To a great extent, they were the creators of the Sun Elvis sound. Hollywood's new leading man, 31, told . He played in Elvis Presley's early trio. This was after it had done some 20, 000 miles. was strong enough to last through the money problems and the influence of the Colonel. Classic movie 'Jailhouse Rock'.7. Bill believed, and rightly so, that he and Scotty were important and should have no problem talking with Elvis, more so than all the females and hangers-on who contributed little or nothing to the act. He'd known his friend was quite ill though and thought it a matter of time until he was lost. Bill's death obviously hit Elvis very hard and the book includes this positive note - 'Bill's children acknowledged Elvis was always kind to them. String of hit singles and popular LP releases.2. [26] The studio recorded many Bill Black Combo albums (with billings such as "The Best Honky Tonk Band in America" and "The band who opened for the Beatles")[citation needed] and produced number-one country hits for Charly McClain, T.G. Elvis didn't attend the funeral. And if that isn't a great recommendation for an Elvis book, then what is? This done them nothing but good and they went on to become one of the most popular instrumental groups in the States during that final year of the '50s and the early '60s. No one would steal Elvis' thunder again', Blackie's' routines were history. Apart from the fact that he'd just completed 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' in Hawaii, he'd told Evelyn that he wouldn't go because he didn't want to turn a private affair into a circus by being present. They married a year later, in 1946. Illustrated Compendium, The Starlight Wranglers, with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, Elvis with Bill Black rockin' out together - April 5, 1955, Elvis and his new car - Tampa, Florida, August 5 1956. We extend our deepest sympathies to his friends and family at this difficult time, and we hope that his music will live on through his legacy. It was truly the end of an era. Another reason is that they felt Presley was not giving them enough credit for their contributions to his music. April 21, 2009. [14], Black and Moore became Presley's backup group and were paid 25% of his earnings. Selected back issues of old on-line newsletter. Again this was over money. Following on from that number, it's said to have been Bill who jumped up and started to mess about on 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky', the eventual B-side to their first single. Grand Ole Opry show, 2nd October 1954 - Elvis' only appearance there.3. His son Louis would frequently visit Graceland. out of their 100 dollars a week. Austin Butler details ending up in the hospital after filming Elvis Fontana) because of two things, Elvis promised better pay for the band but didn't uphold his promise as he was not confident enough to go against Dutch immigrant ( real name: Andreas Cornelia van Kuijk) later known as Colonel Tom Parker. What's the lowdown? On sax, Ace Cannon took over touring duties from Willis who remained in Memphis for the studio work and movie appearances. Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: Hollywood veteran Michael Hoey talks to EIN: Interview with 'Elvis Films FAQ' author Paul Simpson: "My Fast Life" Rare Elvis Presley 1964 Interview: Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone, Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview. Bill had left home before the Presley's moved into the building. As was common at the time Bill was growing up, people entertained themselves by playing an instrument. Fontana. Quite often it was his joking around that took some of the heat off of Elvis, making the crowd laugh at Black's comedy routines, and stopping them running the Mississippi Tupelo Flash out of town on a rail! The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. why did bill black leave elvis - teppeifc.com They'd met and become friends at the 'Hayride', where Dominic Joseph was the staff drummer. 