100 Country Stars n Legends For Easy Ridin'

When Victor Koo of FOYers Bloggers' Group wanted to meet me on the afternoon before National Day (8.8.2011) I thought he wanted to celebrate the occasion together. We did actually and had coffee n cake at a quaint roadside cafe near the Novena Church. But he also brought along a book (image) as a gift. In fact this same gentleman introduced my blog to yesterday.sg and helped establish it somewhat. Thank you very much Victor for your kindness and friendship.

I learnt much reading it and realised how the spurts of information, glossy photographs, sidebars, precious *nuggets about each star and a greatest-hits list make the book mighty informative but easy ridin'. Like reading a great blog on an iPad.

Legends of Country by Liz Mechem and Chris Carroll introduces the CW hit list of pop singers that helped put this genre of "music on the map and keep it there." From Roy Acuff, Bill Carlisle, Defore Bailey, Lefty Frizzell and Hank Thompson (I honestly haven't heard of them before) to familiar ones like Alabama, Chet Atkins, Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggard, Barbara Mandrell, Jim Reeves, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, Shania Twain and Elvis!

There are 100 mostly known names, all covering 160 pages of pioneers, storytellers and musicians who had, "left their imprint on this unique art form." And like how the Introduction explained, "Country's all about using small stories to represent big themes, and using big themes to illuminate small moments", this huge publication tells a lot.

So much for the **book. Now the authors. Liz Mechem is a freelance writer and editor teaching fiction writing in New York City. Chris Carroll, her husband is a photographer whose work has appeared in many national magazines.

And this ain't no old dusty document! It's 4 years young and published by Dalmatian Press (Dalmatian Publishing Group, Atlanta, Georgia 30329), Copyright 2007. And I'm still browsing through.

*Nuggets: 1. "Barbara Mandrell was known as the Princess of Steel for her prowess on the steel guitar." 2. "Sonny James became the first contry artist in 1971 to record a program for a moon flight." 3. Did you know that Floyd Tillman recorded, G. I. Blues before Elvis in 1941? Ah, but is it the same song? Interesting facts.

**Again, thanks Victor for your present. More book-gift postings for Chun See, Yusnor Ef, Larry Lai, etc. in later weeks.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

It's Not Another Elvis Posting. Martin D28 Guitar

I have been asked many times if I play the guitar. Yes, I replied, but only using the 4 basic chords on C. Well, that's not too bad, some cynics replied, better than not being able to play at all. But deep within I know I can play more chords than that.

On another occasion, someone who has been reading my blog regularly (I have some blog fans too you know) asked me if I knew anything about musical instruments. A very superficial knowledge I said. Well, this gentleman replied, you need to write some articles about the guitar at least. What's a music blog without stories about musical instruments? True!

So with a mission to accomplish, I decided to buy another guitar to learn about the guitar and with the help of an exceptionally good lead guitarist from a Singapore 60s band (don't ever sound my name, he says) I went searching for one. And that was when I rediscovered the Martin D-28, one twang twang that I had salivated over for some time.

So without anymore fanfare, here's a brief from Internet websites and my own experience about this particular guitar that Elvis Presley fans will be definitely be familiar with (image 1). Or are they?

Do you own a D-28. Want to tell your story before I begin mine?
Image: From Scotty Moore's website: http://www.scottymoore.net/TributeD28.html

When Seniors Meet In Camaraderie And In Music

We gather at a magic spot where fresh air is the order of the day and when music even fills the crevices of the monuments that abound. About 9 senior bloggers get together for a session as teh-tarek flows. Ukelele and harmonica sounds charm the surrounds beneath the tree-lined meadows of Siglap Hill.

"O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound That breathes upon a bank of violets, Stealing and giving odour..."

"The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils..."

"You just call out my name, And you know wherever I am, I'll come running, To see you again, Winter, spring, summer or fall, All you have to do is call, And I'll be there..."

Right bar videos:

Wee Kiat and Dick (image 1) on the harmonica and ukelele play, Oh Suzanna.

Peter Chan (image 2) plays a piano solo, Look For A Star.

Video clips from Peter Chan.

Image 3 from James Seah.

