why did bill black leave elvis why did bill black leave elvis

-Copyright EIN January 2022 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]. 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. Bill's bag of tricks ranged from blacking out his front teeth, to swinging his arm out real far, slapping the strings of his bass, and dancing with or riding it! Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times.3. I think Linda thought, God, talk about a birthday present! She organised it all and gave it to me. Very sadly Bill Black died of a brain tumour in October 1965, he was only 39 years old. In December 1956, Bill said', When we get together with Elvis and the Jordanaires we have a lot of fun. On Saturday, 16th October 1954, Elvis, Scotty and Bill appeared on the 'Lucky Strike Guest Time' segment for new artists on the very popular 'Louisiana Hayride' show on KWKH out of Shreveport. Fontana. The private letter from Bill Black to Tom Diskin says it all, Dear Tom, Fontana called Evelyn, but the funeral was over and done by then. He's playing bass with the Johnny Burnette Rock 'N' Roll Trio, where he replaced Dorsey. Later, Buddy Emmons joined the Combo on organ. They married a year later, in 1946. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Elvis then picked it up and played the part himself. There then followed a long period of rehearsals before any actual recording started. The Holifield's owned record stores and also booked concerts by artists such as Johnny Cash and Elvis. He (Elvis) was standing at the edge of the pool and me and Bill got behind him and pushed him in. Scotty also had Bill come by later in the session, which is said to have taken place on Sunday afternoon, 27th June 1954. This was Wink Martindale's going away party. He was a member of Elvis band, the Blue Moon Boys, from 1954 to 1958. "[3], Black's widow sold Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers the rights to use the name Bill Black's Combo. From August 18 through December 8, "Blue Moon of Kentucky" was consistently higher on the charts, and then both sides began to chart across the South. To a great extent, they were the creators of the Sun Elvis sound. What's the lowdown? Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley, Bill Black and D.J. Elvis Presley. EIN Website content Copyright the Elvis Information Network. 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. Paul said how he had quite a few acquaintances in Nashville and one of them knew Bills family. With the move to RCA, their contribution was not diminished. Apart from Bill, there were younger brothers Johnny', Jack' (who would also become a musician), and Kenny, and sister Mary-Ann. Early life and career [ edit] Part Two The Bill Black Combo, plus his recording studio and publishing. [2][3] His father played popular songs on the banjo and fiddle to entertain the family. Known as 'The Untouchable Sound', chart success saw them receive Billboard's 'Most Played Instrumental Group' award no less than three times in those years. Following on from that number, it's said to have been Bill who jumped up and started to mess about on 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky', the eventual B-side to their first single. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children 'may not have a close relationship with the King' following the couple's eviction from Frogmore Cottage, a source has claimed. Bill and Scotty were heavily involved in constructing a song. Like Elvis', and many other families of the period in the south, his family wasn't a rich one. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. Elvis certainly capitalized on this through his choice of material and performance stylehis sexualized scandalousness was linked in large part to the fact that he was imitating, or referencing,. The book is A4 and 260 pages. Classic movie 'Jailhouse Rock'.7. Again this was over money. With things going so well, the three quit their day jobs, also around October '54. In May of 1955, Elvis gave both Scotty and Bill due credit. During 1956, when asked for his favorite tracks, Bill named 'That's All Right' and 'Hound Dog'. He was only 39, and just weeks short of his 40th birthday. Author Paul Belard has tracked down so many interviews and news articles, with it all combining to make an enthralling look into the life of bass-man Bill Black. New link to Dua Lipa. Bill Black was a talented musician, and he was a key part of the Elvis Presley sound. in October '93, when talking about a mid-SO's trip to San Antonio, Texas'.We all went down to (Scotty's) aunt's and ate food there. The former David Jones first live set was recorded in the summer of 1974 and features a fascinating, futuristic, and funky blend of glam, soul, theater, and daring design. But when he was alone in private, the King liked to close the shades and also turn down the temperature. John Entwistles influence on bass playing was undeniable, and his death at the age of 66 leaves a huge void in the music world. With all the touring, it almost seemed that the large bass had a permanent bunk on the roof of the car back then. 