john wilkinson interview

interview with elvis presleys ryhthm guitar player john wilkinson

[@lechat8533]

One of the best interviews I`ve ever listened to where Elvis is concerned. Treating a nine-year-old this way says more about Elvis than any Cadillac ever gifted.

[@martinmuldoon603]

Yes I have to agree with you Elvis had a great heart, Elvis had a hard life growing up, my guess he liked the young John's cheeky attitude also knew John was being honest about Elvis guitar playing as children don't butter things up they say as they see it. Elvis seem John's potential at that young age and had already made up his mind that when that kid grows up I'll give him a chance to play that guitar. That's why Elvis told him we will cross paths again later, Elvis had already decided he wanted John in his band.

[@beverleytinker2318]

Terrific interview I enjoyed it so much. Love when people Elvis knew get a chance to tell about him. Elvis was indeed an angel on earth and the more who hear about him the happier I am for Elvis's legacy🌹❤️

[@LNTunes1010]

John Wilkinson's guitar playing, especially his play at the beginning of Aloha from Hawaii's concert See See Rider, is unforgettable. Beautiful story. Great interview.

[@michele2049]

Amen…that says it all.

[@sandralybrand9425]

It also showed his character that he treated everyone with respect,no matter their age! I love that in later years when John reminds him of the first time they met,he remembers him!

[@amhjetten]

I am glad and proud to be an Elvis fan. Hearing so many stories about Elvis I realise that I made a very good choice.

[@barbelvan5499]

At age 70, I became a born again Elvis fan, I was too young at age 6, so I really appreciate finding all these interviews , concerts, recordng sessions, rehearsals, and music on KZbin. I noticed John on his guitar like he certainly knew how to get it done. I thought he seemed very quiet, so I was really surprised when he said he went to have a talk with Elvis when he was only 9 y.o. These recordings of interviews, etc. are very important historically, so I hope somehow somebody is saving them.

[@johnllewellyn7085]

Just amazing how this 9 year old wanted to tell Elvis something, made it happen, Elvis never forgot Johnny, and look how Elvis did things, 1968 calls john on the phone to give him a job, Elvis was the best, they don't make them like that anymore, old days were the best days, Elvis time 1935-1977 RIP to 1 special man with a voice that will never be watched 🤟

[@johnllewellyn7085]

I got news for you, I STILL CAN'T, AWESOME

[@jordanbivins1705]

Rock roll

[@drtonyhaworth6287]

Yes he is right Elvis just needed a friend to play with ,and he would still be here if he had someone to play with not just people to take from him...god bless this guy and god bless Elvis and one day they will play together in heaven...........superb interview

[@Wildlife_SA.]

Very nice interview with John. Everyone who worked for Elvis or knew him personally, can count themselves extremely blessed and fortunate and honoured to have been so close to him. 👍🙏🥇⚡🎶🎧

[@davidplon9215]

RIP John Wilkinson! What a gentleman and a terrific guitarist! Amazing life he led!

[@victorgarcia-ii7bq]

Speaks very kindly and the truth about Elvis. I really enjoyed the interview. Thank you Mr. Wilkinson

[@tommythegreekotisakaitchy4221]

I am a 61year old New York Grease Ball born in 1957. I loved Elvis an as an artist and actor I got him. As a kid as a teen and as a man. And as a man that could have it all. I understood it all. God rest his soul. He was just a man who sinned against his talent. Christ be with him.💜

[@tinakelley7018]

I just listened to this interview with John. I loved his story of how he met Elvis. It is our last straws of people that actually new Elvis. Thanks for telling people what a awesome caring person he was. All the interviews I've watched about Elvis I've never heard anything but positive things.

[@d.b.4201]

Always loved Elvis and always will! He was & is still the best and he had the very Best band as well. Thank you for posting.

