I can't tell you how many times I've heard guitarists refer to Elvis as a "non-player" and "his guitar was just a prop." This annoys the hell out of me since he basically ignited the guitar based Rock n' Roll revolution along with Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly.
This 100% live TV performance on CBS on January 28, 1956 should squelch the naysayers. Check out the perfect rhythm chops exhibited by a young Elvis on this leather wrapped Martin D-28 (just months before he would receive his first signature Gibson J-200N).
And in the '68 Comeback Special, you see him playing some pretty decent licks. It's one of those annoying things that people just repeat parrot-fashion without checking the evidencefor themselves.
ReplyDeleteHe also enjoyed playing the bass. In the famous meeting between Elvis and the Beatles in 1965 at his house in Belair he spent a lot of the time playing electric bass while Paul showed him a few licks and the rest of the Beatles played guitars and sang along.
DeleteSeconding G L's comment above. Sure, Elvis's playing is simple but his feel is great! Was a shame he himself ended up relegating the guitar to a prop on stage.
ReplyDelete