“I don't want to read about some of these actresses who are around today. They sound like my niece in Scarsdale. I love my niece in Scarsdale, but I won't buy tickets to see her act.”

Additional musicians from 1969 - 1977 

Although our website/fan club focuses on the current members of the TCB Band, we acknowledge that there have been a number of other musicians who have worked with Elvis during his live performances from 1969 to 1977. In order to recognise their valuable contribution to the music world, we have endeavoured to include brief biographies below (please note that they are not listed in any particular order, other than the order that we did our research).

Background

After Elvis Presley's 1968 TV Special  it was time to return to his audience. One thing had to be done though before he could. He needed a good solid band with him. His original band members, Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana had both returned to sessions work and Bill Black, who formed The Bill Black Combo, passed away in 1965. Elvis contacted James Burton as he had a lot of respect and admiration for James' work. He discussed his plans to return to live performances and expressed the desire to return to the stage with a supporting band made up of the best musicians possible. James was the man to get a band together.

The first person to be contacted by James was friend and musician Glen D Hardin, both having worked together on the TV series Shindig and former musicians in The Shindogs. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, Glen D declined the offer. Larry Muhoberac was then contacted and who's session work James was more than familiar with, as Larry had worked on soundtracks for some of Elvis' movies (and Larry's hands were doubled for Elvis's in several movie scenes of Elvis playing piano). Larry gladly accepted the invitation. Next up was a call to Jerry Scheff. James and Jerry had worked on an album together in 1968. However, Jerry didn't really want to accept the offer, as truth be known, Elvis' work didn't really appeal to him. He was a 'Blues Man.' That said, this didn't stop him showing up to check things out. Jerry was bowled over with Elvis' style, performance and persona. By going home time, he had changed his mind and accepted the job offer. John Wilkinson had already been asked to join earlier, through Colonel Parker, and had agreed to play rhythm guitar. The band was incomplete however, as a drummer was still needed. As luck would have it, Larry had become great friends with drummer Ronnie Tutt. They got to know each other in Memphis and Dallas, running a sessions studio and playing together. Larry and Ronnie had previously talked and agreed if the opportunity came up, he would put a word in for Ronnie, so he was invited to fly in for an audition. The day after the audition, Ronnie called James to hear the great news. No doubt about it, Elvis had decided that Ronnie was the man for the seat. (He got the job). 

In July of 1969, Elvis returned to live performances after an eight year absence. By mid July 1969 Elvis and the newly formed TCB Band where well in to rehearsals for the four week stint due to start July 31st 1969 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas, ending August 28th, a total of fifty seven shows. At this time, the TCB Band consisted of James Burton (lead guitar), Jerry Scheff (bass guitar), John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar), Larry Muhoberac (piano) and Ronnie Tutt (drums). During 1970, personnel changed and this was the start of some of the original musicians being replaced on a temporary basis by others. James Burton and John Wilkinson are the two members of the band not to have been replaced and remained in the band for each show from July 31st 1969 until the final performance on June 26th 1977 at The Market Square Arena, Indianapolis.

Here, we have tried to put together a brief biography in recognition of each musician's contribution to Elvis' TCB Band during his live performances. To add an extra dimension, we have also included external web links where relevant.

Musicians

John Wilkinson - (Rhythm Guitar)

John Wilkinson was born in Washington DC in 1945. He was raised in Springfield Missouri. John's father was a Professor of Psychology and his mother, a wonderful home maker. He had a good and happy childhood and wonderful parents. Music was the main focal point in the home and never a day would go by without it. When John first heard and watched Elvis as a young boy, it was at the time Elvis was in the Louisiana Hayride. He loved his music which was totally different to what they were used to in Springfield. Folk were used to country music. John's parents' reaction to hearing Elvis was one thing, but seeing him was another. They were conservative people and not excited with the image of their son's idol, however this did not deter him from buying Elvis' records and eventually his parents accepted John's new tastes.

When John first saw Elvis on TV, he did not like the way he played and treated his Martin D18 guitar and swore that one day he would tell him. John started playing the guitar himself at the age of five and by the age of six, he was also playing the banjo. 

Elvis came to John's hometown and was second bill to Hank Snow. They were appearing at The Shrine Mosque, about the only place in Springfield to hold any shows. John found out when the sound checks were taking place and decided to make his way there to try and get to see and to speak to Elvis. He went in search of the dressing room and eventually found him.  After knocking first before entering, he extended his hand to Elvis introducing himself. Elvis being the polite guy he was, invited him to sit down and asked him what he was doing there. John replied, "Elvis, you can't play guitar worth a damn." Elvis laughed and challenged John to play guitar for him. Against the wall was an old Gibson J45. He played and sang for Elvis and he was impressed with this kid. However, the conversation was soon interrupted when two burly guys entered the room and wanted to know what John was doing there. Elvis told them that John was his friend and he had just given him a guitar lesson. Before leaving Elvis told John that one day they would meet again.

John was always into folk music and listened to and copied the likes of The Kingston Trio (who John became a member of and left in 1975) The Weavers, Peter, Paul and Mary and Gordon Lightfoot. Forming his own band at school, 'The Coachmen' he started performing professionally at 13 years of age, earning himself $25. His influences in music as well as Elvis, were Johnny Cash, Wilbur Brothers and Flatt and Scruggs (Scruggs inspiring him to play banjo). He enjoyed Gospel music too because of the harmonies, influences similar to Elvis'.

Around 1964 John moved to California and attended university. It was also to be his second meeting with Elvis. John was working successfully in the clubs and bars, building himself an excellent reputation in the recording studios. He and his band played at the famous Whiskey A Go Go Bar in L.A. John received a phone call one weekend from the manager asking him if he and his band would stand in on the opening act for Jefferson Airplane. Later that evening following the show, he was changing in his dressing room when he noticed a huge frame of a man in his door way through the mirror, a guy he found out later to be one of Elvis' body guards, a native American known as 'Chief.' He informed John that someone wanted to see him right away in the club. John wasn't going to argue and went with him. He was led over to a table roped off in the corner and Elvis was there. He remembered John from the meeting they had in Springfield when he was nine years old and his guitar lesson. John was invited back to the house to sing some country and gospel songs and to just hang out there. On leaving the house in the wee hours of the next morning, Elvis told John that one day he was going to quit movies and return to performing. "I really hope that you do Elvis," John replied.

