example the company had reports from reporters and fans about wild parties during their stay at the Hotel. Although it was all true, they could not confirm anything and upon finding out, the Colonel wrote to Elvis and his father Vernon, so that they would be more prudent and whatever they were doing would not get anywhere.
El día 26 de diciembre Elvis visitó el Holiday on Ice Show en Frankfurt, allí visitaría a algún amigo que trabajaba allí y conocería muchas chicas que patinaban en el show.
A finales de diciembre Elvis arrendó un BMW 507 de BMW Glöckler, era un coche que había conducido anteriormente el campeón de carreras Hans Stuck. El motor se modificó para que Elvis pudiera conducirlo a diario.
Tom Diskin sent Elvis a book that must have made him very happy, it was Stanislavsky's Method Acting, and he pointed out to Elvis that the author "believed that true great acting comes from within, or from living the character you play." Something that Elvis tried to do every time he received a script and Diskin knew that Elvis was of the same opinion.
He ends the year 1958 with the publication of the Single "One Night" which had as B-side "I got Stung", which would be an absolute success and would sell more than 1.5 million copies. The songs would reach number 4 and 9 respectively on the Billboard charts.
Colonel Parker, with the idea of continuing to maintain the rising image of Elvis and keeping his fans aware of everything, came up with the idea of publishing the recordings of recent interviews and the moment in which Elvis embarked to go to Germany. The Ep would be called "Elvis Stails" and although it did not sell more than 100,000 copies it would reach position 2 in Eps.
Elvis Presley had a total income of $1,001,727.89 with an income tax of approximately $360,000. He was still a successful singer, despite his absence and distance, everything seemed to go according to plan.
"Following the Path of the King..."
GROWING PAGE
SORRY FOR BOTHERING YOU!