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. D.J. [6] Black slap played the double bass with Moore on lead guitar, while Presley played rhythm guitar and sang lead. 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! 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. These would include Liverpool teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Interview with guitarist Reggie Young(Member Bill Black Combo) Bass links rock and roll royalty Interview with D.J. Elvis was canceled after two weeks and wouldn't appear in the town before July 1969. "[3], In 1952, Black began playing in clubs and on radio shows with the guitarist Scotty Moore. [5], In July 1954, Sam Phillips, of Sun Records, asked Black and Moore to play backup for the as-yet-unknown Elvis Presley. "I don't think anyone should criticize him until they try to put themselves in his shoes and figure out what they would do. On sax, Ace Cannon took over touring duties from Willis who remained in Memphis for the studio work and movie appearances. This was after it had done some 20, 000 miles. Actor Elliott Street portrayed Black in the TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell. His father, Vernon, did. Fontana. 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. Fontana, with various star guest artists, was released. He also looked a little 'chubby'. The attention inspired Marshall Crenshaw to record Bens Im Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee) for his Downtown album. Bill was the friendliest guy in the world'. Following this, Elvis then purchased the '54 Cadillac which gained its place in his legend by burning up on the road when the wheel bearings locked with Elvis and a girlfriend out alone, near Texarkana, Arkansas. why did paul richardson leave gold rush: white water; purdue hockey arena; crater festival 1975 lineup; njac all academic team; tier 1 reading programs; advantages and disadvantages of expected utility theory; activar puerto hdmi placa base gigabyte. The Starlight Wranglers played at the Eagles Nest on Lamar, just outside Memphis. Yet when the session was over, they were told to pack up and leave. Black worked at the Firestone plant. Elvis offered then another 50 dollars and, for a short time, the rift was healed. You can unsubscribe at any time. The beginning of the session was not unlike the previous one. This seems to be backed up by the fact that Elvis cut the vocal track sometime after the backing was recorded. replied that that wasn't so', No. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. 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. 2. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his He also looked a little 'chubby'. He ran it under a truck while playing a date in Arkansas. For Elvis, his future now lay in Germany. Dedicated by the two men to their fallen friend Bill Black, it included one track with the Combo', Goin' Back To Memphis'. [3], During World War II, Black was stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Lee in Virginia. He then moved out to Corpus Christi, but would head home to Memphis with his wife after hearing 'That's All Right', and knowing that something was breaking musically in the city. [11] Black remarked, "Damn. Black himself was not well enough to make the tour. 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. Harry and Meghan were . 'Bill's children acknowledged Elvis was always kind to them. Black was a highly skilled musician and was a major contributor to the unique sound of Elvis early recordings. That same evening, the duo wrote a letter of resignation. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. The first months of 1957 were taken up by the making of Elvis' second movie, 'Loving You'. He and Scotty left again in 1958. When Elvis was at Humes High School, he was on the boxing team. These three men had bonded in a way Sam Phillips could only have dreamed of. 'Blackie' with Joe Coughi, owner of Poplar Tunes record store and 'Hi Records' studio. Elvis joined him. '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. [4] Black and Moore also played in a band with Paul Burlison, Johnny Burnette, Dorsey Burnette on steel guitar, and a drummer. [3][27], After two surgeries and lengthy hospital stays, Black died of a brain tumor on October 21, 1965, at age 39. In the album credits, Bruce Thomas mentions his electric Wal bass guitar as part of Declan McManus Punch The Clock. manila clam digging washington state; san bernardino county ansa; latest family court judgements. He started playing his guitar and sang along with him". centennial high school guidance counselor. [15] Moore and Black left the Starlite Wranglers after the success of "That's All Right," jealousy within the group forcing them to split. 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. 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). They didn't like the Hollywood scene when they got there. The house band for these sessions was the Shylo Band, featuring guitarist/songwriter Ronnie Scaife, nephew of Cecil Scaife, famed Sun Studio engineer. Elvis joins in with him, starts playing and singing along with him "[3] They ended up with a fast version of the song in 4/4 time. Go here to Memphis Mansion website to purchase. River of Deceit, a forgotten rock album from the 1990s, is one of the best. Groundbreaking Sun sessions and such tracks as 'That's All Right', Just Because', Blue Moon Of Kentucky'.2. Elvis grew up in a segregated version of America, spending time at black music clubs, reportedly inspired by blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. 