In the middle of 1968, John received another phone call. This time it was not from the manager of a night club. It was Elvis himself. It was common knowledge to John's friends that he listened to Elvis, and he thought it was one of them playing a trick on him and hung up! The phone rang again and the voice on the other end told him not to hang up, that it really was Elvis. Elvis reminded him of the conversation he had with him about returning to live performances and that he had a bunch of the best musicians ready for his band. Red and Sonny West were sent to pick John up and take him to Elvis' home. At the house, the mics and sound systems where set up and they began to play. Elvis was delighted with the sound and sent everyone home, except John. There was still a position for a rhythm guitarist and Elvis wanted John to fill it. He accepted the offer and the deal was sealed with a hand shake.

At this time, not only did he join The TCB Band but John also went into the recording studios at RCA and released his first single, Your A Woman followed by You Got Nothing To Be Ashamed Of  and The Last Resort. After Elvis died, John returned to L.A. and formed a band called 'Justice.' After a time, John realised that he needed a change and joined a company called Radio Shack, later moving on to an aircraft company. Unfortunately John suffered a stroke in 1989 but it didn't stop him returning to music. After a period of rehabilitation, he appeared at an Elvis tribute show in Germany and was once again reunited with Kathy Westmoreland, J.D. Sumner and The Stamps, The Jordanaires and Sean Neilson.

Today, John still makes guest appearances, sometimes with the current TCB Band. He is still a big hit with the audience and still proud of his time with his boss and best friend, Elvis Presley. John has also written a book 'My Life Before, During and After Elvis Presley.'

Click here to view John's discography.

30/01/2012 17:09:28

Jerry Scheff's long awaited biography is ready It was a long labour of love, but Jerry Scheff has just finished his autobiography. In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, the well known TCB bassist takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with the Doors. From the press release: "A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few. Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world. This is a tale of a man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll - a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general."

Ron is also a talented singer and has recorded as a solo artist as well as singing backing both on stage and in the studio with Neil Diamond and numerous radio station IDs, jingles and tracks, including the bass solo voice on Johnny Rivers' Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu."

Ron has worked with innumerable artists including Jerry Garcia, The Carpenters, The Flying Burrito Bros., Emmylou Harris, Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, Little Richard, Los Lobos, Henry Mancini, The Beach Boys, Maria Mauldaur, Bert Bacharach, Michael Nesmith, George Martin, Roy Orbison, Bill Black, Gram Parsons, Ringo Starr, Johnny Rivers, Barbara Streisand, Tony Sheridan, Jackie Deshanon, Elvis Costello, Dory Previn, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Alex Harvey, Kenny Rogers, Bonny Raitt, Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, Michael McDonald and of course Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond (with whom he has worked since 1981).

On working with such legendary singers, Ron comments, "If I had to narrow it down, the greatest music influences on my life would be Elvis Presley, Jerry Garcia and Neil Diamond. Elvis for the flashy, explosive, slightly out of control, style of playing that he brought out in me that mirrored his performance and personality, Jerry for his casual, laid-back, no hype, soulful style, but Neil has influenced me to be a disciplined team player. He leaves little to chance. He makes sure we are all well-rehearsed and fundamentally prepared. We know we are going to win every time we go on stage - just like a great sports team, and that's a great feeling!"

Ron now lives near Nashville with his wife Donna, son Jared and numerous animal friends.

Click on the song titles to hear a sound bite or for more information. (Sound bites open in Windows Media Player. Click here to download player).

Find out more about Ron by visiting the following links:

• Discography (All Music Guide)
• Drummerworld

The Ken Darby Trio (1956)

• Chuck Prescott
• John Dodson
• Rad Robinson

Ken Darby was the musical director for Love Me Tender, Elvis' first film. The Ken Darby Trio backed Elvis on the four soundtrack songs, including the hit title song.

The Mello Men (1962 - 1965)

• Thurl Ravenscroft - bass
• Max Smith - tenor (retired in 1966, replaced by Gene Merlino)
• Gene Merlino - tenor (1966 - 1972?)
• Bill Lee - baritone
• Bob Hamlin - lead tenor (until 1955, left the group)
• Bob Stevens - lead tenor (1955 - 1961, Bob died in 1961 and was replaced by Bill Cole)
• Bill Cole - lead tenor (1962 - 1972?)

This group backed up Elvis on the soundtrack session for It Happened At The World's Fair in October 1962. They can also be seen in the film, during the performance of "One Broken Heart For Sale". They also provided backing on the title song to the film Roustabout, recorded in March 1964, as well as the entire session for the soundtrack of Paradise Hawaiian Style, in July and August of 1965. Much more info on the Mello Men is available at the Thurl Ravenscroft site above (which now has a separate Mello Men page), as well as some interesting sound clips. There is a photo of the group on the Thurl Ravenscroft in Music page. Tom Wagner, who corrected me on some details (thanks, Tom), says his sister is writing a book on the Sportsmen Quartet, and since some of the members of that group became members of The Mellomen, they will be prominently featured in her book.

The Nashville Edition (1970 - 1971)

• Dolores Edgin
• June Page
• Hurshel Wiginton
• Joe Babcock

This vocal group consisted of people who sang with Elvis individually on different recordings. (See individual entries below.) As The Nashville Edition, they accompanied Elvis during the recording sessions of March 15 and June 4 - 8, 1970, and March 15, 1971.

The Amigos (1962 - 1963)

• Jose Vadiz
• Miguel Alcaide
• Felix Melendes
• Pedro Berrios
• German Vega

The Amigos backed Elvis on "We'll Be Together" from Girls! Girls! Girls!, in March of 1962, and then again on the Fun In Acapulco soundtrack, in January and February of 1963.

The Blossoms (1968) Darlene Love - (born Darlene Wright) One of Phil Spector's studio singers, Darlene sang lead on the Crystals' hit, "He's A Rebel", and as a solo artist had quite a few hits as well, including the holiday rock 'n' roll classic, "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" Jean King Fanita James This group of "unsung heroines" backed Elvis for his NBC-TV special "Elvis" (the "comeback" special), recorded in June of 1968. One of the girls does the duet with Elvis on "Let Yourself Go", in the video version of the song (the CD version is just Elvis). They also sing "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child", as part of the Gospel Medley. The Blossoms appeared briefly in Elvis' last feature film, Change of Habit (1970), as Elvis' neighbors. The "History of Rock" webpage below is a very interesting and very detailed account of the Blossoms' career. The Blossoms can be heard, completely uncredited, on many other Phil Spector girl-group hits, as well as the Darlene Love "solo" songs mentioned above. The Blossoms - from the "History of Rock" website Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans - also from the "History of Rock" website. Darlene and Fanita recorded with this group, another from Phil Spector's studio. The Blossoms - from Excite.com's site. The Blossoms' Photo Gallery - from "The Girl-Groups Fan Club" website.

