How Elvis’ #1 hit single was STOLEN from him by THIS man!

[@markwatson9349]

Elvis could sing the phone book and nobody could ever do it as good as he did.

[@theodoredodge]

I agree -- Go Blue!

[@maureensheets6540]

1 agree nothing he couldn't sing to extremely talented. Godly man

[@maryhirsch863]

Just goes to show us, once again, what a decent human being Elvis was. Great man with a great heart. Thank you for sharing this🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Yes it does! Elvis is the man lol

[@brianjames9828]

Elvis never forgave Rivers

[@brianjames9828]

Red and Lamar paid Rivers a visit at his home

[@brianjames9828]

Rivers was a snake

[@georgerutnam7423]

That is the intangible that makes Elvis a special man, he was larger than life and very generous to a fault! Example: Col Parker!

[@hubbell627]

You know why Elvis didn't make a big deal about it? Because he is ELVIS! Johnny Rivers is just an asterisk to Elvis. Subsequent generations ask, Johnny who?

[@tanyaphillips4518]

So many took advantage of our Elvis. But if you're in a cut throat business it's to be expected. I always felt bad that no one really help Elvis when he needed guidance or real help. He needed the people around him tell him "NO" sometimes. I understand that he wanted what he wanted when he wanted it~~but that's what killed him. Missing such a super talent over all generations!!! ELVIS IS THE KING!! 🌹❤️🎼🎵🎶🎼

[@wesb1931]

He stole all his music from black artists, so this is a tiny bit of justice.

[@naomiwarner7117]

@@wesb1931 NO, he didn't, he credited every song he sang to the person that wrote those songs and, made them rich off the royalties!

[@patgrimes298]

I wish Elvis had a hit with Memphis, Tennessee, he had lived there, and the history of him there. Johnny Rivers was such a betrayal to Elvis, not a true friend. Did he plan to steal a song from him? It was his loss no longer being a friend of Elvis, the greatness he had too. Elvis handled it in a mature way, wonder how Johnny Rivers felt then. How often do we hear about him today, very little?

[@RevisitedTribute]

I've known of this story for quite a while now. Elvis was a good hearted man. That was quite the scumbag thing to do from Johnny Rivers. Til this day I cant stand him because of that. Plus I've heard Johnny is not a very nice guy.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Haha you’re loyal to Elvis! Yeah that was a low down move.

[@hubbell627]

That makes me sad, because Johnny Rivers was always a hero of mine, but the song Memphis, Tennessee is perfect for him.

[@caprice8770]

Elvis befriended J. Rivers, invited him into his home, and Johnny betrayed him.

[@caprice8770]

Yes, it was a nasty thing for Rivers to have done.

[@RevisitedTribute]

@@ElvisistheMan_ Always ! loyal to the man my friend Lol

[@angelwings8182]

There is only one thing to say that's elvis was and still is the best singer ever and he was a very caring person one song stole from him is nothing he didn't really need it because he is the only king of rock and roll and very very hamsom they will never steal that from him will they 🙏R.i.P my beautiful elvis xxxx😘💕💋

[@anitafutch7949]

Elvis,was a perfect gentlemen in everyway. Elvis, was to trusting and I am sure there are more things that we don't know about.Karma,will come to Johnny.Elvis,is and will always be the man.

[@Lennyinfla]

I’ve always been an Elvis fan from the beginning growing up in Brooklyn in the 60’s up to and through the present time .Elvis will always be king and live longer than ANY US President. From everything that I’ve heard and read, at the end of the day he was just a class guy. He deserves all the accolades he gets. Fame brings a lot of uncalled for negativity. Sometimes deserved and sometimes not. Elvis live on! Only you can bring back Rock N Roll.....Elvis should be number 5 on MT. Rushmore!! 😊

[@Lennyinfla]

SIMON CONTE Lol..., at this point, only Elvis... No one from the White House....

[@sheilaseeber2007]

@@simonconte8240 correction more popular way more popular

[@neliagarcia3632]

me too I'm a faithfully idol to Elvis Presley he is famous he is in my heart even though his layenoone can replace to Him

[@SedonaToursRentals]

Wow ! Elvis was definitely the better man.