[@rustyruss2962]

Me too I Agree ⚡️⚡️TCB ⚡️⚡️GodBless ❤️🙏

[@karenmoncada2000]

It must have been an honor to work and play music with Elvis. John was so lucky meeting Elvis and it seems he's a good guy too. Thanks for sharing this interview! ♡

[@johnsteelman6980]

Hello Karen Moncada, I got a chance to see Elvis in person in Las Vegas in the 1970's at the Hilton Hotel in Vegas. Great show. Posted by John Steelman

[@karenmoncada2000]

@@johnsteelman6980 ... Hi John!.... wow!... you were so lucky having the opportunity of seeing Elvis in Las Vegas, it must have been awesome to see Elvis in person. That was my dream... but unfortunately I couldn't make it come true because I was born in 1973, I was too young when he died. But I had a friend who lived in Las Vegas in the 70's, he told me him and his wife got the chance to see Elvis in person like you did and he said it was absolutely wonderful, he also told me that Elvis had a tremendous energy on stage, an extraordinary personality, an amazing voice and he was a gorgeous man in person. John Elvis was unique, a very talented man with an extraordinary voice, personality and carisma. We won't see another human being and entertainer like him on this earth anymore. Thanks for sharing with me your nice experience with the king of rock and roll.♡

[@johnsteelman6980]

@@karenmoncada2000 Plus he had a lot of money ( worth over 600 million dollars ) he gave away over 250 cars to different people.

[@karenmoncada2000]

@@johnsteelman6980 yes, they say he was a very generous person as well.

[@martinmuldoon603]

I loved this interview, John was a fantastic musician, Elvis recognised John's talent even when he was 9 years old. Both John and Elvis both had a great ear for music, always did their best, that's why they were both top of their game.

[@firstlastname3865]

Sad to see my heroes grow old & pass away but I look forward to seeing them in Heaven.

[@hubbell627]

What a gentleman. And he never exploited his relationship with Elvis.

[@agostinoieraci8986]

Fantastic person John. Sooo beautiful. R.I.P JOHN. Playing the guitar in heaven with Elvis.Great guitar player John Wilkinson.

[@sandramiller8701]

Elvis Presley is a always will be my favorite Mr Songman. He was really something else so talented gorgeous a very religious a humble hearted soul. Love Elvis 💙❤️❤️💙 Presley.

[@lynnalvaro1359]

Thank you. Always great to hear the beautiful things about Elvis. Wish we had let him know when he was here.

[@Patriot751]

RIP John, any family members see this, Elvis had a great and loyal friend in John, I know they shared a special bond. Elvis had the best play for him, great interview !

[@martinmuldoon603]

That's a lovely tribute, yes Elvis had some good loyal friends yet he had some Judas around him also. I love to watch the That's the way it is, Elvis Rehearsals with the band was history in the making, they're all sadly missed, a great team.

[@myelvischannel1992]

Great interview sad loss in the Elvis world when John passed away like he said ELVIS was a great human being never too be forgotten. Elvis is always TCB

[@HD35MAN]

Thank you so much for this wonderful interview John was a very good musician and has made a huge mark on history with his many years with Elvis Presley.

[@michele2049]

Rest In Peace, John. What a beautiful tribute from an also very good man. Thank you.

[@joanne26]

Hello from England ELVIS died 2 days before my 12th birthday. I have been a FAN ever since. I have spent some time watching lot of videos about ELVIS and his "backstory" and they make me think so much more about the years that have "flown by" Some of the videos make me CRY BUCKETS. I know it is silly BUT ELVIS HAD IT ALL and HIS VOICE "would melt your heart" What a GREAT GUY John was and his guitar playing was "TOP NOTCH" Being part of the TCB band he must have had some GREAT LIFE EXPERIENCES touring with ELVIS and i can only imagine they all had some great laughs. Lots of videos you can see they are . I am sure that there were MANY GOOD TIMES that outweighed the BAD TIMES. Such different times and different people John died nearly 9 years ago OH MY

[@michaelivey1087]

Fantastic interview. None of the musicians who played for Elvis have anything bad to say about him! Elvis was and is the absolute best singer the world has ever heard. No one can hold a candle to him! No one! Truly the King. What a story to tell, John Wilkinson!

[@tenniscollector]

Only one that comes to mind was Duke Bardwell who was part of Elvis band in 1973/74. Bardwell felt the tours took their toll, Elvis was not 'rockin' and preferred ballads more than the rock , especially 'You Gave Me a Mountain'.

[@nigelgunson2038]

Elvis wasn't a lead player. He didn't want to be. However, he was an excellent rhythm guitar player. Johnny cash, Carl perkins and Scotty Moore loved his rhythm playing. Good enough for me.