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 Presleys bass player was a man by the name of Bill Black. Until Now! Bill Black/Combo Post-Elvis Peaks: 1. Bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with Paul Belard's 260 page book. Then that night, after the job, we went back to the hotel. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. They were receiving just 100 dollars a week while at home, and 200 when on the road. [17], In 1955, Black went to RCA Victor along with Presley and Moore when Presley's contract was sold to that company. 3. While in the Army, he met Evelyn, who played guitar as a member of a musical family. By then Colonel Tom Parker was also in charge and making various deals. 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. fontana. The people had come to see', Ma boy', and the rest of them were just the support. Fontana was Elvis drummer from 1957 to 1968 and was a key member of the Memphis Mafia. Other notable Elvis drummers include Ronnie Tutt, who played on many of Elvis most famous recordings, and Karl Perazzo, who currently plays with the Elvis tribute band Elvis Lives. This was the same resting place as Elvis mother who had died in 1958 and later the original grave of The King himself in 1977 before both were moved to Graceland. Black performed as an exaggerated hillbilly with blacked-out teeth, straw hat and overalls. He would grow up to be a well-built man, standing around the six-foot mark. 16/06/2022 . There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presleys band. Finally, they were both interested in pursuing other musical projects. The band hadn't been used on 1956's 'Love Me Tender'. Elvis did another song in his shows that I'm stealing, 'You Gave Me a Mountain.' I'm bringing that back, too." (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. Thanks to Bill Black'sdaughter Nancy Black Shockley andgranddaughter Carriefor correcting the names of Bill's wife and children. 'A Boy From Tupelo' 2017 In-depth Review: 'Strictly Elvis: 1973-74-75' Book Review: ELVIS: Studio Sessions 1956' In-Depth Review: (Book Review) 'Being Elvis - A Lonely Life': 'Prince From Another Planet In-Depth Review: Once Upon A Time: Elvis and Anita (Memories of My Mother) - Book Review: 'A Boy From Tupelo' special In-depth Review: 'Elvis: Live at the International' Book Review: 'Young Man with the Big Beat' In-Depth Review: 'Fashion For A King' FTD in-depth Review: "ReBooked At The International'- in-depth Review: The Music of Elvis Presley - Australian Radio Show, Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" 2006, Graceland - The National Historic Landmark. . During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. [14], Black and Moore became Presley's backup group and were paid 25% of his earnings. "Would He Still Be King?". Nonetheless, he insisted that the band continue without him. The manager came out. Speaking at the British Fan Club 'Party', at Mablethorpe, on Wednesday, 3rd November 1999, longtime Elvis pal Red West commented, when talking about fun and games on the road, simply', Bill Black was one of the craziest guys I ever met'. Much of Bill Black's career was spent as Elvis Presley's charismatic bass player, but Black also led a successful career as a bandleader, landing charting in the Hot 100 nearly twenty times. 'Elvis: Ohama, Nebraska '74' FTD in-depth Review: Elvis / Orchestra Copenhagen 2018 Concert Review: 'The Complete 50s Movie Masters And Session Recordings' In-Depth Review: Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher: (Book Review) Counting Down Elvis His 100 Finest Songs (Mark Duffett). Even Sam Phillips has been quoted as saying that', Bill was one of the worst bass players in the world, technically, but man, could he slap that thing!'. Elvis Presley lived most of his life and career in the limelight. First RCA sessions and such tracks as 'Heartbreak Hotel', Don't Be Cruel', My Baby Left Me', Hound Dog'.5. This is in the strictest confidence. and Jerry 'Satch' Arnold on drums. John Entwistle was a rock bassist who had an enormous impact on the industry. why did bill black leave elvis. The Bill Black Combo created musical history in 1964 when they became the opening act for the Beatles (at their request) on their historic 13-city tour of America after their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Using this key source of photos and newspaper clippings plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, together with the fine design by Soren Karstensen, Elvis fans finally have a stunning biography of this all-important musician. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo. 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. 