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Ronnie McDowell and the backing group The Elvis Connection

The King Is Gone

Curb CURCD159

 
 

Dubbed the un-crowned King Of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 years at his home Graceland, Memphis in 1977. If he were still living, 2005 would have seen Elvis celebrate his 70th Birthday on 8th January. The legacey of Elvis has lived on through the dedication of the multitude of Elvis fans all around the world and the many Elvis impersonators who keep the memory of the King alive.

The Elvis Connection offers 2 discs with the first containing 15 tracks featuring Ronnie McDowell recognised as America's ultimate Elvis impersonator. Original members of Elvis' band Scotty Moore (lead guitar), D.J. Fontana (drums) and members of the singing group The Jordanaires who backed Elvis from 1956 through most of the 60's join McDowell to create a stunning album of Elvis' hits. Celebrating the history of Elvis, this sensational double album offers you the opportunity to listen to a selection of hits belonging to Elvis and then by inserting the second Karaoke disc, sing along with the original members of Elvis' band.

Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup wrote and recorded "That's All Right Mama" in 1947 and this song was the first Elvis recorded in 1954 at Sun studio in Memphis along with Scotty Moore on guitar and bassist Bill Black coupling "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" on the flip-side, Bill Monroe's stately bluegrass waltz, CD Coverwhich Elvis gave a new tempo to suit his own style of music and kick-started Elvis' fantastic career. It is therefore fitting that "That's All Right Mama" takes the premier spot here on The Elvis Connection.

Some of Elvis' best-loved numbers can be found here, like "Don't Be Cruel", "All Shook Up" and the addition of Millie Kirkham reunites The E-Connection with the singer who was first featured on Elvis' "Blue Christmas". "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear" has long been one of the favourites with Elvis fans as are "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Good Luck Charm". A classic is found with the slow paced #1 from 1962 "Can't Help Falling In Love You" and "An American Trilogy" became an anthem for many in 1972. Ronny McDowell does them all justice here on The Elvis Collection. The final pair of numbers on the album has "The King Is Gone" co-written by McDowell and Lee Morgan and Richard Leigh/Patrick McManus' "Who Do They Think He Was" brings this anthology to a stellar conclusion.

With great affection and much nostalgia many impersonators have attempted and failed to capture the intrinsic properties that is the quintessence of Elvis. Not so when it comes to, Ronnie McDowell. His powerful and expressive vocals, unquenchable energy and unflickering passion captures the persona of the King that is destined to drive The Elvis Collection - The King Is Gone forwards to a sweeping success as a well favoured treasure!!!