1 albums ('56-'59). In reading all I can find that has been written over the years, it appears that the friendship between Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. The single version, like most of his Sun work, features fine bass work from Bill. The line-up included: Bill Black - bass.Carl McVoy - piano.Reggie 'Reg' - Young - guitar.Martin Wills - saxophone.Jerry Arnold - drums. Fontana Interview with Scotty Moore Scotty Moore Way Ahead Of The Gang (1973) The Bosses' Men Induct The King's Men- 2009, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/article-blackie.shtml. RAB Hall of Fame: Bill Black At the start of Bill's musical career, his choice was known as a 'dog house' bass. centennial high school guidance counselor. That material being recorded at American Sound Studios. Scotty and Bill paying D.J. While Young was in the army, his position was filled by Hank Hankins, Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill. Confident and clear as bells, Elvis' playing is soon invigorated by Bill's bass. The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Sadly, he went into a coma on the last visit, which began on Friday, 8th October. New link to Dua Lipa. Perhaps a good indication of how things stood can be seen in the often-told tale of the recording session which produced '(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care', on Wednesday, 8th May 1957. Black learned to play music at the age of 14 on an instrument made by his fathera cigar box with a board nailed to it and strings attached. 3. Moore and Black had been promised an opportunity to jam with Elvis after the session, on Presley's studio time. The house band for these sessions was the Shylo Band, featuring guitarist/songwriter Ronnie Scaife, nephew of Cecil Scaife, famed Sun Studio engineer. His death occurred during his third operation that doctors had hoped would eradicate the tumor permanently. While he had been doing his military service in Virginia in the mid-'40s, Bill had met 15-year-old Evelyn. [8], On July 5, 1954, the trio met at Sun studios to rehearse and record a handful of songs. After Elvis had left, Scotty asked Bill what he thought. Indeed, Scotty and D.J. We're taking a little break and he starts beating on the bass and singing "Blue Moon of Kentucky," mocking Bill Monroe, singing the high falsetto voice. snow white parrot fish; beowulf's last words to wiglaf; anatomy and physiology of sensory system ppt; examples of wave interference in everyday life Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times.3. With all that was building and happening behind the scenes, it's really no surprise that Scotty and Bill did eventually leave Elvis, around the middle of September '57. 2. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Recording for their new company of RCA went well though, despite all of this background 'noise', and Bill contributed a simple but very effective 'plodding' bass line to 'Heartbreak Hotel', the song which would introduce Elvis Presley to the world stage, and young musicians in so many other countries. Rumors of instrumental releases came and went. He wanted it made clear who the star was. Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world., Bills contribution to Elvis success went beyond the bass playing. Elvis liked what he heard and we all know where that led. To a great extent, they were the creators of the Sun Elvis sound. (Theres a delightful photograph of Henrik with Bill Blacks daughter on page 14). He was chatting to Linda and said, That old bass is just sitting in the barn. Much of Bill Black's career was spent as Elvis Presley's charismatic bass player, but Black also led a successful career as a bandleader, landing charting in the Hot 100 nearly twenty times. Nonetheless, he insisted that the band continue without him. He returned home to have his then-wife tell him that Bill had passed on a few days before. If you have any interest in Elvis early sound, American early sixties music, or always wanted to know more about Bill Black then this book is an essential purchase. One reason is that they were not being paid enough. Scotty Moore would later return to Elvis, and last with him from the first session after the army, in March 1960, until the historic Singer TV Special of June 1968. 03 Jun. We never rehearse outside of record sessions. Contact the author to order: pbelard@hotmail.com, Elvis Firearm & Weapon Collector An The Bill Black Story: How The Bass Player For Elvis Presley Helped To . At the start of the 'Hayride' contract, Elvis got 18 dollars and Scotty and Bill 12 each. These three, later four, men, stood together while the world at large often condemned their every move and all they stood for. Black worked at the Firestone plant. Bill replied, in his typical blunt style', Well, he didn't impress me too damned much!' [9] During the break, Presley began "acting the fool" with Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right (Mama)," a blues song. Had he lived, it's quite possible that Bill Black too would have put in a guest appearance for old times sake on that '68 show. As a joke, Elvis picked it up and volunteered to do it and that's what made it on the record - Elvis playing the bass part. [2][3] His father played popular songs on the banjo and fiddle to entertain the family. Bill and Scotty were heavily involved in constructing a song. He was winding them up for us'. Both it and American are now long gone. You hear a competent unit before a largely unresponsive audience of older gamblers. It was becoming harder and harder to see Elvis, with the growing 'mafia' that now surrounded him. 1. Having gone on to form the Bill Black Combo, the bassist became ill in the early 1960s. His day job at the time was cleaning and blocking hats at his brothers' dry cleaning firm. How Should Artists Fund Their Career in Music? After an early take, Phillips can be heard on tape saying, "Fine, man. Haven't heard a word from you on the money situation you were going to look into after we left. [10] When the other two musicians joined in, Phillips taped the song. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children 'may not have a close relationship with the King' following the couple's eviction from Frogmore Cottage, a source has claimed. The balance fit the group's performances. 'Blackie' with John 'Ace' Cannon and Hank Hankins, The Bill Black Combo - with 'Ace' Cannon, Hank Hawkins and a very young Bobby Emmons (later included on Chips Moman's Elvis Memphis Sessions) playing keyboards. The people had come to see', Ma boy', and the rest of them were just the support. When did Bill Black leave Elvis? According to Black's son Louis, Moore said, "Elvis used to just stand up there and not move, and Bill would jump around on the bass. Having gone on to form the Bill Black Combo, the bassist became ill in the early 1960s. By 1956, the friendship was already pulling apart, with Bill, Scotty and D.J. Frankly, I thought the boy would starve to death. Rather strangely fans will find Elvis version is actually driven by Bill Blacks bass-line while The Bill Black Combo version lacks Bill Blacks input and instead features more of a jangly yakety-sax! Highly recommended. Getting Elvis's Legacy Right - The Atlantic Bill Black was a talented musician, and he was a key part of the Elvis Presley sound. Their version being recorded at the Norman Petty Studio, Clovis, New Mexico, where Vee's idol Buddy Holly cut his hits. 4. D.J. [11] Black remarked, "Damn. From August 18 through December 8, "Blue Moon of Kentucky" was consistently higher on the charts, and then both sides began to chart across the South. But Bill would never play with him again. Early TV appearances - altering national entertainment.6. Elvis: How did Elvis' bassist Bill Black die and what's his connection Early in 1963, Black sent from two to five different versions of the Combo to different regions of the country at the same time, while staying off the road himself, wanting to concentrate on his business, family and his health.[3]. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. When Elvis Presley first shot to fame in 1956 he had a trio called The Blue Moon Boys with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. Fontana and his astounding double-bass that anchors Heartbreak Hotel. Author Paul Belard has tracked down so many interviews and news articles, with it all combining to make an enthralling look into the life of bass-man Bill Black. I think Linda thought, God, talk about a birthday present! She organised it all and gave it to me. Later outfits, like the Mar-Keys and Booker T. and The MG's, would owe much to the music made by the Combo in its heyday. Early life and career [ edit] Part One The Elvis Years - is 140 pages. McCartney has used the instrument on various recordings of his since 1979. 'Blackie' with Joe Coughi, owner of Poplar Tunes record store and 'Hi Records' studio. The importance of bass-player Fred Maddox on Bill Black's playing style Dedicated by the two men to their fallen friend Bill Black, it included one track with the Combo', Goin' Back To Memphis'. why did bill black leave elvis why did bill black leave elvis Scotty hung in there, doing some recording and session work with people like Jerry Lee Lewis. Hancock, at the Naval Station, San Diego, on Tuesday, 3rd April 1956. (August 1117, 2007). Elvis Presley was a completely different person in private says ex, Paul McCartney with Bill Black's bass today, (Image: MARY MCCARTNEY/MPL COMMUNICATION), Elvis' love for his drummer Ronnie Tutt shared in tributes by Priscilla and Linda, Elvis Presleys three non-negotiable rules for new girlfriends WATCH, Elvis ex Mindi Miller's first date with The King: Remarkable energy, Lisa Marie felt weight of Elvis' legacy recording cathartic album, Elvis: Linda Thompson's story of The Kings lavish generosity. Bill Black. The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. I haven't played a Flexdisc in years. This was in an effort to treat a brain tumor that had been found. Ironically, twelve years later, Elvis Presley himself would be pronounced dead at the same hospital. Bill was trying to come to grips with his first Fender electric bass. ", Over the next 15 months, the trio released five singles, toured across the South, and appeared regularly on the Louisiana Hayride. He was an important part of the Elvis Presley band, and he helped to create the unique sound that was associated with Elvis Presleys music. His son Louis would frequently visit Graceland. Elvis 'stole' style from little-known black musician who sounds See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Black's onstage personality was a sharp contrast to the introverted stage presence of Moore. The fact is, I may sell them out there all night long!'. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. Bill Black had two distinct phases of his career in which he made a notable mark on early rock & roll music: first as the rockabilly bass player for Elvis Presley and then as a bandleader of Bill Black's Combo, which scored numerous instrumental hits in the early '60s. why did bill black leave elvis - blog.studiotiny.com The Dark Truth Behind Elvis - Grunge.com In 1961, the group even ventured onto the silver screen, appearing in the film 'Teen-Age Millionaire'. It wasn't until Elvis sought to officially change it to the more traditional spelling that he learnt that, despite the document, state records did indeed already have him registered as Elvis Aaron. In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. There was also a 1000 Christmas bonus. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. Finally, they were both interested in pursuing other musical projects. I somehow think not. There were several personnel changes. They started jamming on "That's Alright," and you know the rest. Scotty confirmed that, If it hadnt been for Bill, we would have bombed many times in the early days.. He was tagged the 'Atomic Powered Singer', and backed by his group and the Freddy Martin Orchestra (he worked with such other big names as Judy Garland). Elvis Presley: The Early Years - 2007-01 - MS (These three were million sellers)Don't Be Cruel - #11 - 1960.Blue Tango - #16 - 1960.Hearts Of Stone - #20 - 1961.Ole Buttermilk Sky - #25 - 1961. They're sitting there like', What is he?' For Scotty and Bill, the first show on departing from Elvis in '58 was back in Memphis. 'The Wedding' Elvis & Priscilla EIN special Spotlight: 'Elvis In Ottawa' Spotlight & Elvis Interview: "Kissed By Elvis" Janet Fulton Interview: 'Elvis: '72 Summer Festival' Book Review: MRS presents 'ELVIS: September 1970' in-depth Review: Book Review 'Christmas with Elvis: The Official Guide': (Book Review) Elvis The Army Years Uncovered (Trina Young): 'Elvis: Fort Worth, Texas 1974' FTD in-depth Review: 'ELVIS: Las Vegas Hilton 73' FTD Review: Elvis - The First Engagements 1969-70 In-Depth Review: Book Review: 'Elvis The King of the Rings Vol 1': 'Summer Festival 1970: The Rehearsals' In-Depth Review: 'The Something For Everybody Sessions' Deluxe FTD Review: 'Elvis: St Paul To Wichita: Oct 1974' FTD In-Depth Review: 'Holiday Season In Vegas: 1975' FTD In-Depth Review: 'Elvis Presley: The Searcher' DVD Review: Book Review - 'Elvis The Gospel Singer' (Paul Belard): (Book Review) The Comeback - Elvis and the Story of the 68 Special (Simon Goddard): (Book Review) Elvis Black and White to Technicolor. This includes a lengthy Memphis Press-Scimitar interview from December 1956. Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times. Elvis joined him. EIN Website content Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Bill's bag of tricks ranged from blacking out his front teeth, to swinging his arm out real far, slapping the strings of his bass, and dancing with or riding it! List Of Elvis Drummers And I'll have about four or five million of them. Black performed as an exaggerated hillbilly with blacked-out teeth, straw hat and overalls. By late 1955, the three had added drummer D.J. Bill was with the group for almost three years before Elvis came on the scene. Sidenote: From the Sept 9 1956 Ed Sullivan Show Elvis was paid $6029, Col Parker took $4166 while Scotty Moore and Bill Black only got paid $165 each! This includes 45 pages about the second part of his career plus 70 pages of tributes, a look at his legacy, lots of rare photographs plus his vinyl releases. Like