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. [22] "Smokie, Part 2" became a No. He was tagged the 'Atomic Powered Singer', and backed by his group and the Freddy Martin Orchestra (he worked with such other big names as Judy Garland). appeared in the Venus Room of the New Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. Hits included 'Smokie Part 2' (HI 2018), written by Bill, and 'White Silver Sands' (Matthews) (HI 2021), in 1959 and '60. He returned home to have his then-wife tell him that Bill had passed on a few days before. Some of his vocal horsing around can be heard at the start of a 'Hayride' version of 'That's All Right', which is widely available these days. why did bill black leave elvis. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. Johnny was actually said by some to be the better bass player of the two. In 1963, Bob Tucker joined the Bill Black Combo as a road manager and guitar/bass player. Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. Bob Neal, still the manager at the time, had enough power to nix that idea. Bill was trying to come to grips with his first Fender electric bass. Ben Vaughn grew up in the Philadelphia area on the New Jersey side of the river. 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.. Elvis auditioned for him. Selected back issues of old on-line newsletter. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world., Bills contribution to Elvis success went beyond the bass playing. And they'll be sellin' the same ol' price of only a quarter. Bill Black. As can be imagined, this caused quite a bit of hardship cashwise when there were families to feed. READ MORE:Elvis' love for his drummer Ronnie Tutt shared in tributes by Priscilla and Linda. His favourite class was wood shop. wasn't at the funeral either. The balance fit the group's performances. But Bill would never play with him again. 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. Visually, a glimpse of Bill's act behind Elvis was caught during the 'Milton Berle Show', on the deck of the U.S.S. The importance of bass-player Fred Maddox on Bill Black's playing style Don't pay him no mind'. 'From Memphis, Tennessee, one of the best bassmen in the business'. 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]. The King was criticised for not attending Bills funeral as he thought his presence would turn the ceremony into a media frenzy focused on him and not the bassist. Scotty had in fact moved home to be closer to Bill and Evelyn on Belz Blvd. 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. [citation needed]. In that year it featured on 'Baby's Request', the closing number on the Wings album 'Back To The Egg'. Another reason is that they felt Presley was not giving them enough credit for their contributions to his music. According to Moore, the first song they recorded was "I Love You Because", but after a few country music songs that weren't impressive they decided to take a break. For Bill Black though, the decision had been made. 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)'. This is a truly impressive new publication that anyone interested in Elvis' early years and rock 'n' roll history needs to have in their library. This was while talking with Mae B. Axton', I really am lucky to have those two boys', cause they really are good. He was moving to California. 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. These three, later four, men, stood together while the world at large often condemned their every move and all they stood for. Actor Blake Gibbons portrayed Black in the short-lived 1990 TV series Elvis, starring Michael St. Gerard. And Bill would start riding the bass and clowning, and get the crowd loosened up. Elvis said, From Memphis Tennessee, One of the best bassmen in the business. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. . On this twofer, David Hood in the bass chair with Muscle Shoals Swamper, you can get away with listening to extended live slabs of Traffic On The Road. 2 1/2 inch gauge locomotives for sale . The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. Elvis and Priscilla later visited Evelyn and the girls at their home. Other tracks have him screaming and shouting in the background. 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. They'd heard the records, but they had not seen him. [21] Carl McVoy replaced Hall in the studio, while Bobby Emmons replaced him on tour. 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. They had auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry in October 1954, but they failed to impress the people in charge, or the audience, and were not invited back. Fun and games still continued away from the spotlight. He's just an all-American boy, and all the American girls like him. His son Louis would frequently visit Graceland. This was around 1954-55. . [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. At the time Doug Poindexter was the featured vocalist. (August 1117, 2007). Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. The Combo appeared in the 1961 film Teenage Millionaire[24] and on The Ed Sullivan Show, where they performed a medley of "Don't Be Cruel," "Cherry Pink," and "Hearts of Stone", and were voted Billboard's number one instrumental group of 1961. Review by Piers Beagley. We practice a little bit. Elvis didn't attend the funeral. All of this was sometimes done while he was wearing an oversized pair of bloomers! He was winding them up for us'. Haven't heard a word from you on the money situation you were going to look into after we left. The commentary on Bill Black's importance and style of his bass playing even made me go back to re-visit some Elvis fifties classics once again, helping me discover something new. A key book for anyones collection. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. The show was carried by 190 CBS stations across the south, between 8pm.- 11pm., and there's no way to measure the huge boost this gave the boys and their style of music. Elvis sat in as a guest around October 1954, playing with them about ten times (some sources say just once). Other highlights are discovering new stories including. 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 . Elvis: Did Lisa Marie really work in a British fish and chip shop. For Scotty and Bill, the first show on departing from Elvis in '58 was back in Memphis. [7] Neither musician was overly impressed with Presley, but they agreed a studio session would be useful to explore his potential. 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. While I knew of the success of the 45rpm single 'Smokie, Part 2' - an R&B number 1 and Billboard #17 - it is a surprise to learn just how successful his Bill Black Combo instrumental Albums were at the time and interesting to see other future players from Elvis' legacy featuring in The Bill Black Combo such as Reggie Young, Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman. On April 4, 2009, Bill Black was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 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. Early TV appearances - altering national entertainment.6. 5. This was mainly due to the others in the group being wiry and angular. Here he says he'll have a', Brand, spankin' new pose of Elvis for a picture. [10] When the other two musicians joined in, Phillips taped the song. In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. and expenses, there was not much left. Keith Alverson Interview - 'Strictly Elvis: 1973-74-75': Mindi Miller, Elvis' girlfriend, interview with EIN: (Interview) Bill "Superfoot" Wallace talks to EIN: Go here to EIN's exclusive interview with Wayne Jackson -. Canadian tour of 157 - Elvis' only performances outside the U.S. William P. Black', Blackie', was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, 17th September 1926. He gets so worked up during 'Blue Suede Shoes' that, at one point, he looks like he's just about to ride his instrument off into the sunset! Another comment from Scotty Moore tells how well Bill got on with everyone; 'He never met a stranger'. It's all too easy to forget the importance of Bill Black in the early Elvis sound, such as the essential back-beat he supplied before the arrival of D.J. Tragically, Bill died of a brain tumour on October 21, 1965 aged just 39 during his third operation to eradicate the growth. Black's onstage personality was a sharp contrast to the introverted stage presence of Moore. Scotty confirmed that, If it hadnt been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.. He was going to put us in jail. In a temper, which was rare for him, he threw the guitar down and walked out. 2. We have rehearsals, but we never rehearse, if you know what I mean'. 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. There must have been fifteen or twenty people there, kids, so they all jumped in behind him. 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. There are conflicting opinions on Bill's ability as a bass player. As I've already noted, some thought Johnny was the better of the two. It was Elvis' show. The meeting lasted something like two hours. He and Reggie Young would play on Elvis' classic Memphis '69 sessions, which would play such a major part in his late 60's comeback, producing the outstanding album From Elvis In Memphis. Reggie reunited the group at Scotty's suggestion, just for the one track. Combo picked to be one of four American acts supporting Beatles' first U.S. tour. Johnny Black too worked at Firestone. The reason being that the acoustic instrument was big enough to house the family hound dog! For someone who played such a large part in the early years of the Elvis legend, helping provide the music and establishing the hillbilly cat, it's more than a little surprising how few and spread about are the details of Bill Black. The line-up included: Bill Black - bass.Carl McVoy - piano.Reggie 'Reg' - Young - guitar.Martin Wills - saxophone.Jerry Arnold - drums. This song feels just as fresh today as it was close to seventy years ago.. The following year of 1965, Bill Black was in hospital three times, at Baptist Memorial in Memphis, between June and October. Returning to Bill Black's character. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. [8], On July 5, 1954, the trio met at Sun studios to rehearse and record a handful of songs. He very much wanted to be a part of whatever it was. Whatever he might have lacked in technique in those early years, he more than made up for with enthusiasm and stage presence.