The Imperials (1966 - 1971)

• Jake Hess
• Jim Murray
• Gary McSpadden
• Armand Morales
• Sherrill Nielsen - also see individual entry
• Jake Hess had left the group in 1967 along with Gary McSpadden.  Terry Blackwood and Roger Wiles were in the group on July 31, 1969 along with Joe Moscheo.  Roger left in 1971 and Greg Gordon took his place. 
  

The Imperials first joined up with Elvis in May of 1966, for his first non-soundtrack recording session in over two years. Out of these sessions came the entire How Great Thou Art album, as well as six other songs. The Imperials would accompany Elvis on many occasions for the next five years, both in the studio, and for many of his live concerts during his "comeback" period. They also appeared in the documentary Elvis: That's the Way It Is in 1970. Their last session with Elvis was for another gospel album, He Touched Me, recorded in May and June of 1971.

• Buy The Imperials' music at Amazon.com!
• Buy Gary McSpadden's music at Amazon.com!

The Jordanaires (1956 - 1970) Gordon Stoker (first tenor) - also see individual entry Neal Matthews (second tenor) Hoyt Hawkins (baritone) Hugh Jarrett (bass) (up to June 1958) Ray Walker (bass) (from June 1958 on) Probably the group most often associated with Elvis, the Jordanaires appeared on almost all Elvis' recordings from July 1956 through September 1970. They had previously backed Hank Snow, among others, having sung at the Grand Ole Opry for many years. In Memphis at the Cotton Carnival in early 1954, Elvis met the Jordanaires backstage and told them, "If I ever cut a record, I want to use you guys singing background with me." Their first session with Elvis took place on July 2, 1956, and produced the double-sided hit record "Don't Be Cruel" / "Hound Dog" which would be Elvis' biggest selling single of all-time. Their last sessions with Elvis were the marathon recording dates of June 4 - 8, 1970, which yielded 34 songs, and a follow-up session on September 22 producing only 4 cuts. These sessions produced the albums That's The Way It Is, Elvis Country, and Love Letters, along with a few leftovers! The Jordanaires can be seen in a few of Elvis' films, most notably in Loving You, in the final number on stage, and in G.I. Blues, during the song, "Frankfort Special". After Elvis' death, they released a tribute album, The Jordanaires Sing Elvis's Gospel Favorites.

The Jordanaires with Elvis

• The Jordanaires - from the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame website.
• Buy The Jordanaires' music at Amazon.com!

J.D. Sumner & The Stamps Quartet (1971 - 1977)

• J.D. Sumner (bass) -- Formerly of the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, J.D. Sumner is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for having the world's lowest bass singing voice. He was also the founder of the National Quartet Convention.

--- various members included:

• Ed Enoch (lead) 
• Ed Hill (baritone)
• Larry Strickland
• Donnie Sumner (lead) (J.D.'s nephew)
• Bill Baize
• Buck Buckles
• Richard Sterban (bass)
• Pat Brown (first tenor)
• Dave Roland (baritone) (Dave later was part of the country group "Dave and Sugar")

Elvis met J.D. Sumner when he was a teenager, when J.D. was singing with the Sunshine Boys in Memphis. He would let Elvis in backstage to meet the gospel groups. In 1972, after losing both the Jordanaires and the Imperial Quartet, Elvis asked J.D. and his group, the Stamps Quartet, to back him both on stage and in the studio. They were performing with Elvis live by at least February of 1972, when recordings were made of Elvis' Vegas show. Their first session together in the studio was in March of that year and produced "Burning Love", "Always On My Mind", and "Separate Ways", among others. These last two songs were filmed for Elvis On Tour. The Stamps can be seen throughout the film, and anyone who doubts that Elvis loved gospel music need only watch his reaction to the Stamps' performance of "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" (He's definitely enjoying it). After Elvis' death, the Stamps released the tribute albums Elvis' Favorite Gospel Songs and Memories of Our Friend Elvis. J.D. Sumner released a tribute single called "Elvis Has Left the Building". 

Ed Enoch who owned and formed Golden Covenant and he employed the other members.

In August 2003, Ed Enoch, owner-manager-and lead vocalist of The Stamps Quartet acquired the official trademark to the legendary,

Stamps Quartet name.

• Buy The Stamps' music at Amazon.com!

www.thestampsquartet.com

www.myspace.com/thestampsquartet

The Sweet Inspirations (1969 - 1977)

• Myrna Smith
• Estelle Brown 
• Sylvia Shemwell
• Cissy Houston
•  

In the mid-to-late-Sixties, these ladies could be heard backing up Aretha Franklin, Gene Pitney and Wilson Pickett, among others, but they didn't have a name until singer Chuck Jackson suggested they call themselves The Inspirations. Finding that the name was already taken, Jerry Wexler then suggested, "since they were so sweet", they change it to The Sweet Inspirations, and in 1968, had a hit of their own with their signature song, "Sweet Inspiration", written by two of the musicians that played on their first album. Elvis was looking for a female group for his August 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his first live appearances since 1961. When he heard their record, he knew he'd found the group he wanted. Along with the Stamps Quartet, the Sweet Inspirations often opened Elvis' concerts in the '70's with a few songs on their own. Each group would perform fifteen or twenty minutes. Although the Sweet Inspirations appeared with Elvis on almost all concert tours up through his final tour, they never recorded with him in the studio, as did the Stamps Quartet. The group appeared in both of Elvis' documentary films, Elvis: That's The Way It Is and Elvis On Tour.

• Buy The Sweet Inspirations' music at CD-Now!

Voice (1973 - 1975)

• Donnie Sumner
• Per-Erik (Pete) Hallin
• Tim Baty
• Sherrill Nielsen - also see individual entry

The Sweet Inspirations sing "I'M COMING OUT" from THIS TIME

Millie Kirkham (1957 - 1975) - backed Elvis on various recordings for almost his entire career. Her initial appearance was on the sessions that produced Elvis' Christmas Album in 1957. Yes, she's that voice in the background on "Blue Christmas". She can be heard prominently on others like "Give Me the Right" and "Angel". She was with Elvis on stage during his comeback period of the late '60's and both on stage and in the studio up to 1971. In March of 1975, she recorded with Elvis one last time for his Today album.

Often, a beautiful High Soprano voice is heard on the Jordanaires background vocals. This voice is Millie Kirkham, who was introduced with the Jordanaires on Ferlin Husky's "Gone"; the first time one female vocalist was ever used with four male vocalists on background; then, on to Elvis's "Blue Christmas". From then on, Millie became a mark with the group, and, was the favorite of Elvis, especially, and, of all others with whom she recorded. Millie was known for her work with the Anita Kerr Singers.