Check out: http://blogtoexpress.blogspot.com

'Return To Sender': Elvis Presley Stamp: Part II

The Book (image):

Meeting friend bloggers, including blogger/author Dr. Tan Wee Kiat and being presented with his latest publication, Singapore Stamps & Money, One For The Birds, reminded me of a particular stamp I wanted to buy some years ago.

The Stamp (image):

It was first issued on 8th January, 1993 on what would have been Elvis' Presley's 58th birthday. By the end of that year alone it had already become the most profitable stamp in the history of the US Postal Service.

Consequently the stamp is not of great monetary value as a collectible item although it remains a must have for any serious Elvis fan or collector of Elvis memorabilia. Harder to find items such as whole sheets of stamps, first day covers and even covers cancelled with the words *Return to Sender are particularly sought after.

The USPS printed 500 million of these Elvis stamps - three times the usual print run for a commemorative stamp - and it has become the biggest selling commemorative postage stamp of all time and the most controversial ever issued.

The United States, however, is not the only country to have issued Elvis stamps. In fact, Elvis first appeared on a postage stamp issued in Grenada on the first anniversary of his death in 1978 and has since been featured on international stamps everywhere from Antigua to Zaire.

The Song:

*Return To Sender is a 1962 rock n roll single by The King himself and written by Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell. So when the commemorative stamp to celebrate Elvis Presley's birthday was introduced, many Americans wrote invalid addresses on their letters marked with the new stamp.

Thus, they would get the letter back with "Return To Sender" written over it and the Elvis Presley stamp with the date of the first issue day on it, which would increase the value of the stamp.

Except for a few songs, Elvis seldom had anything to do with the art of songwriting. It is about a man having an arguement with his girlfriend. He keeps trying to send her letters and she keeps returning them refusing to answer to them. He can't seem to believe that he and his girlfriend's relationship is over with.

The song was featured in the film Girls! Girls! Girls!. Return To Sender went to number one on the U.K. singles charts, and number two on the American top forty charts. Can one buy these Presley stamps on the market? Yes, but according to collectors, they are not worth much. Sold in sheets, they cost about US$25.00. Interested anyone?
Information edited: (1) http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question78150.html

(2) http://www.squidoo.com/elvisonstamps

Image: 1. Dr Tan Wee Kiat's book 2. Google Elvis Presley Collection.

SINGAPORE STAMPS, 2011. SINGAPORE PHILATELIC BUREAU.

Singapore Street-Hawker Calls And Elvis' 'Crawfish'

Singapore street hawkers or vendors in the 60s have been highlighted as being unique and special. Many stories have been written about them and one author, Chan Kwee Sung in his book, One More Story To Tell, highlights the street laksa (page: 44) sold in the Katong area in the East Coast and the hot porridge (page: 49) in downtown Chinatown. These memories are etched forever in the minds of those who have lived the period and seen the food-sellers .

I remember my own encounter with these street hawkers along Geylang Road in Singapore where they advertise their food using their own unique/special hawker calls to draw out customers from their homes.

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The meat-bun man will shout his, "Char siew pau..." as he pushes his cart filled with hot, steaming buns in containers balanced over a charcoal fire. Then there's the chicken porridge man selling his, "Kaiiiii choke."

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The won-ton noodle hawker's assistant who strikes a small bamboo piece with a stick, using a rhythmic beat to announce his delicious meal for 30 cents a bowl. "Tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tick, tick, tock..." I even recall the Indian rojak (spicy salad) who shouts his ware along the pavements of Geylang with, "Rojak, rojak..." Street sounds we call them. Or food sounds?

The food hawkers mentioned by our local writers are not uncommon in other parts of the world (images). There are street hawkers everywhere and Singapore is no different. In fact the opening scene of the Elvis Presley movie, King Creole (Paramount: 1958) depicts street hawkers selling their wares in downtown New Orleans in the 50s. (please watch video above). After the film title, Elvis duets with singer Kitty White to sing Crawfish.

Elvis describes the catch:

"I went to the bayou late last night

There wasn't no moon but the stars were bright

Put a big long hook on a big long pole

And I pulled Mr Crawfish outta his hole

The street call:

Crawfish, craw-aw-aw-feeesh!