[@rustykoehler2789]

Im still buying Elvis cds and records only from stores Walmart where it counts as a sale for Elvis not anything second hand. The exception being rcas 60 cd box set only able to buy it from Amazon.com.

[@bobsmith-ol1mj]

MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK BACK TO THE LATE 50'S AND YOU WILL FIND THAT ALL THIS CRAP YOU'RE SAYING IS STUPID...CHUCK BERRY PUT THIS SONG OUT IN LATE 50'S, MY DAD HAD A SMALL JUKEBOX COMPANY AND I HELP PUT RECORDS ON THEM....CHECK YOUR FACTS NEXT TIME

[@iziizi]

Elvis king and gentleman

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Yes!

[@kimberlystankiewicz1587]

And they accused Elvis of stealing songs. When they stole from Elvis. 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

[@justinchurchey8915]

Exactly

[@alameas6358]

@@justinchurchey8915 Just though the same! 😬

[@caprice8770]

Elvis never stole anything from anybody.

[@iowa61]

Elvis stole exactly as many songs as Johnny Rivers did... ZERO. "Memphis" was written, performed and released by Chuck Berry.

[@alameas6358]

@@iowa61 As far as i know, was it already 5 years old when Rivers released it

[@Jim-zt1hl]

Rivers is a Punk....LONG LIVE THE KING ELVIS!!!!!!

[@tammyscheel3604]

Good story! I never heard this one!! Elvis was a man of good character!! He was even polite to red west when he betrayed him in his “tell all”...he knew Elvis had mood swings which resulted in unexpected actions,such as “firings”...too bad he didn’t remember all the good things he did for him. He was not the friend he presented himself to be..johnny rivers took advantage of his genuine respect for other artists...shame on him. Elvis will always be remembered as the good hearted man that he was!!

[@kelliintexas3575]

Tammy I seen your post and was gonna tell you about this article I read about Elvis mood swings. The DR (world leading Neurologist) representing DR Nick before the state of Tennessee looked over all of Elvis medical files. He wrote a huge report of all his medical files. He found a massive list of health problems but among those listed was traumatic brain injury which makes complete sense. Elvis clearly had a disease process that had affected multiple organs-stomach, liver, spine, and eyes-but at the time, his physicians had no idea that he might have had a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disorder. The concept of autoimmunity was just starting to be understood. Much to his credit, Dr. Nick gave Elvis the diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome, and believed his headaches were a result of his head injury of 1967. Dr. Nick related to me that, "Elvis was never the same after he hit his head in 1967." The most underappreciated factor in the decline of Elvis Presley's health and early death was repeated head trauma. It is now recognized that multiple head trauma can cause an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that can attack any organ in the body.5-13,18-21 Contemporary terms for the pathologic developments that may occur following head trauma are post-concussion syndrome, TBI, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Some of the post-trauma symptoms include memory loss, obsessive-compulsive traits, and irrational or illogical behavior.10,21 Elvis demonstrated many of these obsessive-compulsive and erratic behaviors at different times. For example, he gave luxurious gifts to strangers, took spur-of-the-moment flights across country, and waged an imaginary campaign against illegal drug dealers. On one occasion in 1970, he impulsively flew to Washington, DC, and called on President Richard Nixon without a prior appointment. He got a "spur-of-the-moment" facelift in 1975. His expenses soared to about $500,000 per month, and his entertainment group was essentially bankrupt just before his death due to his lavish, irrational expenditures. 1956 - fight with Gas station attendee, 1956 - Fight with a man in Toledo, 1958- knocked out in a Roller Coaster Contest, 1967 - tripped over a television cord in the bathroom and falling headfirst, Elvis hit his head on the porcelain bathtub. He was knocked out cold and lay there for an indeterminate amount of time. After his TBIs, Elvis' behavior became progressively erratic and irrational.7-13 For example, it is reported that in 1975 he refused to bathe and developed sores on his body. He ordered unknown pills from Sweden, which supposedly would cleanse him from within. During his 2 weeks of hospitalization in August-September 1975, he complained of 26 headaches, 14 bouts of insomnia, and "general pain, hurting all over" 4 or 5 times each nursing shift. The triad of insomnia, headaches, and pain all over is typical of TBI victims. Patients with head trauma are now frequently enrolled in pain clinics. Their pain is clearly one of a central nature that has a fibromyalgia distribution, which patients describe as pain "all over."21 Presley developed such pain during the last few years of his life. Patients with TBI currently treated by the author have severe constant pain, insomnia, depression, and a variety of mental impairments. All have hypothalamic-pituitary hormone abnormalities and autoimmune inflammatory signs and symptoms. If you would like to read more it explains each bout of attacks he had in detail. It's very eye opening! www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/other/brain-injury/elvis-presley-head-trauma-autoimmunity-pain-early-death This one is GREAT TOO!! www.tapatalk.com/groups/elvismomentsintime/elvis-how-sick-he-really-was-t9896.html