Ronnie Milsap

Ronnie Milsap (1969) - besides playing piano for Elvis' January 1969 sessions in the American Studios in Memphis, Ronnie also provided a backup vocal, overdubbed later, for the recording of Elvis' hit "Kentucky Rain". Elvis recorded it on February 19th, but Ronnie's vocals were overdubbed in March or May of that year.

Sonja Montgomery (1969 - 1971) - sang backup on studio recordings from the February 1969 sessions up to the June 1971 sessions for his gospel album, He Touched Me.

Loulie Jean Norman (1961) - Soprano - Part of a female backing group, along with Jacqueline (Jackie) Allen, Dorothy McCarthy, and Virginia Rees, that backed Elvis on the song, "Moonlight Swim", from the Blue Hawaii soundtrack session, on March 22, 1961. A soprano who started out with the Mel Tones in the 40s, sang in the chorus in numerous movies, also voice double for Diahann Carroll in PORGY AND BESS (59), for Juliet Prowse in G.I. BLUES (60), Stella Stevens in TOO LATE BLUES (1961). Famous for singing the Star Trek theme. Recorded extensively as studio singer. (thanks to Karine Philippot for the info!)

Sherrill Nielsen (1975 - 1977) - sang with both the Imperials and Voice (see above), and in 1975 began backing Elvis on stage, often as a "guest lead vocal", like on "O Sole Mio / It's Now Or Never", and "Softly As I Leave You". He was also present at Elvis' last Graceland recording sessions (October 29 - November 1, 1976).

June Page (1966 - 1977) - her first session with Elvis was the How Great Thou Art album in May of 1966. She backed

him up on various recordings, both in the studio and on stage, through to the June 1971 sessions.

Susan Pilkington (1969 - 1973) - provided backup vocals for the American Studios sessions of January & February 1969, as well as the Stax Studios sessions of December 1973.

Sandy Posey (1966 - 1977) - sang backup for Elvis in the studio for the How Great Thou Art sessions and the American Studios January 1969 sessions. She sang live with Elvis in August 1969, and in February 1970.

Virginia Rees (1961) - alto - Part of a female backing group, along with Jacqueline (Jackie) Allen, Dorothy McCarthy, and Loulie Jean Norman, that backed Elvis on the song, "Moonlight Swim", from the Blue Hawaii soundtrack session, on March 22, 1961. Mainly worked as ghost-singer for actresses like Lucille Ball (1946), Angela Lansbury (1946), Vera Ralston (1953-55), Adele Jergens (1949-50) and even Marlene Dietrich (1942)! Also part of the Merry Macs during the 50s. Frequent back-up singer. (thanks to Karine Philippot for the info!)

Temple Riser (1970 - 1977) - sang on the marathon June 1970 sessions, as well as the March and May 1971 sessions. She performed a duet with Elvis on "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" from the March 15th session.

Myrna Smith (1976) - one of the Sweet Inspirations (see above), Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year, and in the October/November sessions.

Ben Speer (1956) - For Elvis' first sessions with RCA, Chet Atkins wanted the Speer Family to back up Elvis, but he could only get Ben and Brock at the time. Along with Jordanaire Gordon Stoker, they backed Elvis on "Heartbreak Hotel" and "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You", among others.

Brock Speer (1956) - see "Ben Speer" above.

Gordon Stoker (1956) - see "Ben Speer" above.

Wendellyn Suits (1976) - provided vocals for Elvis' Graceland recording sessions of February 2 - 8, 1976.

Donna Thatcher (1969 - ?) - sang backup for the January and February 1969 American Studios sessions in Memphis.

Kathy Westmoreland (1970 - 1977) - soprano who began singing with Elvis in August of 1970, singing background at Elvis' live concerts, as well as on most studio recordings from this point on until Elvis' death. During Elvis' introductions on stage, he always singled her out, saying something like "the beautiful little girl who does the high-voiced singing".

Hurshel Wiginton (1969 - 1976) - besides the sessions as a member of the Nashville Edition (see above), he also backed up Elvis on several recordings starting with the American Studios sessions of February 1969, and ending with the Graceland sessions of February 1976.

Kitty White (1958) - provided the female voice on the song "Crawfish" from King Creole.

Jacqueline (Jackie) Allen (1961) - soprano - Part of a female backing group, along with Dorothy McCarthy, Loulie Jean Norman, and Virginia Rees, that backed Elvis on the song, "Moonlight Swim", from the Blue Hawaii soundtrack session, on March 22, 1961. As far as I know, this is the only time this group sang with Elvis. Jackie was a studio singer and frequent voice double and chorus singer in MGM musicals of the 50s. (thanks to Karine Philippot for the info!)

Joe Babcock (1963) - sang with Elvis on the May 26 - 27, 1963 session that would later become known as "The Lost Album". Joe later sang with Elvis as The Nashville Edition (see above).

Lea Jane Berinati (1975 - 1977) - worked with Elvis on the March 10 - 13, 1975 sessions (the Today album), as well as the 1977 CBS special, Elvis In Concert. For this special, credit is given to "The Lea Jane Berinati Singers", but no members are known other than Janie Fricke.

Glen Campbell Janie Fricke

Larry Bunker (1966) - sang backup on the song "She's A Machine", recorded for the Easy Come, Easy Go soundtrack, but not used in the film.

Glen Campbell (1963) - although he certainly played guitar on the sessions for Viva Las Vegas (July '63), some sources say he also sang backup.

Dolores Edgin (1966 - 1976) - sang backup with Elvis beginning on the How Great Thou Art sessions of May 1966, and ending with Graceland recordings in February 1976. Also see the Nashville Edition above.

Janie Fricke(1977) - Before becoming a Country & Western star, she sang as one of The Lea Jane Berinati Singers on Elvis' last tour and on the TV special, Elvis In Concert.

James Glazer (1970) - sang on the live recordings of February 1970 in Las Vegas.

Jeannie Green (1969 - 1973) - sang with Elvis during his comeback live engagement in Vegas, August 1969, and her last session was in Stax studios in December of 1973.

Mary Greene (1969) - provided vocals for Elvis during the January & February 1969 sessions in Memphis.

Charlie Hodge (1960 - 1977) - Elvis' close friend (and Memphis Mafia member), Charlie sang harmony with Elvis on stage and in the studio all the years they were together. Although they met in 1956, they became good friends in the army in 1958. On the way to Germany aboard the USS Randall, they sang a duet of "I Will Be Home Again", which they recorded together when they got back in 1960. Charlie continued to sing and play rhythm guitar for Elvis throughout his career, both in the studio and on stage. He also had bit roles in several of Elvis' films during the '60's.