See I got 'em see the size

Stripped and clean before your eyes

Sweet meat look good

Fresh and ready to cook...

Craaawfeeesh!

The sales pitch:

Now you take Mr Crawfish in your hand

He's gonna look good in your frying pan

If you fry him crisp and you boil him right

He'll be sweeter than sugar with every bite

Crawfish..... crawfish...

(Song credited to: Fred Wise/Ben Wiseman)

Whether it's food culture or otherwise, the world has been connected a long time ago. Like the funeral bands in New Orleans and our own Singapore funeral marching bands - the similarities are astounding.

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Perhaps there is one difference between Singapore's street vendors and those from the West; they are more imaginative and sing their wares.

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Can you remember other popular 60s songs with food as a theme?

Images: 1. Paramount Studios/Elvis Presley Estate. 2. National Heritage Board Singapore.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Book Quote: One More Story To Tell - Memories of Singapore - 1930s to 1980s (Chan Kwee Sung: Landmark Books, 2005).

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(This posting is for Derek Tait who's just joined as a Follower. Thanks Derek. Welcome home!)

SINGAPORE HAWKERS' FOOD

Joseph Adair's 1992 Book n Photos: Immortalised

Joseph Adair writes with precision. Brought up in Liverpool two streets away from George Harrison, he gave up the guitar and a recording career when he broke his hand. He took to writing books and has contributed to prestigious rock magazines worldwide.

The Immortal Elvis Presley - 1935-1977 (image) is no exception. It is a 1992 coffee-table book with delicious chunks of Elvis Presley information that will keep fans happy. None of those gossipy tales about the King but true stories about his journey from 'Memphis and Music' to 'Graceland, Graceland', 5 hot chapters that fill 96 pages. And there are photographs on every page.

From the time Presley stood on a little chair in the 40s and sang, Old Shep, his first public performance at a Mississippi-Alabama Fair, up to Jimmy Carter's announcement that: "Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself," Adair tells it all.

Quotes from the book:

1. "His emotionally charged rendition of Cold, Cold Icy Fingers at the school's 1952 Christmas concert stopped the show..."

2. "it wasn't unusual for artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins to get together for an afternoon singalong..." (with a large photograph of the 4).

3. "Jailhouse Rock was rock film's first classic production number."

4. Army life: "The officers expect discipline and respect, and that's what I'll give them."
5. "Francoise Hardy paid fulsome tribute: 'I can't think of anybody but Elvis I'd put myself in trouble for...'"

6. On his death: "even the Soviet Union sent a wreath."

A comprehensive book that tells you much about the King in a few pages and with lots of photographs you might not have seen before.

Image: Cover from Viscount Books (imprint of Reed International Books Limited, Fulham Road, London, England).

Original article: Andy Lim.
Thanks to LL for lending me the book.

Looking Back: Country Music With Maxine Brown

THIS POSTING IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

If you are not familiar with the music of the 50s and 60s Maxine Brown's Looking Back To See - A Country Music Memoir - is the book to grab from the shelves of our National Library. The Three Bells (1959) is one of the biggest hits of all time and gave Maxine Brown, her sister and brother international stardom. And the story begins...

Mini review:

Maxine Brown shared stages with everyone, from unknowns to the knowns like Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley. "She saw Elvis at the beginning of his incredible, tragic ride" when she devoted one full chapter to travels with the King.

Then there were Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash and pieces of advice - "Lousy bands can mess up the greatest singers..." - from the people she met during the times of boogie-woogie, swing music, television, horror movies, The Kennedys, space flight, hula hoops and "nickel Cokes."

Country Music People magazine says it all, "This is the story of The Browns... It is also the story of rip-offs, frustration money woes, and the harsh truths about fame... Told in a spunky, no-holds-barred, immensely readable style with plenty of juicy anecdotes (blurb)."

If you have the time and interested in country music, this is the book to check out. And who are the Browns, in case you are not familiar with them? Her book tells all.

Image: Cover of "Looking Back To See - A Country Music Memoir" by Maxine Brown, The University of Arkansas Press (2005), USA. From: National Library Board, Singapore. NLB: 782.421642

Original article: Andy Lim.