[@tammyscheel3604]

Kelli In Texas thanks you Kelli ! You have me accurate facts about Elvis’s medical conditions. Thank you for this insight... I know from a personal basis how autoimmune affects the entire physical body, and the damage it causes...it’s very challenging , and often misunderstood.. I got so tired of people constantly labeling elvis as just a “ drug addict “ ... he was more than that I hope you have educated others on the complexity of Elvis’s health problems .....in the words of Elvis 🕺 “ thank you, thank you very much!!

[@tammyscheel3604]

Please excuse all the spelling errors!

[@charlottegordon817]

Elvis IS the man !!!🥰👍💝

[@lillysbestlife]

Shows what a nice man Elvis was 💖

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Yes it does

[@caprice8770]

I do want to thank you for letting people know about the story on the recording of Memphis Tennessee. I knew of this back in the 70's. Johnny Rivers did steal that from ELVIS. It would have been a big hit for Elvis. But, compared to Elvis, Johnny Rivers is just a little blip on the radar. Sounds like Johnny was jealous of the KING. and, I thank you for all the great stories and videos you do on ELVIS. I really do enjoy them, you do a great job.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Thanks! I’m glad you like them all!

[@kathycarter827]

❤️❤️❤️

[@iowa61]

This "Story" is pure bullshit. There is NO RESEMBLANCE between the two versions.

[@caprice8770]

@@iowa61 That's not the point.

[@randyowens479]

Well Elvis is the man Johnny rivers will always be behind Elvis

[@chriisdangelo1886]

Everyone is behind Elvis!

[@leighsheehan1119]

I have always loved Elvis's version. Johnny Who?

[@sandramaggard2962]

Johnny River's yes, who. Elvis said it all.

[@warrenwilson5588]

What a shame!, the first time I heard Memphis Tennessee by Elvis I loved it, I in fact thought it was in fact wtitten for him, I was young then and yeh got to know Chuck Berry first recorded it. In saying that on Elviss return to live performing I never understood why Memphis Tennessee and Viva Las Vegas were not performed, especially Viva Las Vegas, seeing as Elvis's return was in Vegas, I mean there's 100's of songs Elvis never performed on stage, I guess Elvis never stopped and chilled out and had a good look into his back catalogue, I personally think after Hawaii he should have taken a year off and looked at all his options, be it personal life, what direction he wanted to go career wise, and being adamant on a world tour, anyways regardless Elvis's Legacy lives on🆗🆗🆗👍👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@elisabethbenko2181]

Totally agree with you👍!!!

[@rhythmnation15]

Glad that there's some recognition that this was Chuck Berry's song. No doubt Berry might have loved Elvis to have released it for the royalties he would have received. Still, it's a low thing that Johnny Rivers did and the class with how Elvis handled it speaks volumes about the man. Long live the King.

[@angelwings8182]

Elvis would never steal off enyone more like the other way he was a very honest person who would give is ♥ to everyone stop and let him R.i.P

[@davidrixson3171]

I didn't know this story, That was a rotten thing to do stealing a song from Elvis! But it did cost him his friendship with Elvis.

[@sandralybrand859]

Exactly! He lost more than he gained when he lost Elvis friendship!

[@robertsammons3848]

Johnny who, Elvis needs no explanation Elvis still the king.

[@caprice8770]

Most people don't even know who Johnny Rivers is.

[@elizabeththiel391]

Elvis took the high road. Congratulations Elvis you are loved all the more because of this kind gesture on your part. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.