Elvis', and many other families of the period in the south, his family wasn't a rich one. RAB Hall of Fame: Bill Black Scotty Moore - The Resignation in the Memphis Press They married in 1946 and returned to Memphis. It appears that the spirited act from Bill during 'Blue Suede Shoes' on Berle's national tv show was the final straw for Parker. Black and Moore continued to work with Presley until 1958 . It's a mind-boggling feat of simple minimalism which doesn't run counter to the creation of a pivotal work. Austin Butler spoke about having a health scare after he wrapped filming Elvis as he walked the red carpet at Sunday's 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. There is some film footage from the period too. why did bill black leave elvis - ms-cf.org Elvis said, From Memphis Tennessee, One of the best bassmen in the business. He's just an all-American boy, and all the American girls like him. Along with two other guitarists and a fiddler, they performed country music tunes by Hank Williams and Red Foley in Doug Poindexter's band, the Starlight Wranglers. Dirty Sticky Floors, Devils Roof, Geppetto, Wild and Free, Shallow Crystals, Justice of the Peace, and Golden Opportunity are all included. Fontana. 'Elvis: Ohama, Nebraska '74' FTD in-depth Review: Elvis / Orchestra Copenhagen 2018 Concert Review: 'The Complete 50s Movie Masters And Session Recordings' In-Depth Review: Bicycle Rider: Thoughts on The Searcher: (Book Review) Counting Down Elvis His 100 Finest Songs (Mark Duffett). Prior to the link up with the Wranglers, Scotty Moore and Bill Black once backed up local boy Dorsey Burnette at a club. First RCA sessions and such tracks as 'Heartbreak Hotel', Don't Be Cruel', My Baby Left Me', Hound Dog'.5. In the twenty-first century, GnR remains a nostalgic act. According to Evelyn Black, in those early days, both Bill and Scotty done much to teach the nervous young singer his stage-craft, the way he would stand at the mike, and also some of the ways to move. This is in the strictest confidence. why did bill black leave elvis. A fabulous photo of Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black having lunch with 'Pop' It is unfortunate that Elvis fans have never had a chance to truly hear Bill Black's version of events through a long, in-depth interview or autobiography but Paul Belard has tracked down some very interesting band interviews - along with post-Elvis newspaper articles - which do provide a good look at Bill Black's side of the story. River of Deceit, a forgotten rock album from the 1990s, is one of the best. The beginning of the session was not unlike the previous one. Then that night, after the job, we went back to the hotel. Elvis: How did Elvis bassist Bill Black die and whats his connection to Paul McCartney? Posted on . 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. READ MORE:Elvis' love for his drummer Ronnie Tutt shared in tributes by Priscilla and Linda. The Combo appeared in the 1961 film Teenage Millionaire[24] and on The Ed Sullivan Show, where they performed a medley of "Don't Be Cruel," "Cherry Pink," and "Hearts of Stone", and were voted Billboard's number one instrumental group of 1961. Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 08:46, List of artists who reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart, "Official Legal Title of Crudup's (and Elvis's) "That's All Right", "Elvis Presley's Sun Recordings: SUN Studios, Memphis Tennessee: Elvis Articles:: 'For Elvis Fans Only' Official Elvis Presley Fan Club", "RCS Label Shot for RCA Victor (N.J.) 6357", "RCS Label Shot for RCA Victor (N.J.) 6380", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Black&oldid=1141091970, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 08:46. Fontana, with various star guest artists, was released. The book is A4 and 260 pages. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. The lineup was Black (bass), Joe Lewis Hall (piano), Reggie Young (guitar), Martin Willis (saxophone), and Jerry Arnold (drums). The line was being drawn. The band hadn't been used on 1956's 'Love Me Tender'. not seeing too much of Elvis off stage'.It just can't be that way', was the quote from Bill at the time. Each one of them has an individual style of their own'. The song ends with Elvis' rhythm guitar and a waning bass, without any contribution from Scotty. The Bill Black Combo created musical history in 1964 when they became the opening act for the Beatles (at their request) on their historic 13-city tour of America after their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Fontana was Elvis drummer from 1957 to 1968 and was a key member of the Memphis Mafia. Other notable Elvis drummers include Ronnie Tutt, who played on many of Elvis most famous recordings, and Karl Perazzo, who currently plays with the Elvis tribute band Elvis Lives. