The best Elvis Presley song according to David Gilmour

The guitarist and singer of Pink Floyd has never hidden that the “king of rock” was one of his main artistic influences

Elvis Presleyborn 90 years ago, he left behind a gigantic catalog of recorded material. More than 700 songs were recorded with the voice of the artist called “king of rock” between 1953 and 1977, the period from the beginning of his professional activity until his death at the age of 42.

From them, the American born in Tupelo, Mississippi, promoted a true revolution not only in rock, but in music and even in Western culture. One of the countless fans affected was David Gilmourwho would become famous in the 1970s as the guitarist and singer of Pink Floyd.

In several interviews, Gilmour states that Presley was by his side Bill Haleyamong the first rock artists he was able to listen to – and, consequently, like. On one occasion, a BBC (go Igor Miranda’s website), also chose what the star’s best song would be.

For him it’s about “Heartbreak Hotel”holder of a “perfect record”, in his words. Originally released in 1956, the song was composed by Mae Boren Axton AND Tommy Durdenbut Elvis also received a writing credit as a way to thank him for recording it in the studio.

Regarding the track, David stated:

““Heartbreak Hotel” It’s a perfect recording. It’s so basic, there’s so little to do, but every nuance, everything is absolutely lovely. Just that place and the piano, just magical.”

Another beloved song by David Gilmour

On another occasion, a Classic rock (go Igor Miranda’s website), David Gilmour he was invited to reflect on the artists and songs that changed his way of seeing music. Elvis Presley won a mention – all the way “Jailhouse Rock” – next to Bill Haley, Beatles, Jimi Hendrix AND Pete SeegerAmerican folk idol very popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

“There have been several moments like this in my life. “Rock 24 Hours a Day”by Bill Haley, was essential for me. Months later it arrived “Jailhouse Rock” of Elvis, which is also fundamental. The Beatles were very important. Even Jimi Hendrix. And there was Pete Seeger when I was younger. I learned to play with him. However there are too many to name.”

Made available in 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” was composed of Jerry Leiber AND Mike Stoller and served as the soundtrack for the film of the same name, starring Elvis. It reached the top of the charts in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Because Elvis Presley didn’t accept being called the king of rock

Over the course of his twenty-year musical career, Elvis Presley he received a number of nicknames and nicknames. The best-known name, however, became “king of rock”. Who has never heard the star, who died in 1977, defined in this way?

The origins of this title are uncertain, but one of the first people to define Elvis in this way was the journalist Bea Ramirez. In a text published in the newspaper Waco News-Tribune On April 19, 1956, the journalist called the singer “the national king of rock ‘n’ roll”. At the time the artist was only 21 years old. The following month it was the newspaper’s turn Memphis Press-Scimitar they refer to Presley as “the rookie king of rock ‘n’ roll”.

But what did Elvis Presley think of that name? Although he succumbed to the allure of fame several times, the singer was known for having a simple personality, typical of someone who was born in the hinterland of the US state of Mississippi and had humble origins. A nickname like that didn’t seem right for him, did it?

In 1969, Elvis Presley he could feel the effects of his “return”. After spending years devoted to an acting career that produced many films of dubious quality, the singer filmed a television special for NBC that marked his comeback – not for nothing, the recording is usually referred to by the subtitle “‘68 Return Special“.

Wanting to regain his place as a relevant artist, Elvis announced his first season of shows at the Las Vegas International Hotel in 1969. During a press conference (via National Post) held at the time to discuss career news, Presley was called “the king.”

In an act of humility, Elvis pointed Fat Dominolegendary singer and pianist recognized as one of the pioneers of rock and roll and present at the occasion, later declaring: “no, this is the real king of rock ‘n’ roll”.

Born in February 1928 – almost ten years before Elvis – Fats Domino (whose real name was Antonio Dominique Domino) made what is considered one of the first songs of the style: “The fat man“. Released as a single, the song sold 1 million copies in the United States.

He built a successful career throughout the 1950s, often being cited by Presley as one of his major musical influences. “The blueberry hill“, “It’s not a shame“ AND “Walking towards New Orleans“ These are the other successes of the artist, who left us on 24 October 2017, at the age of 89.

It is well known that Elvis Presley was not the inventor or pioneer of rock. In addition to Fats Domino, there were a number of artists already producing in the style when the singer emerged, such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Little Richard, Jimmie Rodgers AND Chuck Berry.

The title “King of Rock” is more commonly attributed to Elvis for other reasons. The first is associated with his incomparable fame. Racist components aside (it is known that white artists were preferred by record companies), he was the first to achieve enormous popularity within the genre, surpassing his predecessors in this sense. It is estimated that he sold 500 million copies, including singles and albums, across the planet, as well as promoting a cultural revolution that still has repercussions in the pop universe today.

Another point is the visual problem. Elvis was extravagant not only in his dance moves, but also in his costumes. Although he denied the title of “king of rock”, the singer dressed like a legitimate king, which reinforced this conception in the popular imagination.

+++ READ MORE: Robert Plant’s incredible reaction when he heard Elvis Presley for the first time

+++ to follow the journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.