[@freetob1]

Awesome Story and Interview !!! What a Wonderful Memory Right There. Loved & Remembered Always & Forever, Forever & Always "The Legend Elvis" And thank you for telling others what a Decent and GOOD MAN that ELVIS was.

[@johnllewellyn7085]

Elvis was just a regular guy blessed with a voice that when you hear him sing it's like no other, 1 special man, he will be missed for a lifetime, john Wilkinson very nice man he sure did love Elvis,Elvis love him

[@dorothycastaneda8760]

Thank you for a great interview. I believe when John says the nice things he said about Elvis.Me myself a Elvis fan since I was nine and I'm 59 now loved Elvis first for his looks and voice.As I got older I could sense that Elvis was a kind man and cared about people. So I loved and still do love Elvis for the person he was plus for his talent.I would've loved to be his friend.

[@davidmurphy9535]

He had it all

[@nickmoretti6955]

John was a great man and a true gentleman. I was lucky to have known him.

[@fenderman065]

Great stories and great interview... John W. seemed like a great guy.

[@tommyboo21]

Amazing that a fan ends up playing guitar for his idol!! How many people have such luck? Elvis' opening show at the International in Vegas in 1969 was on 31st July not 9th August. From that day on, John never took his eyes off Elvis while on stage. Great guitarist and a great guy. Thanks for uploading this interview.

[@hermanortiz4618]

He also looks like Elvis.

[@raymondschmidt2003]

WELL I SEE THAT IS HOW A LOT OF THE STARS STARTED OUT AS FANS FIRST LIKE ME , I AM A FAN OF MANY AND STILL PRAYING THAT I WILL GET TO SING WITH THE ONES THAT ARE STILL ALIVE

[@SuperSkin68]

Great interview,long live Elvis.

[@dianne6112]

Yr a wonderful man John! Thank you for sharing heartfelt memories of you and Elvis. TCB!

[@brendasomes4596]

This was awesome Thank you so much for the share I love hearing how normal and kind Elvis was

[@maraalvarez7695]

LiIFELONG Elvis fan...This was an absolutely incredible interview...Thank you...Elvis no doubt has once again welcomed John into his arms...TCB & RIP

[@jackiepederson507]

I will always believe but he missed his mother so much and his daddy he truly was a genuine Human being that I do believe but he loved the Lord Jesus Christ anytime someone has to take pills to sleep and keep awake it messes with their whole life I pray that he is with Jesus no more pills Elvis... Only the love of the Lord Jesus Christ rains in your heart mind and soul now and you can rest love Jackie Pederson

[@chelimartinez9999]

What a great video I really enjoyed it!! John was so nice and funny too!! He really loved Elvis and to meet him when he was 9 Yrs old it’s really a great story!! Thank you and God bless you all!!🙏🙏

[@wendycushenan4907]

Thanks for posting.. what a fantastic interview with a fantastic guy...how cool to play with your idol/ hero ....I love to hear the insight into true friends of Elvis Presley... giving us fans a closer link to knowing the real Elvis Presley...how wonderful a human being he really was...TCB...EP forever 💞

[@star4evr9]

Wonderful interview! Thank you so much for posting this. Johnny was a great guy. He knew what he wanted. It was written in the stars that he got it! What a wonderful experience for any human to live! Now he and Elvis can make music together in heaven. RIP Johnny. 💓🙏

[@ajsmith5295]

Great story from a great man yes it was 1954 he met Elvis for the first time

[@TrentonMakesMusic]

Loved this! John Wilkinson, what a great guy!

[@AnthonyKiyola]

Wonderful interview. I think I've heard that John Wilkinson met Elvis in the 50s but I didn't know the detail and I had never heard about him meeting Elvis in the 60s prior to working for him. Thank you for uploading this.

[@dabdella1460]

This was so refreshing after getting sidelined by low m m members My mind really needed this such another sweet man whom elvis loved and rightly trusted

[@123Rockchild]

I can't imagine telling Elvis that he didn't know how to play the guitar ---even at 9 years old.

[@debradiggs7489]

I think ots funny then they ended up playing together

[@agostinoieraci8986]

Great john wilkinson Absolutely great. He was an good friend from Elvis. Great artist God bless yuo.