[@janicemurphy7878]

Many artist used other famous songs performed before and they use them again, some people used to complain about blue suede shoes and other songs that Elvis used. That stuff happens we all love Elvis more than Johnny for sure. A W

[@kaneo16]

I've seen Johnny rivers live in concert he is no comparison to Elvis Elvis handled the back stab well an let it go. He is still the coolest of the cool!

[@barbsmith235]

Never heard of Johnny Rivers only one best singer ever elvis the man the king 👑 ♥️ elvis 🌹 🥀 🕺🎸❤️

[@karencrawford5952]

We ALL KNOW that if ELVIS CUT ANY SONG, IT WAS A HIT ... EVEN OTHER PEOPLE'S HIT SONGS!

[@annreeves1983]

It p****s me off! This is the meaning of what a "real" man is! I love you so much, Elvis! You're the man! ❤

[@abacus299]

Johnny who? Elvis. Enough said. 💥

[@elisabethbenko2181]

ELVIS was♡is♡will always be the most popular Rock'n'Roll artist in music business ~ 'Memphis Tennessee' became something of an anthem for every true ELVIS-fan!!!! Thnxs for sharing and rare footage❤❤❤

[@karentranter7806]

Hi David, I had never heard this story before. Another betrayal. Typical Elvis not making a fuss and letting Johnny have the hit record. Great research David. Thank you, really interesting xxx 💝

[@Tony-5000]

When I first heard about this, I decided I would never listen to any Johnny Rivers song ever again! I've kept that promise, and shall continue to keep my promise!!

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Hardcore Elvis fan!

[@caprice8770]

Good for you. Rivers was a rat.

[@ron_43]

"Memphis" is a song by Chuck Berry first released in 1959. In 1963, guitarist Lonnie Mack recorded a fast-paced instrumental version, which he called "Memphis". It went to #5 on Billboard's Pop chart and #4 on Billboard's R&B chart. [Source: 25 Rockin' Instrumentals, Varese Vintage CD, 2003] In 1964 singer Johnny Rivers recorded another version of the tune (which he, following Mack, called "Memphis") copying Mack s pacing and some of his instrumental improvisations and reinstating the vocal line from Berry s original [Show 21 - Forty Miles of Bad Road: Some of the best from rock 'n' roll's dark ages. [Part 2] /The Pop Chronicles, John Gilliland]

[@Tony-5000]

@@ron_43 I thought it was titled "Memphis, Tennessee".

[@eddieparrino]

I never cared for the song by ANY artist including the writer. That being said when i heard this story years ago i was always turned off to Johnny Rivers and never cared to look into his music which i consider no loss to my ears

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Lol. I think that’s the only song I’ve heard of his.

[@caprice8770]

Rivers only had a few hits in the 60's, so, I suppose he needed more than Elvis did. But, it was a deceitful thing to do.

[@caprice8770]

@@ElvisistheMan_ This old story has my blood boiling.

[@quest380]

@@ElvisistheMan_ He also sang Secret Agent Man

[@iowa61]

You're missing a lot. And no wonder. If you don't dig Chuck Berry, you should stick to disco.

[@lindab.2626]

As a Memphian, Elvis was always a generous and gracious man, always !

[@brendairby9910]

We all know Elvis version is always the best! ❤️ ELVIS ❤️

[@suzannecorey1645]

He wasso kind hearted and classy!

[@pattiekelly3742]

Elvis was a humble man from the south. And because of that he let Johnny Rivers to use his song and make it a hit on the charts. Elvis wouldn't hurt a fly. His heart told him to let Johnny have that hit song, but I feel because of Elvis's generous nature his legacy as the King of Rock and Roll lives on and Johnny Rivers could never ever claim to be the King. So in a way it was a Blessing for Elvis. Today many years after his passing his songs and even Elvis himself lives in the hearts of many many fans. And Johnny is gone for ever if he wrote any songs or not he's just gone.

[@sandralybrand859]

That just makes me livid! Elvis was too trusting with the few people he let get close to him! No wonder he kept such a tight circle. Bad enough his manager worked against him and what he wanted to do. Just shows what a decent human being he was, he could've really caused Rivers big problems, but didn't. He Is The Man!