TOP 10 POP CHRISTMAS ALBUMS OF ALL TIME

The best in pop Christmas albums. Top pop stars frequently record holiday songs or complete albums. These 10 are classics and the perfect place to start any holiday music collection.

1. Various Artists - 'A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector' (1963)

Courtesy Sony

At the peak of his success on the pop charts with his trademark "wall of sound" production technique, Phil Spector put together this Christmas collection by four of his top recording acts. The Crystals, Ronettes, Darlene Love, and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans each contributed their versions of mostly secular Christmas songs. The album had the misfortune of being released the same day as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and was a relative failure upon initial release peaking at #13 on the album chart. However, over time it has been recognized as perhaps the top Christmas album and one of the top overall pop-rock albums of all time. Darlene Love's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is particularly revered.

2. Various Artists - 'A Very Special Christmas' (1987) Courtesy A&M

This was the first in a series of Christmas albums put together to benefit Special Olympics. The overall series has raised over $55 million for the cause. Artist Keith Haring contributed the cover art to this first collection. The overall project was overseen by producer Jimmy Iovine. The collection features a significant number of the top pop artists of the 1980's. Among the most celebrated recordings here are the Eurythmics "Winter Wonderland," Whitney Houston's"Do You Hear What I Hear?," Sting's "Gabriel's Message," and Run-D.M.C.'s "Christmas in Hollis."

3. Vince Guaraldi Trio - 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965) Courtesy Fantasy

Lee Mendelson, producer of the A Charlie Brown Christmas TV special heard a recording of "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" by Vince Guaraldi's Trio while riding in a taxicab in San Francisco. Mendelson was put in touch with Guaraldi and he made the proposition that Vince Guaraldi create the score for the upcoming Peanuts special. The results were such a success that Guaraldi ended up composing scores for 16 Peanuts TV specials. Among the legendary songs created are "Linus and Lucy," "Christmas Time Is Here," and "Skating."

4. Josh Groban - 'Noel' (2007) Courtesy Reprise

Pop-classical singer Josh Groban had already released three multi-platinum top 10 albums before putting together Noel, his first Christmas collection in 2007. The result was the sleeper hit album of the year. It was produced by David Foster, known for his big pop productions with such stars as Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.Noel hit #1 on the pop album chart in the US seven weeks after its initial release. It became the first Christmas album to ever spend five weeks at #1 on the album chart. By the end of 2007, the album had sold over 3.5 million copies making it the biggest selling album of the year.

5. Mariah Carey - 'Merry Christmas' (1994) Courtesy Sony

Mariah Carey had released three multi-platinum albums and was riding high with the success of Music Box that spent eight weeks at #1 on the album chart and ultimately was certified ten times platinum when she decided to record a Christmas collection. Mariah Carey worked with a variety of producers, and, in the album's first run on the charts, it peaked at #3. The album includes the song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" which is considered a contemporary Christmas classic. It is the first holiday song to sell a million digital downloads.

6. Mannheim Steamroller - 'Mannheim Steamroller Christmas' (1984) Courtesy American Gramaphone

Producer and

composer Chip Davis first became known in the music industry for helping create the musical personality C.W. McCall for singer Bill Fries. C.W. McCall went all the way to #1 on the pop singles chart with the CB radio themed song "Convoy." Davis put together his own record label, American Gramaphone, to release a combination of classical music and light jazz under the pseudonym Mannheim Steamroller in 1975. The album was Fresh Aire and became one of the prototypes for new age music. In 1984 Mannheim Steamroller released this Christmas album, its first holiday collection, and found its true niche as a recording act. Mannheim Steamroller has now released eight platinum certified Christmas collections.

7. Elvis Presley - 'Elvis' Christmas Album' (1957) Courtesy RCA

Elvis Presley was the hottest recording artist in the US having released nine #1 singles and three #1 albums in two years when he put together his first Christmas album. The collection spent four weeks at the top of the album chart and, with sales of nine million copies, it is considered the bestselling Christmas album of all time in the US. Songwriter Irving Berlin stated that Elvis' recording of "White Christmas" was a profane parody of the song, and it was ordered off a number of radio stations. Elvis Presley's version of "Blue Christmas" on this album is considered a holiday classic.