Ginger Holladay (1969 - 1975) - Ginger's association with Elvis spanned the period from the August '69 comeback in Vegas to the Today sessions of March 1975.

Mary Holladay (1969 - 1975) - Mary sang with Elvis in the studio sessions of January & February 1969, and her last session was in March 1975 for the Today album.

Priscilla Hubbard (1967) - overdubbed vocals on "Confidence", for the soundtrack of Clambake in February 1967.

Duke Bardwell - (Bass Guitar) 

Duke Bardwell was born in Baton Rouge Louisiana in 1943. He came from a family of nine and all were named after universities. Duke started to play ukelele at the age of five when his mother bought him one but he tried out playing piano too, finding that he preferred the ukulele. It wasn't long before he mastered the guitar followed by the trumpet. Duke was blessed with a good singing voice too and complemented with his musical talents, he found himself in some of the best R&B bands in Baton Rouge in the 60's. While still at school he played at weekends in a band. From there he joined The Dixie Crystals.

Eventually Duke formed a band of his own calling them The Greek Fountains, a rock band combining R&B into their act. Not long after getting the band together they released their first single Countin' The Steps. Joined by Butch Hornsby and Big Luther Kent they made an album called The Greek Fountains Riverfront Band Take Requests. Duke found himself and his band playing concerts with The Animals, The Dave Clark Five, Paul Revere and The Raiders and Sonny and Cher. Duke also worked with Tom Rush, Kenny Loggins, Emmylou Harris and more. 

Duke moved to Los Angeles and played bass and sang with friend Casey Kelly as a duo, opening for Loggins And Messina. A friend of Duke's who knew Jose Feliciano called him to come over to play and sing for Jose's wife who looked after Jose's business for him. They used him as a bass player on sessions with Jose. One day the drummer who was to be there for this particular session couldn't do it and Duke found out that the stand in was going to be Ronnie Tutt. After the session Duke spoke with Ronnie about Elvis as to what he was like as a person. They talked about Elvis for a while before parting company. Not long after this recording session, Jose had a party and asked Duke to play bass along with Steve Cropper and Jose on guitars. The drummer was Ronnie Tutt, much to Duke's delight. A few weeks later Duke received a call from Ronnie to say Emory Gordy was leaving the band and he was going to put a word in for him about the possibilities of replacing him. Ronnie thought Duke fit for the job because he was..."a simple but funky feel-good player." Duke was elated. He flew to the RCA studios in Los Angeles for the audition and in January 1974, got the job as bass player. It was a dream come true, working for Elvis Presley!  Duke sat in on the recording of Elvis' album, Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis and for part of the Today album. Duke covered all of the 1974 shows and the first part of the 75 Vegas engagement. He remained with The TCB Band until Jerry Scheff's return in April 1975.

After leaving The TCB Band, Duke remained in California for a short while before starting up another band. He eventually took himself back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and continued to write and work with local bands throughout the 80's. Eventually he moved to Florida with his second wife and started a restaurant business with some friends. This lasted for twelve years before he returned to what he loved best. After going back to the music business he met Washboard Jackson And His Action Contraption and this meeting resulted in the formation of Duke's band Hubba Hubba. Together, they released an album called Angel Wings and still performs with the band today.

Click here to view Duke's discography.

Tony Brown - (Keyboards) 

Tony Brown was born in 1946 into a family heavily involved with gospel music. Tony's father was a preacher and the bulk of his musical education came from this genre. At thirteen Tony was playing piano and it wasn't too long before he played in the family gospel group. He remained with gospel music for thirteen years in all and it was indeed a great inspiration to him in life. After moving on from the family group he spent seven years with J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, eventually working for The Blackwood Brothers. Tony was a talented arranger and his presence created a huge impact on the group. He left the Blackwood Brothers around 1972 and was replaced by Tommy Fairchild, a former Oak Ridge Boy. He then moved to Nashville seeking a new direction in his career. He joined The Oakridge Boys who were extremely popular back in the 70's. Their music consisted of gospel AND country, an opportunity for Tony to ease away slowly from so much gospel and into country music.

Tony's first meeting with Elvis Presley was at The International Hotel in Vegas. He was working with JD Sumner And The Stamps Quartet at the time. After the show, on J.D.'s instruction, it was a drawing of the straws situation between them all as to who would go back stage to meet Elvis. Tony drew the short straw! Of course J.D. meeting Elvis after the show was a dead cert as he was Elvis' hero. Tony's second meeting with Elvis was in Memphis. It took place at The National Quartet Convention which is a yearly gathering of all Southern Gospel Quartets. Elvis would turn up at some stage to meet up with J.D. and other gospel singers.

Tony's first taste of working with Elvis occurred when he was picked to join the group Voice. The gospel group was put together by Sherrill Neilson and the name was Elvis' idea. Voice would open the shows and where also used as a house band to entertain Elvis and his entourage at his various homes. Sometimes though, they played background on recording sessions. Tony went to a recording session at RCA in Hollywood. Elvis was recording his Today album. They were trying out a track from the album called Bringing It Back. Tony was there with the rest of Voice to do any backgrounds Elvis may have wanted them to do. He was summoned over by David Briggs and told to play the song. Elvis was impressed with Tony's input, so it ended up being recorded with Tony on keyboards. His next recording involvement with Elvis was on the Moody Blue release which was recorded in the Jungle Room at Graceland. 

After Voice split up, Tony worked for Elvis again in his band and played his first concert as a full time member of The TCB Band in April of 1976. He played at each concert up until the final one on June 26th 1977 at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis. After Elvis' death, Tony thought, "What now?" Working for Elvis had been the most exciting and achieving time in his career. However, Tony soon became a highly sort after musician in Nashville and has worked and recorded with some of the best, such as Emmylou Harris and The Hot Band, Ricky Scagga, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell and many more. He was head hunted by RCA and while with RCA he signed up the group Alabama, who are the biggest selling group in country music history. Later, Tony became president of MCA in Nashville and after seventeen years, he resigned. Now a senior partner at Universal South Records, he is still producing for many of the top names in the music industry today.

Click here to view Tony's discography.

David Briggs - (Keyboards) 

David Briggs was born in Alabama, the famous music of the Muscle Shoal area and birth place of W.C. Handy, Father Of The Blues, in 1943. David, in his younger years learned to play keyboards and played his first recording session at the age of fourteen. His first break as a session player was for James Joiner and it was through his connection with Joiner's Tune Records, who formed the foundations for the Muscle Shoal Music Industry, he made contact with Jerry Carrigan (drummer), Norbert Putnam (bassist) and Terry Thompson (guitarist). Together they formed The Muscle Shoals rhythm section at Rick Hall's Fame Studio, participating in hits released by Tommy Roe, The Tams and others. Tommy Roe took the band on tour with him and before they knew it, they were opening shows for The Beatles. During 1962, David was signed up as an artist and songwriter for Decca Record Company, finally moving to Nashville and finding himself in constant demand as one of Nashville's most versatile session keyboard players.