[@wesb1931]

Elvis stole all his music from black artists who were never given the opportunity he was allowed. If black artists were giving the opportunity to perform their own music back then, Elvis would have been a no body.

[@agatabongiovanni3526]

Love ELVIS FOREVER 👑❤🌷

[@timakins3108]

Chuck Berry wrote this song in 1959. Elvis and Johnny’s versions both sound like Chuck’s version to me.

[@freddieg.4206]

Other than the vocals. As talented as Mr. Berry was, his vocals were not great and his songs all sounded the same.

[@patrickgueguin792]

Not at all.Clean yours ears fellow

[@johnnybegood1957]

@@patrickgueguin792 ĺ

[@freddysnip6257]

It is Chuck his song indeed, but the arrangement from the A-team in Nashville was defo different than the original by Chuck. The title of this video is miselading, they should say Johnny Rivers stole the arrangement of the song instead of stealing the song. Just my 2 cents.

[@jurivlk5433]

Of course! If is a 100% Chuck Berry song, the poet of Rock'n'Roll! Both versions, Elvis' and Johnny Rivers' one, were just cover versions of the Chuck Berry Original!

[@bishopaz]

Well in the long run Elvis had more hits to come.

[@Yapaulare]

This is Elvis.I will love him forever ❤️❤️

[@Trevitravels]

Elvis was a class act as usual. He showed his generosity even after having been cheated out of that song. We know Johnny Rivers career fizzled out many centuries ago. So yes, he need that song more than Elvis.

[@hamhocksandflipflopsfarms]

He also said that he never wanted to see Johnny again.

[@Highlander498B]

As he should have....lucky Johnny didn’t get his legs broken.

[@mackiejohnson8498]

Johnny needed all the help he could get Elvis was the goat who will be remembered? Not johnny

[@iowa61]

Johnny is still rockin. And rermembered by people who love great rock and roll.

[@mackiejohnson8498]

Johnny is a paragraph Elvis was the whole damn library

[@sandramiller8701]

Elvis presley was good to everyone but Elvis. He was a Good loving Humble poor hearted Genious man with so much charisma a oh so lonely but Gorgeous I'd been Happy just holding his hand.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

That a good way of putting it.

[@sheilaseeber2007]

Well I can type that if Elvis had met me first but never would have been a Priscilla

[@kelliintexas3575]

Exactly. 😔

[@shannonwhite3721]

Artists steal songs all the time. Difference is, most of them go she happy. Elvis was a different breed of man 😘

[@v-g-z3689]

I fully agree, this song is flying far too low below the radar for how good it is.

[@shirleymarie5070]

Mind body and soul of ELVIS was so good and beautiful 💙

[@TENNESSEETORNADO]

yeah lost respect for Johnny Rivers after hearing that a while ago

[@deborahwhitney9427]

Who is Johnny rivers. Never heard of him.

[@colleeninprayer1498]

Totally showed the decency of Elvis not so Rivers.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Right!

[@PaulKyriazi]

I read from one of the bodyguard's books that Johnny came back to the Graceland gates, but a couple of the guys told him gently to not come around here anymore.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

I heard that too.

[@naomiwarner7117]

@@ElvisistheMan_ Red and, Lamar because of what he did to Elvis!

[@johnhouston6133]

What a lot of people don't understand. When ELVIS MADE HIS COMEBACK SPECIAL. In 1968 IT WAS SUCH A MASSIV HIT, He new the movies were gone for good. This was a brand new start for him. HE was a happy man. And from 1967 --1974-- he made more money. Then any other eintane he could have retired. In 1973. AND he sings Beatles songs and he sang Neil diamonds songs. He had to get permission to do this. but of course since Neil diamond sung the song first and the Beatles sang the songs first of course they gave him permission. all he did was just make the song that much more popular my opinion. Elvis's version is 10 times better and Neil diamonds Sweet Caroline. BUT for those out there saying that Elvis stole songs no that's not the case. every time an artist puts a song out there's copyright laws and all the formalities that you have to go THROUGH. and yes they had them back then and Elvis was always gracious enough to let the artist get his first shot at it then Elvis would take his turn at it and make it better in my opinion and of course it would always sell more. but this always worked out for both artists.