[@mrDCunningham]

What a great story of how John met Elvis and then met him again later and became part of his band. That was really nice 😊

[@raymondschmidt2003]

this is a fantastic , great wonderful interview

[@hhavi]

Great interview! I grew up in tiny Amboy California and didn't hear many Elvis songs until Aug 1977 when I heard his slow songs. I was a teen and was inspired to comb my black hair back. I had my pic taken (see left/18 yes old) while stationed in the UK (USAF MP).

[@marilynadams349]

This a great story! He was a gutsy kid.

[@michele2049]

Love John Wilkinson…he truly loved Elvis. It shows in every word he says. John is loyal -- the most important trait of a friend.

[@anthonycarollo]

Thanks John. God bless

[@Mike-rp8ev]

Always loved Elvis and a great veido.👍😉

[@SixpenceInc]

God bless John.

[@bobbywenger5595]

When I was young Elvis help the poor thank God for him that's what I've been told and he was the greatest man singing in the world at that time I miss his voice you will never die

[@dannybauer2960]

He was a fantastic Rhythm guitarist with the TCB. Johnny Cash & Carl Perkins said that Elvis was an excellent Rhythm guitarist too.

[@no288]

Very nice, rip, John - _Early Morning Rain_ - Wilkinson

[@1SECRETBILLY]

How great was that song between the two of them. As good as it gets ! RIP

[@petehanuszak4318]

From the Bottom of my Heart. This is 1 of the Best Interviews that I Ever Listen To. I wish that it Didn’t End. I Learned ah Great Deal from This. John and Elvis were The Greatest. Thank You. And God Bless. Merry Christmas to You and Yours.

[@stephengregory8152]

Great interview with John I enjoy listening to his personal experiences

[@jacquelineloveselvis]

This is a fantastic interview. Thank you very much for sharing it, much appreciated. ❤

[@sammy5714]

Loved this interview! 👍 Tks Johnny, you spoke well & had a beautiful story to share. 🌿 TCB ~

[@mikeslusher5240]

Awesome johny! Would love to hear more!!!

[@karendixon401]

Enjoyed this so much. Had no idea one of his players met him at 9 yrs old like that! Amazing!

[@sandralybrand9407]

Almost as amazing as Elvis. Meeting JD Sumner at age 14 at gospel suggests and JD ended up working for Elvis!

[@martinmuldoon603]

@@sandralybrand9407 we have a saying in Ireland, "Fits find other's" in other words talent finds talent.

[@jayelias6626]

What a great video and interview. Thanks John. R.I.P.

[@chrisgorman3821]

That was so cool thanks John

[@angelviscarrara7426]

splendida intervista con una splendida persona che ha saputo riconoscere il vero valore del grande Elvis. I love you John.

[@rustyruss2962]

Fantastic Guitar 🎸 Player GodBless ❤️🙏 ⚡️⚡️TCB ⚡️⚡️

[@brockettelementarylostfilm8632]

Did anyone notice that Elvis always introduced John as Wilkerson with an r.

[@morenamontalvo8199]

Love this story 💓

[@stephenodonoghue2210]

A lovely genuine man, thanks John.

[@lesaharmon1966]

What a kind and respectful interview. Another of Elvis’s true friends. ♥️ Loved hearing of how Elvis remembered little Johnny and then hired him many years later!! That speaks volumes about Elvis!! ♥️

[@amanaroberts1879]

That's awesome,never heard these stories,

[@hallsjuju2400]

What a great interview. Loved watching and hearing this.

[@donnalawlor1497]

Thanks for sharing this great interview with John. Lovely account of his very special association with the KING himself. Very decent guy and a wonderful musician. Elvis hand picked the best. He recognized a talent and treated everyone who worked with him with appreciation and respect and was always humble about his own amazing talent. Nice to hear John talk about Elvis's great humanity and generosity and how well he treated everyone, especially his fans. Two great human beings.❤

[@marthaashley2211]

Thank u 4 this. John was a very talented man.that could play guitar like going out of style he was a nice looking man too. Loved watching the concerts and Elvis introduced him .he and Elvis r together again now and James with them .