8. Nat King Cole - 'The Christmas Song' (1963) Courtesy Capitol

Nat King Cole first recorded "The Christmas Song" in 1946. However, it is his 1961 recording that was later added to a holiday album of the same name that is best known. The song and album became even more popular following Cole's death from lung cancer in 1965.

9. Bing Crosby - 'White Christmas' (1945) Courtesy MCA

Bing Crosby's recording of the song "White Christmas" is considered the bestselling single of all time having sold over 50 million copies worldwide. This album was first put together in 1945 when it was released as 10 songs on five 78 rpm discs. The album was released as a standard vinyl LP for the first time in 1955. It has remained in print ever since and is considered the longest in-print album in the US except for the original cast recording of the musical Oklahoma!which was first released in 1943. The album first became available on compact disc in 1986.

10. The Carpenters - 'Christmas Portrait' (1978) Courtesy A&M Records

The Carpenters' popularity was definitely beginning to fade by the time they put together this first Christmas collection. They would only have one more top 40 pop hit after release of Christmas Portrait in 1978. This album includes the duo's classic "Merry Christmas, Darling." The album has sold over a million copies and today is one of the best loved Carpenters albums.

By Bill Lamb, About.com Guide

Elvis Presley Movies And His Singing Duets (2)

01 Crawfish w Kitty White: King Creole
02 Pocketful Of Rainbow w Juliet Prowse: G.I. Blues
03 Husky Dusky Day w Hope Lange: Wild In The Country
04 Aloha Oe w The Surfers: Blue Hawaii
05 Earth Boy w Ginny/Elisabeth Tiu: Girls! Girls! Girls!

06 How Would You Like To Be w Vicki Tiu: It Happened At The World’s Fair
07 Happy Ending w Joan O'Brien: It Happened At The World’s Fair
08 Mexico w Larry Domasin: Fun In Acapulco
09 Today Tomorrow And Forever w Ann-Margret: Viva Las Vegas
10 You’re The Boss w Ann-Margret: Viva Las Vegas

11 The Lady Loves Me w Ann-Margret: Viva Las Vegas
12 Spring Fever w Shelley Fabares: Girl Happy
13 Frankie n Johnny w Eileen Wilson/Ray Walker: Frankie n Johnny
14 Petunia The Gardener’s Daughter w Eileen Wilson: Frankie n Johnny
15 Look Out Broadway w Eileen Wilson/Ray Walker: Frankie n Johnny

16 Scratch My Back w Marianne Hill: Paradise Hawaiian Style
17 Datin’ w Donna Butterworth: Paradise Hawaiian Style
18 Queenie Wahine’s Papaya w Donna Butterworth: Paradise Hawaiian Style
19 Yoga Is As Yoga Does wElsa Lancaster: Easy Come, Easy Go
20 Who Needs Money with Ray Walker: Clambake

21 Confidence w some children: Clambake
22 There Ain’t Nothing Like A Song w Nancy Sinatra: Speedway
23 Signs Of The Zodiac w Marilyn Mason: The Trouble With Girls

Blogger's Comment: I like the songs because he sings them but didn't get to see many of these shows except for King Creole, GI Blues, Blue Hawaii and It Happened At The World's Fair. The rest, sadly for Presley, became run-of-the-mill movies that were merely churning out his songs.

King Sings With Royalty Sinatra n Margret (1)

Aha! A 2004 CD where Elvis duets with his co-stars. But the disc is not available in the market because it is distributed only to exclusive friendship club members. The superstar of vinyls and the King hit maker has his choice of pop actors to duet with.

Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Ann-Margret, Hope Lange and daughter Lisa Marie Presley are amongst a few who share a song and sometimes the silver screen with him. Like what the album cover says, it's a pretty 'rare' production.

According to some Elvis fans, a few of these CD productions have bootleg tracks, which have been illegally spliced. So while many CD enthusiasts do not bother, some 'purists' refuse to buy these pirated copies.

Do you know the titles of the movies from which these songs come from? (This post is not an advertisement but an information piece for Elvis fans).