[@johnhouston6133]

++

[@sabrinadecristofano7538]

I've never heard about this story....but most of all thanks for this beautiful photos..,❤️🇮🇹

[@hustondenham1397]

I spoke to Johnny one night after a show he did in OKC and I asked him about him stealing that song from Elvis and he was very quick to say that it was a Chuck Berry song not an Elvis song and then he walked away very quickly lol.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Wow...that’s telling...

[@kelliintexas3575]

🤣🤣🤣😂

[@sheilarobles3679]

That's just how Elvis is. He was very mannered and very generous. but it was still wrong on Johhny to do that. I don't blame Elvis for not having him back at his house. Yes Elvis is the man. Awesome at that. I like Elvis version of it. I've never heard Johnny's version. I probably wouldn't like it anyways if I did. Cause I love Elvis. So does my mom. We Elvis nuts as my family puts it. Love always sis Sheila.

[@brendafulmernickel1218]

I believe this illustrates the way God keeps our hearts from becoming bitter, or hardened. It hurt his feelings I'm sure, but obviously Johnny Rivers was in a desperate place to have used Elvis in such a unassuming manner. The Devil seems to always want to gouge at this little special piece of our hearts, hoping to turn it to hardened! What a Great Man and Christian!❤🎶🎯

[@ElvisLass35]

Great story. Horrid that Elvis’ version didn’t get the love it needed - amazing song by Elvis and could potentially have been massive! Love isolating stories like this. I read it in the Memphis mafia book but had forgotten about it. Thanks so much xxx

[@MattJ1977]

That song was already 5 yrs old by the time Elvis recorded it. Written and recorded by Chuck Berry 1959.

[@Hey-tb3fv]

He had a soul above everything.

[@gerdacoetzer3615]

When you here Elvis sing it you can here clearly it's Elvis song. Elvis what a Big man. Elvis was a man with integrity. That why HE'S THE MAN.🕺👍

[@ryanlehning556]

I prefer Johnny Rivers to Elvis, I like his sound and I believe he's more talented, so I may be biased, but here goes: First, I believe Johnny only did it live at the Whiskey-a-go-go, I'm pretty sure he had no intention of making it into a record. I believe his producer was responsible for recording it and rushing it out. Second Elvis and Johnny did cover a lot of the same stuff, like high heel sneakers, and Little Richie, etc., so I don't think Johnny thought he was doing Elvis wrong by playing a live version in anticipation of Elvis' release. Third, his version is not very similar to Elvis, aside from it being the same song, I personally prefer Johnny's version. Lastly, it wasn't like it was an original song, so it just doesn't seem like a big deal anyway.

[@vembayanselvaraju8371]

If you are kind, people will steal your things...

[@mattkaustickomments]

C’mon! It was a Chuck Berry song from 1959! Dave Berry and the Cruisers had a top 20 version of it released in the UK in 1963. Even the Beatles did a version in 1963! Lonnie Mack did an instrumental version in 1963. So it was not “new” by any stretch. So there’s no song ‘theft’ from Elvis per se. However, that was a dirty thing to steal the timing of Elvis’ release when he knew Elvis was excited about releasing his own version.

[@kelliintexas3575]

No one said it Chuck didn't release it first. Everyone knows this. 🙄 It's about where JOHNNY got the idea.

[@mattkaustickomments]

I agree, he stole the idea to cover the song, not the song itself.

[@peggyshipp551]

With friends like that, who needs enemies. ELVIS PRESLEY WILL ALWAYS BE THE BETTER MAN. There has always been one Elvis and he will always be the greatest and there will never be another Elvis Presley.

[@SANTIAGO636]

Elvis was too good for this cruel world...His heart was so big...God bless you Elvis.The other guy I can't recall...Only Elvis for me.

[@geraldbaker6690]

Well it didnt hurt elvis' version any it was still a big hit for elvis

[@roustabout583]

I like how Elvis’s version starts off like a dam breaking It ended up on Elvis For Everyone which is an album I really like a lot The album came with a photo of Elvis and was nominated for a Grammy for best album cover It has a great dubbed version of Tomorrow Night Memphis Tennessee was a great fit for this album so not all was lost I guess

[@victoriapiccone2165]

Elvis was so gracious.

[@joesteadman7008]

Can't stand a back stabber. Viva Elvis...