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. Instead, Elvis would pay his respects by visiting Bills family privately after the funeral. Returning to Bill Black's character. why did bill black leave elvis. [16] Their recordings at Sun were released with the credits as "Elvis Presley, Scotty and Bill." list of mortuary science schools in kenya. [1] For Elvis, his future now lay in Germany. He and Reggie Young would play on Elvis' classic Memphis '69 sessions, which would play such a major part in his late 60's comeback, producing the outstanding album From Elvis In Memphis. Elvis Presley. He would grow up to be a well-built man, standing around the six-foot mark. The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. [22] "Smokie, Part 2" became a No. Johnny Black, Bill's brother and also upright bass player, who knew Elvis at Lauderdale Courts before Bill, recalls visiting Bill at the studio and reported that Bill would be totally absorbed mixing and playing back tracks. 'From Memphis, Tennessee, one of the best bassmen in the business'. When it was asked of D.J. Not only was he white, but also he sang pop and country ballads, not the rhythm and blues Sam was used to hearing. In May of 1955, Elvis gave both Scotty and Bill due credit. Fontana called Evelyn, but the funeral was over and done by then. For daily Elvis discussions click here to EIN's Facebook group. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. During 1956, when asked for his favorite tracks, Bill named 'That's All Right' and 'Hound Dog'. Get that on the radio and they'll run us out of town. Bill is happier leading his own combo than he was in those mad days with Elvis. The Bill Black Combo was formed soon after the parting with Elvis. Bill Black - Wikipedia For Elvis' final 50's session, on the 10th - 11th June '58, Bill was replaced by Bob Moore, and Scotty by Hank Garland. 4. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. They received rave reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. The Beatles: Paul McCartney announces identity of Eleanor Rigby, Could UK finally escape Eurovision humiliation? But its a great sound and as long as the part Im doing is simple, I can manage it., DON'T MISSElvis Presleys three non-negotiable rules for new girlfriends WATCH[VIDEO]Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii co-star Angela Lansbury on 'caring' King[BLUE HAWAII]Elvis ex Mindi Miller's first date with The King: Remarkable energy[MINDI MILLER]. It was Elvis' show. And Bill would start riding the bass and clowning, and get the crowd loosened up. He was kind of mocking Bill Monroe, singing in a high falsetto voice. This was the same resting place as Elvis mother who had died in 1958 and later the original grave of The King himself in 1977 before both were moved to Graceland. "He was a comedian who could warm up a crowd. Later, Buddy Emmons joined the Combo on organ. He helped an insecure, 19-year-old truck driving Mississippi kid called Elvis, change the world through music, and more than a little humor, going on to build a successful second career with his Combo and that 'Untouchable Sound'. cook's country adam ried wife . Black was an important part of the early Presley sound with his slap stand-up bass and ebullient onstage manner. Bill Black was one of the key players at the start of the rock 'n' roll explosion yet there has never been a good biography about his personal story and involvement in Elvis's incredible journey until now. Despite any misgivings, Bill might have held after that first short meeting, the two began to work with Elvis in the tiny studio at 706 Union Avenue, an address they were destined to make world-famous. This was during the early 1960s. Elvis then picked it up and played the part himself. The meeting lasted something like two hours. During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. There must have been fifteen or twenty people there, kids, so they all jumped in behind him. [3][28] Presley was criticized for not attending the funeral, but he believed that his presence would turn it into a media frenzy. - Elvis, on stage, 1954. may be re-printed for public display without permission. Don't pay him no mind'. Tillman Franks, bassist and Johnny Hortons manager, praised Bill in making Elvis a success: Bill Black, the way he hit his bass fiddle, he sounded like a band all by himself.