In 1966, David was called into the recording studios to stand in for Floyd Cramer, who was three hours late for one of the recording sessions. The sessions involved work on the How Great Though Art album. Floyd Cramer's loss was David's gain as he also got to play piano on Love Letters. Elvis liked David and was impressed with his style and versatility. He was asked to stay on and play organ on the rest of the sessions after Floyd returned to play piano. David continued to record with Elvis until his final recording sessions in 1976. He played electric piano on the very first part of the 1975 Vegas engagement and later joined Elvis and the rest of his band again replacing Shane Keister, for all of the 1976 dates and into February 1977. He was replaced by Bobby Ogdin in March 1977.

It was also during the late 60's David and Norburt Putnam opened Quadrafonic Studios, working with some of the biggest names in pop music. They closed the studio in 1976 and David opened House of David. His first caller was Joe Cocker.

David, from that first break at the age of fourteen, has developed in to a much respected and in demand songwriter, producer, musical director, sessions player and keyboardist. As well as sessions work, he has made hundreds of TV commercials and as musical director he is credited with This Country's Rockin', the majority of the CMA Awards, The Hall Of Fame Special and a two and a half hour tribute show to Minnie Pearl. In 1999, he was inducted into The Alabama Music Hall Of Fame. In all, David has worked for and recorded with hundreds of artists including Elvis Presley, Loretta Lyn, Bob Segar, Hank Williams Jnr, Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt, Sammy Davies Jnr, Marty Robbins, Neil Young, Roy Orbison, James Brown and many more.

Click here to view David's discography.

Emory Gordy - (Bass Guitar) 

Emory Gordy was born in 1944 in Atlanta Georgia. By the age of four, he was able to get a tune out of a piano and at the age of six, he could play banjo, guitar and ukulele. During Emory's school years he would make a point of dividing his free time and weekends between strings bands, Dixieland bands and also a top 40 Garage Band. When Emory finished school, he went to university and played the French horn in the university band. However, by this time, even though Emory had the knack of turning his hand to most things musical, it was the bass guitar that pulled his heart strings. He started his career as a studio musician in Los Angeles in 1964 and was asked to play bass guitar during a performance by Tommy Roe at a local knees-up. A week later he was invited to do studio work by record producer Joe South. Eventually the ever talented Emory was working with Tommy Roe, Rozzy Baley, Mac Davis, as well as touring with Lou Christy, Rufus Thomas and The Impressions. During this period Emory co-wrote the Classics hit Traces along with Bud Buie and James Cobb. 

In 1971 Emory became bass player for Neil Diamond in his band and started touring with him. March 1972 was to be Emory's first time to work with Elvis and the rest of the TCB Band. The opportunity arose when Elvis needed a bass player to stand in for Jerry Scheff on some recording sessions. Ronnie Tutt had recommended Emory as a bass player. Together they recorded Always On My Mind, Separate Ways, For The Good Times and Burning Love. 

August 1972 was the kick off to a ten day concert stint at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. There Emory performed with Neil Diamond and the rest of his band. The show on the 24th August was recorded live and released on an album Hot August Night Live. Emory joined James Burton, Glen D Hardin and Ronnie Tutt for the release of Gram Parsons Grievous Angel album and became an original member of Emmylou Harris's Hot Band in the 70's, along with James Burton and Glen D Hardin.

1973 saw the second meeting between Emory and Elvis. Following the Aloha Concert, Jerry Scheff left the band for a while and a bass guitarist was needed to replace him. Ronnie Tutt was asked by Elvis to recommend a bass player and as Elvis was already familiar with his work and background and had no qualms giving him the position. Emory remained with The TCB Band for the rest of 1973. He then decided to leave the band and concentrate more on and develop further his already active recording studio. Emory was replaced by Duke Bardwell.

By 1977, Emory had left The Hot Band and worked with Rodney Crowell and Roseanne Cash as bass player in their newly formed band The Cherry Bombs. He took a break in 1979 from the band and teamed up with John Denver touring Australia and Europe as well as composing the bass tracks for two of John's albums. He moved to Nashville in the 80's and expanded his talents to that of songwriter, studio musician and producer. He co-produced, along with Tony Brown, the breakthrough album Guitar Town for Steve Earle and joined Chris Hillman in the making of his album Morningsky, not forgetting his producing soundtracks for the films The Tin Cup, Switchboard and Kings Of New York.

During 1985, Emory met Patty Loveless. He soon had Patty under his wing by becoming producer of her records and shows. In 1989, Patty and Emory married. In 1992 Patty had to semi retire from singing due to vocal chord injury and rest. On the return to her singing, Emory produced and worked with her on her album Only What I Feel, putting Patty's career back on the road after such a long break. It is said that this is the best album of her career.

Emory is a highly respected name in the music industry and has won endless awards for his contributions to the music industry, which include being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall Of Fame in 1997 and in 1998 was named producer of the year. He has made well over two hundred albums with various artists including Neil Diamond, David Cassidy, Roseanne Cash, Alabama, Billy Joel, Hoyt Axton, Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons to name but a few.

Click here to view Emory's discography.

Shane Keister - (Keyboards) 

Shane Keister grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio. He learned piano at an early age and developed an interest in other keyboards after doing so. He soon mastered the synthesizer, Moog synthesizer, Fairlight and Fender-Rhodes. Shane was a fellow music student with the now famous world class Africa/American lyric soprano singer Kathleen Battle. As a talented pianist he soon became known in the music industry as a result of his keyboard work and writing for Amy Grant, a contemporary Christian singer. However, in his final years in education, he started to change his musical tastes and began to dabble with 'garage' rock & roll bands. This was the kick start to his musical career.

In 1976, he began working for Elvis. Shane replaced Glen D, who had left to play for Emmylou Harris. He stayed to do the first small tour of 1976 before leaving to do his own thing. Today, Shane is a successful sessions player, engineer, producer, composer, arranger, and conductor. He is an extremely versatile studio musician and has produced and played on countless albums and worked with some of the finest performers including Elvis Presley, Roberta Flack, Diane Schuur, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Lionel Ritchie, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Olivia Newton John, Tom Jones and many more.

