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Wetton82

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
I was so bummed when Johan told me a number of years ago that he didn't care much for the music of Elvis Presley.  Today is the 30th Anniversary of Elvis' passing, and I remember it like it was yesterday.  He remains my biggest vocal influence.  Long live the King!  Johan....you are in my prayers for a continued and speedy recovery.  God bless.

Art
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cracklepop

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
Was that at the Wetton Convention?  I seem to remember you asking him and him saying it was rubbish....something to that effect.

I like Elvis too.  Everyone has their own tastes and influences.  If we all had the same ones it would be pretty boring.
John

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
I didn't say it was rubbish,or at least I hope I didn't. What I do say is that I really didn't 'get' Elvis the way many do. I will always respect Elvis, as an Icon,and because without him rock'n'roll would never have got off the runway.
ric

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 

Personally, I am no Elvis fan.What I do know is that my older sister wrote to him in the 60's,addresed to"ELVIS,MEMPHIS,AMERICA".He didn't even have the courtesy to reply.
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cracklepop

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Johan,
I did not mean to put words in your mouth, but as I recall there was a group of people around you asking you all sorts of questions.  You basically gave one or two word answers.  It was after the show let out and was very crowded.

I meant no disrespect, that is just how I remember it.  Glad you are back in the game.  Take care of yourself.


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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
yeah long live Chuck Berry who wrote his own music and was a great guitarist.
John Lennon said "If you try and give rock and roll another name you might
call it Chuck Berry"


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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
.....eh?
John

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
I think he means that Rock 'n' Roll and Chuck Berry are synonymous.
I like Lennon quotes "Avante garde is French for Bullsh*t" is a nice one.
okpeclark

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 

While others were freaking out over Elvis,my mother was a Tom Jones fan.
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drbong

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 

maybe someone can explain to me the virtual deification of Elvis, a talented singer yes, a popular culture iconcertainly.  But, the almost worship that has grown up I dont get
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okpeclark

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
I call it people who can't seem to Let Go of the fact the ELVIS is Dead.
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drbong

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
no, it is not just that
there are other dead, more talented musicians out there
and it occurred during his life as well
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Wetton82

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Since I started this thread, I guess I must now explain my life long admiration of Elvis Presley.  First off:  Johan...I am so glad to hear that you respect Elvis and his musical contributions.  I got the impression that you just didn't like him at all at the convention back in 2002.  Yes cracklepop, you have a great memory.  So that puts a smile on my face!
I'm sure that people are not going to agree with what I am about to say.  But that is fine.  We all have different opinions, and that is what makes the world go around.
I was a 5 year old boy when I first saw Elvis Presley on TV. He literally reached out and touched my soul. It's important to mention that no one in my family liked Elvis Presley.  So I was not being influenced by a family member! It was his voice and how he sang a song.  Especially a ballad that just blew me away! He was a good looking guy with charisma that always got the girl....especially in the movies (yes they were corny, but I was a very impressionable kid).  The man had magnetism and a stage presence that you could not help but feel! It's a gift that some people have...and he had it in abundance. I thought that he was just the coolest thing ever, and after that...I knew that I wanted to be a singer.  It's kind of funny...after I became an Elvis nut at the age of 5....my Mother and grandmother all of a sudden started to appreciate his music.  They had no choice!  I played him constantly until I was 13-14 years old!  Yes...Elvis was not a great musician.
He could play guitar and piano...and contrary to popular belief, he did write some of his own music.  It was the DELIVERY of the song by Presley that made him special.  Yes...there are vocalists with a higher range, but that does not necessarily mean a better vocalist. The man had a warmth and power to his delivery that was just amazing to me! In addition...the man could sing with such emotion and passion that he could bring you to tears!
I know that this is going to sound so damn strange to some people.  But inquiring minds wanted clarification on "I just don't get the whole Elvis obsession thing".  There you have it from a 39 year old Pharmaceutical Sales Representative that has been a singer and a fan of the King since the age of 5! I still love the man and his music till today. No worries Johan...you are my favorite musician ever, and front man to my favorite band ever! Hope that helps.  Have a great night, and Thank You...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
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Alexa

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Johan, I'm with you. I appreciate and respect Elvis's contributions to the music and film worlds, but I don't particularly "get" him either.

Alexa


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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
On the 30th anniversary of his passing, one of the cable channels (I think it was A&E) was showing all of Elvis' best* movies.

One thing I can say, Olivier had no worries. And some of the music was just plain painful. I always liked Viva Las Vegas for some reason as a kid but now realize it was my adolescent hormones pining for Ann-Margret.

* best being a highly subjective term to be sure!

JK
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