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, which
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!!!
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