Shane has over 1,000 compositions in various music libraries for TV shows. He has been involved with as well as composing TV jingles (AT&T, SAAB, HBO, JVC, Panasonic etc). He also has several motion picture soundtracks under his belt including the Disney production Ernest Goes To Camp. A Grammy nominee, he has received three Dove awards, two Cleo awards and an Emmy. Over the last few years he has spent time working and writing with international singing star and song writer Melissa Marquass. Melissa's singing career progressed rapidly after she appeared on Queen Latifah's show. Both Shane and Melissa became engaged to be married. Despite his demanding schedule in the music industry, Shane still tours from time to time with different artists and is currently keyboard player with The Chuck Keiper Band.

Click here to see Melissa Marquass and Shane Keister.

Click here to view Shane's discography.

Larrie Londin - (Drums) 

Larrie Londin was born in October 1943 in Norfolk, Virginia. He grew up in Florida and returned to Norfolk in the 50's. He started his drumming Career by accident, an accident which incidentally turned him in to one of the greatest drummers in the world, up there with Ronnie Tutt to name but a few. In Norfolk, he began to play in groups and got his kicks from listening to Gene Vincent and The Blue Caps. He was surrounded 24/7 by rock 'n' roll music, inspiring him throughout his career. His first record contract was with Atlantic Records as a singer doing a very poor impersonation of Elvis Presley. It is said that his mother has the only surviving copy of this recording. It was also the decision maker in helping Larrie decide to 'keep his mouth shut' and stick to drums! He eventually went from Norfolk night clubs to hanging about the studios of Motown at the height of the Motor City sound. Larrie's involvement with Motown started when he and the band he was with at the time, got signed up to Motown. At that stage they would just hang around waiting for something to happen. They would hang around at the studios all day and still do night club gigs at night.

In the Motown days, Bennie Benjamin, a great soul drummer, would play drums on all of the Motown sessions and records. One day when Larrie was sitting in the Motown offices, the door flew open and Berry Gordon came flying in, telling Larrie that Bennie had just had a heart attack. Berry told Larrie to get his ass down to the studio and to play the drums, rather than the session be cancelled. From there it was working sixteen hours a day and making anything up to five or six records with various Motown artists. Larrie eventually left Motown and worked for thirteen weeks on Tennessee Ernie Ford's TV show. From there it was to Nashville, where he went from being one of Nashville's only drummers to that of Nashville's Country Music top studio drummer. He was moving from Motor City to Music City! Larrie got the chance to work on a number of TV shows in Nashville and spent some time on Porter Wagner's show as well as working on the Grand Ol' Opry and Hee-Haw.

In was in Nashville that Larrie started to record with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Pride and Hank Snow. This was when Larrie also got the chance to work with Elvis. He started to record with Elvis and The Memphis Rhythm Section in 1968. He claims that this was the biggest and most thrilling time of his musical career. He spent nine years recording and often touring with Elvis. Larrie replaced Ronnie Tutt on drums in March 1976 and the last three shows in June 1977. After his time with Elvis he got a call from Steve Perry to come and play drums on the Journey's album Raised On Radio, replacing Steve Smith who had taken over from Aynsly Dunbar. Steve Perry approached Larrie again at a later date to play drums and percussion on his solo album, Street Talk.

His achievements and accomplishments throughout his career, none of us forgetting that it all started by accident, range from touring with Elvis Presley, Andrew Belew and The Everly Brothers, from TV shows with Tennessee Ernie Ford, The 1992 Command Performance for the President, to recording with Elvis Presley, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Wilson Pickett, Lionel Ritchie, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boots Randolph and more. The list is endless. Larrie performed at The Presidential Performance with Chet Atkins.

In April of 1992, he collapsed following a performance and remained in a coma for some months after. Sadly, Larrie died in the August of 1992 at the age of forty eight.

Click here to view Larrie's discography. Click here to see and hear Larrie in action.

Bob Lanning - (Drums)

Bob's mother was Roberta Sherwood, who became famous in 1956 when she became a 'headlining' torch singer and entertainer performing with Mickey Rooney, Don Pickles, Joey Bishop and Milton Berle. 

Bob we hear, came on recommendation to Elvis, working for him during the January/February second Las Vegas season. He also played in all of the shows at The Houston Astrodome. Elvis needed a drummer to fill in for Ronnie Tutt. This was because the Colonel didn't inform Ronnie that Elvis would be returning to Vegas after August 1969. Ronnie had a contract with Mike Post who was musical director for 'Andy Williams' at the time on NBC TV which had to be fulfilled. However, Ronnie was able to return for the start of the third season in August 1970.

Bob Lanning was a competent LA sessions man, unfortunately not much can be found about Bob or what he is up to these days !! 

Click here to view Bobs discography

Bobby Ogdin - (Keyboards) 

Bobby Ogdin was playing keyboards from the age of thirteen. He was vocalist and keyboard player for the Grammy nominated band 'Bering Strait'.

Over the years Bobby had become a well known 'zany' player but always maintained a reputation as a top sessions player, keyboardist, percussionist and arranger in Nashville working and touring with the top of country musicians including Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt, Charlie Daniels, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Judds, Kenny Rogers, Kenny Chesney, B.J. Thomas, Marshall Tucker and more.

Bobby replaced David Briggs on electric piano and worked for Elvis Presley from March of 1977 and all further shows. It is said that David Briggs had recommended Bobby to Elvis.

After his time with Elvis he became famous with fans of 'Ween' for being their bandleader with his own 'Shit Creek Boys'. Today Bobby is still very much active as a session player and is vice president of the Nashville branch of RMA (Recording Musicians Association).

From April of 1976 Elvis wanted to have two sets of keyboards for a bigger and better sound hence the reason behind piano and electric piano.

Click here to view Bobby's discography

Jerome 'Stump' Munroe - (Drums)

Jerome was already a 'powerful' established and sought after drummer by the time he got his chance to work with The TCB Band. He was a session player within the Motown World and the regular drummer for 'The Sweet Inspirations' playing the warm up sessions before the starts of the show. Jerome filled in for Ronnie Tutt for three shows between December 1975 and June 1977. He was the ideal choice as he knew Elvis' routine and was introduced on stage as 'Stump' by Elvis when it came to band introductions to the audience.

Jerome over the years made several appearances in various documentaries about Elvis Presley talking about his short time with Elvis. He has worked and played for Wilson Pickett, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas, Gladys Night And The Pips, Ricky Nelson and more.

 Larry Muhoberac - (Keyboards) 

Larry grew up in Louisiana and by the age of five years, he could already play the accordion and piano and no two ways about it, he had music running through his veins. Fifteen years later he was working and touring with Woody Herman.