01 – Crawfish (with Kitty White)
02 – Husky Dusky Day (with Hope Lange)
03 – Earth Boy (with Ginny & Elizabeth)
04 – Happy Ending ( with Joan O’Brian)
05 – How Would You Like To Be (with Vicki Tiu)
06 – Mexico (with Larry Domasin)
07 – The Lady Loves Me (with Ann-Margret)
08 – You're The Boss (with Ann-Margret)
09 – Today, Tomorrow & Forever (with Ann-Margret)
10 – Datin' (with Donna Butterworth)
11 – Petunia, The Gardener’s Daughter (Donna Butterworth)
12 – Queenie Wahine’s Papaya (with Donna Butterworth)
13 – Scratch My Back ( with Marianna Hill)
14 – Who Needs Money ( with Will Hutchins)
15 – There Ain't Nothing Like A Song ( with Nancy Sinatra)
16 – Signs Of The Zodiac ( with Marilyn Mason)
17 – Moonlight Swim (Unknown Female Home Recording)
18 – Love Me Tender-Witchcraft (with Frank Sinatra)
19 – Don’t Cry Daddy (with Lisa Marie Presley)
Image: MusicMeister LL Collection.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Elvis Presley - Poor Boy, Love Me Tender!

Jan 8th, 1935 - Aug 16th, 1977:

Strange indeed; while browsing through the record rack in a music shop, the owner offered me Elvis Presley's rare, Extended Play, 1956 vinyl for $4.00 (image). It was in tip-top condition and I took it together with a few other purchased vinyls.

Could have been a gift from the Gods, or from the King himself because I got it yesterday, 15th August 2010, on the eve of his passing. There'll be large crowds in Memphis, Tennessee these few weeks...

Record statistics: HMV 45 rpm/EP. 7EG8199 - Side 1. Love Me Tender (based on Civil War ballad tune, Aura Lee, written in 1861), Love Me. Side 2. Poor Boy, We're Gonna Move. All songs by *Presley/Matson.

*"Vera Matson and Elvis are credited with writing this song, but it was actually written by Vera's husband, Ken Darby, who was the musical director for the film. It was recorded either August 2 or September 24, 1956 at Radio Recorders. It was featured in the movie Love Me Tender.

The movie version had hand clapping and girls screaming. Based on its appearance in the EP Love Me Tender, it reached #35 on Billboard's Top 100 chart and had an 11-week stay."
Song/Composer information from You Tube: Jackiej61too

Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Artistic Logos Promoting Music Of The Past

What will they think of next? Logos created by people who truly love music from the past. These imaginative, artistic and beautiful images have been inspired by (1) an old drive-in movie sign, (2) a radio station in the US and (3) an Elvis Presley favourite , Blue Suede Shoes. Images: Google. Inspired by: LL.

Elvis Statue In Kobe Japan & Around The World

*Roger Poh, a good friend, visited Japan recently and found an Elvis Presley statue (image) standing in the Kobe Harbourland commercial complex in the city’s Chuo Ward.

This statue is the same one that had been at the Love Me Tender speciality store in Tokyo's Harajuku since 1987 but it was removed because the store had closed in January, 2009.

Former Prime Minister and avid Elvis Presley fan Junichiro Koizumi attended a special ceremony in August 2009 to unveil the Presley statue, after it was placed at this busy port.

The statue was originally paid for by the former prime minister, along with contributions from singer Akiko Wada, other celebrities and several hundred fans. Koizumi said that his love for Presley was sometimes handy to heal diplomatic relations.

Kobe, known as the birthplace of jazz in Japan, was chosen as the new location for the statue after locals campaigned to have it brought to the port city. Harajuku was chosen as the first site in 1987, 10 years after the passing of The King.

Presley statues can be found in the following places:

United States of America:

1. Tupelo -MS (bronze), 2/3. Memphis - TN (bronze), 4. Shreveport -LA (bronze), 5. Dallas - TX (stone), 6. **Las Vegas - NV (bronze), 7. Honolulu - HA (bronze), 8. Bakersfield - CA (bronze), 9. Daytona Beach - FL (bronze), 10. Myrtle Beach - SC (sand), 11. Branson - MR (solid rock), 12. Dodgeville - WI (solid rock).

Other countries:

13. Nauheim - Germany (marble), 14. Friedburg - Germany (marble), 15. Genoa - Italy (wood), 16. Liverpool - England (bronze), 17. Gloucester - England (bronze), 18. Cracow - Poland (solid rock), 19. Madeira - Portugal (sand).