[@conietan]

Good day! Sorry for the late reaction. Yes, John was the most handsome TCB bandmember. You also said James is with Elvis and John now. James Burton is still alive. It was Ronnie Tutt who passed away in 2021. Thanks

[@Chris6719]

Awesome interview with John. Elvis assembled the best group of musicians in the world. Thank you so much for posting it. R.I.P. John now you are playing rhythm guitar with Elvis along with Charlie Hodge

[@hollywoodjoe123]

INCREDIBLE what JOHN WILKINSON has to tell us all here in this video - what a great moment that is shared here ! Elvis said that they will meet again ! wow ! And when I take a good look at JOHN WILKINSON - I also notice something here that many not notice - I see a similarity in that JOHN WILKINSON looks like what have been what ELVIS PRESLEY would have aged to look like had he lived longer !

[@conietan]

Good day! That's true. John was the most handsome and also the youngest among Elvis core bandmember. He was also the most loyal. Too bad that he died young. God rest his soul.

[@elvis-jj1sc]

ty john for your music and talking about the king!

[@rdr6276]

Wow I'm so glad this came up on my feed. Great great great great!

[@alenamatau7572]

0

[@opencurtin]

What a nice tribute he gave Elvis , we hear a lot of bad stuff about Elvis .. Rip John .

[@michaelgluth5173]

very interesting, new stories i never heard, altough i follow elvis for 30 years.....only.....the show is too short. I d love to listen much much longer and more. Anyway...thanks for THIS post. Greetings from Vienna, Austria, Europe :O)

[@superd9072]

Great interview, Love you, John

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

I really enjoyed that could have gone on al night i love hearing about all that is Elvis , and i really believe all John said god bless john

[@robertproctor7771]

SIMPLY WOW!!

[@williamspence1294]

John is a class act

[@mirandatomasic2532]

What a great story and indeed is great interview of such a special talented man and his recolection of our great sweet Elvis ! Thank you !!!❤️🙏⚡️👍

[@heatherlomaxmusic4776]

I’m a Missouri girl, learned to play in the Ozarks, had no idea he was from the Ozarks as well...

[@annburchill4676]

So special thanks for sharing ❤️

[@jackhammer6179]

God rest Johnny Wilkinson.

[@sandrahenry2737]

Very enjoyable 💜

[@patportelli1542]

Hi there, Thanks firstly for this, such an informative interview segment provided for our enjoyment....God Bless you... In summary : I think Elvis was so compassionate, generous, kind hearted and the list goes on and on.............. You need much time to describe all the good positive attributes Elvis had...... Greetings from Victoria. Australia...🇦🇺👍😄

[@robbiejenkins4379]

This is am awesome interview, thank you Mr John Wilkinson, you know the real Elvis. God bless you John. R.I.P Elvis you wonderful man

[@ssb753]

Thank you I always loved your playing

[@gracieg7601]

Yes he had the best musicians. I loved his hand picked musicians better than anyone.

[@JohnDeCarteretElvis]

Thanks John, it's good to hear someone talk about Elvis as you do. Loved your guitar playing. Thanks for remaining loyal to Elvis. May God be with you always. TCE

[@stephenhopkins9541]

Excellent interview

[@shirleysinger839]

Thank you, Wonderful conversation!

[@lindachristensen1706]

That was great thanks

[@Groucho-tg1tx]

Did he just say Elvis was a horrible driver? U learn something new every day...😎

[@carolbell8008]

WOW!! This was fantastic, had never heard the story behind the TCB necklaces before, this great guitarist has wonderful memories! I could keep listening for hours! Thank for a very cool interview! I wonder if Elvis gave him any other jewelry, he was wearing some beautiful rings. He deserves it, what a good friend to Elvis! Was Charlie Hodge also in the band? ❤️🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🌹😎

[@davidmoore9385]

Amazing story

[@martin77722]

elvis presley had only the best musicians in his band

[@raymondschmidt2003]

I can see that I guess he could pay for the best

[@gracieg7601]

Absolutely and always hand picked.

[@Jeff4090]

Agreed...although JD and The Stamps were his second choice of backup singers. Did you know James used banjo strings on his guitar? Thats how he got such a perfect blend.

[@rustyruss2962]

Yes Sir GodBless ❤️🙏⚡️⚡️TCB ⚡️⚡️

[@francisrobbins1499]

Often overlooked as James Burton got all the attention 😂