The Blue Moon Boys
The Blue Moon Boys | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
Genres | |
Years active | 1954 | –1968
Labels | RCA Victor |
Past members | Elvis Presley Scotty Moore Bill Black D. J. Fontana |
The Blue Moon Boys were an American
Background
On July 18, 1953,
At Phillips' behest Keisker called Presley for an appointment at the studio almost a year later; he returned on June 26, 1954.
Sun recordings
On July 5, 1954, the trio headed to the Sun Studios for a recording test together. They recorded the songs "Harbor Lights" and "I Love You Because", and during a break they performed an impromptu version of Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right", which impressed Phillips, who asked for a refinement of the interpretation that later was recorded.[3] Phillips played the recording for
Live appearances
Scotty Moore became the manager of the band, and they toured several cities in the south, the three members still working at their regular employments when not touring.[8] Both Moore and Black focused more on the group after they let Presley perform at the regular Starlight Wranglers show on the Bon Air club, where the reception of the audience was unfavorable, and led to animosity between them and the other members of the group for having to leave the stage.[4] The Blue Moon Boys appeared on a regular basis at Eagle's Nest club in Memphis, Tennessee.[9] Sam Phillips booked the band an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry, which was not well received.[8] After the failure, Phillips contacted Opry's main competition, the Louisiana Hayride. They made their first appearance on October 16, 1954.[4] Presley sang "That's All Right" followed by the flipside of the record, "Blue Moon of Kentucky". The performance was well received and they signed a one-year contract to be official members of the Hayride,[10] while Presley also signed a new management contract with Bob Neal.[10] On August 8,
RCA Victor and later years
In January 1956, Presley signed a
Members
- Elvis Presley – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, lead guitar, percussion, bass guitar (1954–1968; died August 16, 1977)
- Scotty Moore – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1954–1968; died June 28, 2016)
- Bill Black – double bass, bass guitar, backing vocals (1954–1958; died October 21, 1965)
- D. J. Fontana – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1955–1968; died June 13, 2018)
Timeline
Sources
- ^ "Where did Elvis Presley start his career?". elvislovemetender.com. Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ISBN 0-316-33225-9. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
- ^ a b "Sam Phillips' Sun Records". history-of-rock.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ a b c d e "Elvis Aaron Presley 1953-1955: The Hillbilly Cat". Elvispresleymusic.com.au. Archived from the original on 2010-09-21. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
- ^ "That's Alright". Elvispresleymusic.com.au. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ "Rockin' Country Style". rcs-discography.com. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
- ^ "Blue Moon of Kentucky". elvicities.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ ISBN 0-316-33225-9.
- ^ "1954. The First Concerts". elvisconcerts.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ a b "Elvis Presley's Heartbreak Hotel, Memphis". yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2018-09-27. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
- ^ "Elvis On The Road: 1955-56". pophistorydig.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ "Elvis Presley Biography". yahoo.com. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ "Heartbreak Hotel". elvispresley.com.au. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ "History". scottymoore.net. Retrieved 2010-10-04.
- ^ "Unsung Heroes Honored at Musicians Hall of Fame Induction". CMT News.