20/21. Tel Aviv - Israel (bronze), 22. Jerusalem - Israel (wood), 23. Casamance - Senegal (wood), 24. Kobe - Japan (bronze), 25. Bangkok - Thailand (bronze), 26. Auckland - New Zealand (marble), 27. Wycliffe Well Park - Australia (wood), 28. Adelaide - Australia (solid rock), 29. Melbourne - Australia (marble).

*Image: Roger Poh Collection.
http://footlooseinasia.blogspot.com/

Information: http://www.topix.com/forum/who/elvis-presley/TDTRANNQDL5GS3H1N

**Elvis Statue/ May 31, 2009:
Sands Singapore Or Elvis Club From Las Vegas?

Side Bar Images: www.flickr.com/photos/yummies4tummies/3582453384/

francesellenspeaks.com/2008/01/20/elvis/
en.citizendium.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

Been A Long Time Since Elvis Came To Malaysia

FROM HT LONG's SITE:

(1) "I fell ill and lost my voice last night, but I don't want to disappoint you, because you have travelled from as far as Puchong and Cheras in Malaysia to my concert," apologized Long profusely to a crowd of about 120 people at Soon Heong Teow Chew Seafood Restaurant.

As he stood up on a stool, he started singing away and just as the audience was warming up, his singing came to an abrupt stop. His his lips were still moving but without a sound. The audience applauded as he apologised: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, see I told you I have lost my voice, but what you just heard is my own recording. You can buy my CDs and take me home tonight!" His sense of humour sent the audience in stiches. And what a plug!

(2) Although he has 14 albums to his credit singing Presley hits, Long said he was inspired to compose one of his favourite gospel songs, He Is My Everything to the tune of Elvis' rock n roll style. Thousands of people have since heard his composition. In Hong Kong, people pay $1,800 just to watch him perform. "But, here in Aman Puri (Malaysia), you only pay RM20 (Malaysian Dollars) for good food and good performance, " he enthused.

(3) Wilfred Pilo, (Eastern Times - October 7, 2007), from Kuching, Sarawak reported that if the King were alive today, he would probably give HT Long a pat on the back and say, "Well done buddy!" in his strong Memphis accent. Long and many other Elvis impersonators had never crossed his mind as he was neither an Elvis fan nor appreciated impersonators because he grew in a different era. However, after listening to Long's performance, he was, "completely blown away." He said although Long did not resemble the King physically he was impressed with his voice.

(4) Long staged a three-hour "Elvis Forever in Asia" concert and attracted 1,500 people. The event, sponsored by Japan's 5,000-member Elvis Presley Fan Club, was the first of its kind. "No one can replicate him. I just try to do justice to his songs," said HT Long who wore gold-rimmed sunglasses during a rendition of All Shook Up that was punctuated with pelvic thrusts.

(5) Remembering his youth, Long reminisces, "My mom bought me Elvis' records when I was younger. It costs her RM2.50 for a single and RM4.00 for an EP. When I was about 12 years old, I persuaded my mom to buy me a portable record play so I could bring it out every day." But today his own albums have been getting reviews worldwide.

(6) "I did one show in Perth. I looked like a typical Chinese fellow on the posters and the Australians thought it was just another William Hung. When they heard me sing Love Me Tender, they were shocked. Some of the ladies even broke down and cried." (Edited for space constraints by Andy Lim)

Information/Image: http://htlongelvis.weebly.com/index.html

H.T. Long: Elvis Tribute Artiste From Malaysia

Paul Dowling from Worldwide Elvis USA calls him, "The man with the golden voice of Elvis". One Walter Pacheco, president of the official Elvis Fan Club in Canada said that HT Long's singing voice is so versatile that he can handle the songs from all three Presley era (50s - 70s) and does an excellent job that not many are able to.

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Ray Cordeiro MBE, well-known radio DJ in Hong Kong told his audience on air that HT Long's singing voice is unbelievably similar and definitely the best he has heard. Besides Hong Kong, Long has sung all over in home town Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak. He is also internationally known and jets to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Australia and even the UK and US to bring Presley "live".