In 1959, Larry moved to Memphis. It was here that Larry first met Elvis Presley. He and his band played two of Elvis' charity shows. Not long after this, he moved to the West Coast to become a studio musician. At this time, Elvis was still making movies and he approached Larry to work on his film soundtracks. Larry worked on four of Elvis' films 'Frankie And Johnny' (1966) 'Paradise Hawaiian Style' (1966) 'Speedway' (1968) and 'Stay Away Joe' (1968).

When Elvis Presley decided to return to a live audience following the end of his filming contract, James Burton had originally contacted Glen D Hardin to play piano. Due to other commitments, Glen D had to decline so James contacted Larry. Larry jumped at the opportunity and Elvis was happy to have him on board having worked with him before. Larry was also friends with drummer Ronnie Tutt, having worked together running a studio in Dallas and it was he who put a word in for Ronnie when Elvis needed a top class drummer.

Larry worked with Elvis throughout the entire fall of '69 Vegas engagement before leaving in Feb 1970. He chose to return to producing and arranging and playing sessions in Los Angeles. Glen D Hardin replaced Larry in 1970.

Larry Muhoberac is a respected composer, producer, keyboardist, arranger and musician and has conducted for top acts such as Seals & Crofts. As well as working for Elvis Presley he has worked and recorded with Tina Turner, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, Tanya Tucker, Barbara Streisand, The Carpenters to name but a few.

Larry packed up in 1986 and moved to Australia where he continues to produce, compose and arrange. He is married to vocalist/ songwriter Andra Willis and son Jamie appears to be following in his father's foot steps, as he too is fast becoming an ace keyboard player. 

Click here to view Larry's discography

Elvis Presley's Original Horn Section Joins John Krondes and The Elvis 'Hit

Making Team' In Historical Recording Project

Elvis Presley's Horns
Section Group Shot: Pictured are Original Elvis Horn players Sam Cernuto, Marty Harrell, Les Benedict, Jack Feierman, Walt Johnson, Charlie Davis, Elvis Composer Paul Evans, Singer John Krondes, with additional horns Dave Trigg and Tim Wendt. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

 Shock waves continue to travel through the Elvis world as the Elvis Horns team with John Krondes and the dream lives on.

Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY  March 1, 2006 -- Music fills the air again, trumpets are sounding and resonating across the oceans and the dream lives on. In Rip Van Winkle like fashion, the world's music fans are waking up after a 29-year dark songless nightmare to the new day. Along with the rise of the sun over the horizon, this new day begins with the ascension of the Elvis "Hit Making Team".

The day the music died August 16, 1977, the passing of Elvis Presley, many experts believe the era of good music and song expired with him. Believe it or not, this New Day has risen with a complete Elvis Revival. For the very first time since 1977, virtually all of Elvis Presley's original "Hit Team" and music entourage have somehow or another found their way back together again in the studio in an earth-shaking project.

Beginning with "The End", a beautiful new recording by John Krondes and The Jordanaires of the song Elvis sang to his future wife Priscilla on the night they met, has come a fresh start. This new dawning is being looked at as a second chance for popular song.

John Krondes, the young singer/songwriter has awoke to find himself as well in the midst of this magical dreamland turned Reality. This state of actuality is a new beginning for music. For the last two years, the gates of Rock 'n Roll Heaven have called together again just about all of Elvis Presley's "original" music making unit. John Krondes and the Jordanaires along with the rest of the Elvis "Hit Making Team" are just a few months shy of delivering the first compilation of new recordings by the E.P. Music Operation in nearly 30 years.

The "Hit Making Team" with John Krondes includes the TCB Band, Elvis Presley's Memphis Studio Band "The Memphis Boys", Jordanaires, Sweet Inspirations, Millie Kirkham, D.J. Fontana, Original Elvis Composers, producers, arrangers, additional Elvis musicians, Joe Esposito and now the Elvis Horns.

Sounding a bit like the Aloha from Hawaii concert, players from the Aloha Section and Las Vegas Hilton horn sections, along with trumpeter Jack Feierman from the '68 Comeback Special shook the walls of Westlake Recording in Los Angeles with that sweet familiar sound. Elvis Presley's Leading Brass men rose to the occasion and joined the reunion, further completing the Elvis circle and dream come true for music fans. Leading the way are Walt Johnson (Elvis' lead Trumpet), Sam Cernuto (Elvis' Lead Trombone) and Marty Harrell (Elvis' Bass Trombone).

Deja Vu, paramnesia, magic, illusionistic, entrancing.... Yeah, that's it, supernaturally cool. Fans and experts alike are still scratching their heads wondering how this is all possible. Well, the best answer we have is call Rock 'n Roll Heaven and speak with John Belushi (President of The Rock 'n Roll Commission), he has the score. Note, If AT&T is too costly from your area, try the Ouija Board.

What is earthly tangible regarding John Krondes and The Elvis "Hit Making Team" is some real powerful new music that makes you feel good and tingles the senses. As fanciful a tale as it may seem, this reunion with the Presley Hit Makers and John Krondes is real, ready and rockin' radio around the sublunary world.

"The End" and "Vegas In The Morning" by John Krondes and The Jordanaires with the "Hit Making Team" is readily available at Amazon.com and other major internet retailers. For download junkies, we are ipod ready at ITunes, Emusic, MSN Music and Real Networks. Click the following link to download "The End" at ITunes: http://tinyurl.com/rqsgv.

Welcome to the "New Day" where the Magic of Elvis' Music Is Back.... And just remember fans, "The End" is just the beginning.

Gary Grant & Walt Johnson
Elvis Trumpet Players Gary Grant (L) and Walt Johnson (R). Walt Johnson was Elvis Presley's Lead Trumpet Player in the 1970's. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Marty Harrell
Elvis Presley's Bass Trombone Player Marty Harrell. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Elvis Horns 2
Elvis Presley's Horns: Shown From Left are Gary Grant, Marty Harrell, Les Benedict, Walt Johnson, Sam Cernuto. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Marty Harrell, Sam Cernuto, Les Benedict
Elvis' Trombone Section: From Left: Marty Harrell, Sam Cernuto, Les Benedict. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Elvis Horns 3
From Left: Gary Herbig, Elvis Composer Paul Evans, Arranger George Andrews, John Krondes and Marty Harrell. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

John Krondes & Gary Herbig
Lead Singer John Krondes with Elvis Saxophone Player Gary Herbig. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA

Elaine Young, John Krondes, Pietra Thornton
Elvis Presley's Friend & Realtor Elaine Young, HMT Singer John Krondes and Pietra Thornton. Location: Westlake Recording Studio, Los Angeles, CA