[@KeithMiddleton01]

Elvis was to trusting and he got stung pardon the pun, its sad the Johnny "who" Rivers had to stoop so low and sacrificed friendship over fame and fortune

[@ElvisistheMan_]

That’s true! He did

[@poetgb]

I am a big Elvis fan and I never heard this story. That is an incredible story you told about the song Memphis Tennessee I always liked that song. I;m sure it would have been a no. 1 hit. This story shows that Elvis was humble and kind and generous.

[@hjstrever8231]

Elvis show what kind of person he was. That's why he's fans still loves him so. Only one Elvis ever!!!

[@Veteran007]

The story is slightly incorrect. The artist who stole Elvis' hit song, arraignment and all, was Terry Stafford. The song was Suspicion released by Terry in 1964. The story is the same. Elvis had Terry over one day and played him the acetate of Suspicion that he had recorded in 1962 but not yet released to the public. After their get together, Terry quickly produced and cut his version of Suspicion taking Elvis' full arraignment and vocal style and had it quickly released, giving Terry a #2 hit. I big loss for Elvis as he probably would of had a #1 hit.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

No I think I have the story right on this. Terry must have been a similar and unfortunate incident for Elvis. I’ve actually never heard that story about Elvis and Terry but I have notice the songs were both similar. For Elvis to get burned on 2 songs like that really shows how trusting Elvis was....

[@Veteran007]

@@ElvisistheMan_ Memphis Tennessee was written and released by Chuck Berry in 1959. Elvis used it simply as a filler song in one of his albums. I believe that you did read the story, but the story is wrong and easily verifiable.

[@carrolroberts9571]

Just don't ever turn your back on some "so called" friends. But ELVIS being Elvis, he just let it go. Elvis will ALWAYS be the king, that no one can ever take that away from him. Elvis will ALWAYS and forever be THE MAN.

[@garyholcomb8906]

the only reason he didn't start topping the charts again because the movie hits were not really intended to go number one they were just for the partly comedy movies he didn't do any serious songs again until 1969 because he could have done anything he wanted having the best voice in the music industry and the only artist to sell over a billion records says it all and if that doesn't the worldwide satellite show should

[@Seanryan2001]

This is very similar to the song 'Suspicion'. Quite a few think that it was Terry Stafford that brought out the original version when he had a hit single with it but it was Elvis that recorded it and released on an album BEFORE Stafford's version.

[@patewilliam]

Yea, I have heard this one before - I kinda lost respect for Johnny after hearing it.

[@eyejottcb4910]

What a dirty move by that snake Johnny Rivers! That’s okay, no one talks about Johnny Rivers! Long live the King! EP! Great video!

[@eyejottcb4910]

George Swift You’re a damn liar! Where’s your proof!?

[@NAINN-p13]

There were no such thing as copywright at the time Arthur Crudup was bitter ’til the end about not had a cent for the 3 songs of his that Elvis recorded in the 50’s . BUT i dont thing anybody had known who he was if it hadnt been for elvis . Everybody did own versions of every song.

[@lindagilbert6888]

What a low ball move!!

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Right?!

[@patriciadipascal8953]

Cannot believe Johnny Rivers did this to Elvis...So not fair..

[@fender1000100]

Roustabout had some good songs on it. One of his best movie soundtracks.

[@brendalawrence6732]

That was dirty, a total betrayal of trust. Not cool at all. Elvis is a first class act and a wonderful person, so I'm sure he did let JR's have the hit. Once again, Elvis is used and betrayed by a friend. But....who is the most famous?! Elvis of course and he has very, very, loyal fans that JR's will never have. It still kills me today that Elvis' movie songs aren't give more credit. He did them very well with what he had to work with and to me I love them as they are part of the Elvis history as are his movies. He was a very good actor, he just wasn't given the chance that he should have gotten, whether that be because of the Colonel or something else. I just don't get why Hollywood didn't snatch him up for more serious rolls. But it is what it is.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

What are ya gonna do?!

[@brendalawrence6732]

@@ElvisistheMan_ Exactly, lol.