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It has been ages since the discipline master at Klang High School reprimanded Long for keeping curry-puff hair and Presley side-burns. Now the Klang Elvis has made many Malaysians proud and because of his association with the King, dating back to the early 60s, he has even met Presley's legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker, being a special guest to Memphis in 1984.

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Long was also the founding president of the Elvis Fan Club of Malaysia (1968), the first to be registered and recognised by Graceland Elvis Presley Enterprise at Memphis, USA.

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And how did it all start for HT Long? At 9 years he heard Elvis Presley sing in the movie, GI Blues at the Cathay Cinema in Klang, Johore (Malaysia). The King left a deep impression with Long. The rest is history.

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Listen to him at the side-bar. Does he sing like the King?

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Above image: HT Long with Gurmit Singh in Singapore, 2008.

Information/Image: http://htlongelvis.weebly.com/index.html

'American Idol' Plays 60s Music For 9 Seasons

We've had songs by Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, John Lennon (The Beatles), Elvis Presley and others. Then, next week on 21st April 2010 Sir Elton John (image) will perform live. And for 9 years our 60s icons are still on track and as popular as ever.

If you've guessed it, you would have been following these music greats on American Idol. So, as in Glee, we find songs that we love so much, still being played and sung today on television.

Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, In The Ghetto, A Little Less Conversation, Suspicious Minds, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Baby What You Want Me To Do, Can't Help Falling In Love were only some of the songs performed on American Idol.

You would love these Elvis classics sung with fresh fervour as the interpretation by each finalist was different and uniquely charming. But the melodies still tug the heartstrings. And again, for blogger, it was a treat to be shared. (This is not an advertisement. They don't need one.)

Blogger is wondering, why our own 60s musicians aren't invited to perform on TV. Ask any youth on our Singapore streets and they will tell you who Elvis Presley or Elton John is. Provide a Singapore 60s band name and they won't blink an eye-lid.

Image from: monikamanchanda.wordpress.com

Information: American Idol Website

Original article: Andy Lim Collection

Elvis Is 75 Years, Earns S$77 Million In 2009

At 75 years young Elvis Presley earned S$77 million in 2009. The King is still rocking everywhere. Trivia has it that an Elvis song is being played every 6 seconds somewhere in the world.

He was born on 8th January, 1935 and still going. Any comment?

Elvis Presley - "Mama Liked The Roses"

SONGS I LOVE:

(From: You Tube/Jackiej61too/January 17th, 2009.)
Oh, Mama liked the roses

She grew them in the yard
But Winter always came around
And made the growing way too hard

Oh, Mama liked the roses
And when she had the time
She'd decorate the living room,
For all us kids to see...

Mama Liked The Roses - Blue Christmas - Elvis

The above Elvis Christmas album has an interesting selection because it was compiled in 1970 and each song lasts for about two minutes. Simple and straight, Elvis sings them in his usual style, with much fervour, feeling and dedication to this special time in the year.

The songs are: Blue Christmas 2.05, Silent Night 2:23, White Christmas 2:23, Santa Claus Is Back In Town 2:21, I'll Be Home For Christmas 1:54, If Every Day Was Like Christmas 2:52, Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane) 2:00, Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem 2:34, Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me) 1:52, Mama Liked The Roses, 2:35. The genre and style are either Blues, Pop or Rock n Roll.

Blogger's favourite is the last on the list. *It was written by Johnny Christopher. Presley recorded it on January 16th, 1969 at American Sound Studios and was the B-side to The Wonder of You, reaching #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and stayed for 12 weeks. It is a beautiful song and again showing The King's versatility. Remembering mum on Christmas Day? Now that's something?

Image: flickr.com

*Video/Information: Jackiej61too. Thank you!

Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

(2) 'Mean Woman Blues' - Elvis Presley - Lyrics

Mean Woman Blues (Elvis' Version)
I got a woman mean as she can be
I got a woman mean as she can be
Sometimes I think she's almost mean as me

A black cat up and died of fright
Cause he crossed her path last night
Kissed so hard she proved my lips
Hurts so good my heart just flips...

By: Claude Demetrius.

Image from: Loving You poster http://imagecache2.allposters.com/