[@sherroncunningham7845]

Now that's what I call somebody who steals your music Elvis never stole to anybody's music That's stealing music

[@puckhead63]

Never knew this ... too bad , is a great tune . He definitely could have used that hit . What a shitty thing to do

[@georgerutnam7423]

There was a story, I read, where Johnny came to one of Elvis Vegas performers, in like 71, and he got introduced by Elvis, although E knew all bout what happened, but that was'nt E, he made him important, by some insiders he was very courteous and friendly when he met him backstage. Never talked about it! Thats our ELVIS!!

[@georgerutnam7423]

DIG IT! CAUSE ITS FREAKIN TRUE!

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Yes he was the bigger man 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@sherroncunningham7845]

I got the CD of Elvis singing that song I will never listen to Johnny's version not after just now finding out that he started from Elvis never

[@sherroncunningham7845]

I think that would have ended our friendship if that would have been me that was downright wrong to do his friend that away

[@canoes7316]

Average joes like Johnny Rivers needs to step on other people’s feet to succeed.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

True!

[@iowa61]

That's horseshit. Rivers is a rock god.

[@eph2817]

@@iowa61 I don't think so I'd never heard of him.

[@iowa61]

@@eph2817 G-O-D... Memphis, Seventh Son, Slow Dancin', Summer Rain, Secret Agent Man, Rockin Pneumonia, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnnYkJihdtZogNU

[@caprice8770]

@@eph2817 He was a guy with a guitar, had a few hits in the late 1960s.

[@seandarcy7651]

Roustabout is a good album imho along with Acapulco, Girls,Girls and Frankie nice work

[@daveking7079]

The Elvis version was much better

[@gracieg7601]

I’ve heard that story and it makes me mad that he did that to Elvis. I heard it from Billy smith and the MM.

[@javsuperstar8833]

Roy Orbinson wrote the song ONLY THE LONELY for Elvis to sing but Elvis couldn't be bothered, so Roy sang it and got it to number one in 1960, but later Elvis was inspired by listening to Roys songs in around 1966 that Elvis recorded How great thou art album

[@frankieelvisbarbieri5495]

How many artists would of let Johnny Rivers get away with that low desperate blow..Elvis obviously the better man... This reminds me of the movie jailhouse rock, when the record producer stole Vince Everett’s (Elvis) song and had Mickey Alba record it.... Great info👍👍- -TCB Frankie’Elvis’

[@Jim-zt1hl]

Yeah ....he should have slapped Rivers too like he did in Jailhouse Rock...

[@Jim-zt1hl]

He should have slapped Johnny like he did in Jailhouse Rock

[@frankieelvisbarbieri5495]

Jim ....lol ya no kidding! Great movie.... it would of been the beast in him

[@jamminjohn]

I was like you, first heard the Elvis version on the 60's box set.

[@ElvisistheMan_]

Yep, that’s how I heard it

[@neildarealdeal7129]

Ok, I guess after this incident; he wasn't Elvis's friend anymore lol! realdeal

[@rebeccarobbins6558]

It just makes me so angry that a lot of people took advantage of Elvis good and loving nature! I feel so sorry that people did this to him! I can relate, because I have the same giving heart and people have walked all over me my whole life the same way. Now Ive never been wealthy or famous, but it happened to me also. Its so, so sad.

[@bennietoups1719]

Wow !! I never heard this before. My sweet Momma who has since passed went to Baton Rouge High School with Johnny Ramistelli...aka...Johnny Rivers. Elvis was the BEST !!

[@MrJamesayres]

Just another example of how people think they get ahead with cut-throat tactics. I have performed for over 60 years and I have always been an Elvis fan. In the end, you will pay the price for no integrity. Elvis still stands above all the rest, dead or alive. Jim Ayres

[@ellenw391]

Guess I'm seeing this a slightly different way, because I worked in Nashville for years. The Colonel clearly did not do his job correctly!! When an artist plans to record a song, they put it on hold with the publishing company and secure the rights. This means no one else can record the song unless you give them permission. How long you have the rights for can be negotiated, since artists often put a song on hold and then don't use it, so they release it to someone else. Boy I'd love to know what Elvis's career would have look like if he had a different manager. I've never been a fan of the Colonel & this just adds another reason to dislike him and how he treated Elvis. But this is just sloppy management! That's said, how low of Johnny Rivers! And just shows how much class Elvis always had!