British guitarist analyses Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley's secret weapon!

[@amhaney1]

The sheer joy and admiration on Fil's face as he watches these legends perform makes me tear up. Love it

[@militzamadrid462]

...my favorites part, to watch him enjoy the songs.

[@kfoster3616]

yes enjoy watching Fil's reaction.

[@PamRios]

Yes! I love watching Fil!

[@crsnmorton]

I met Scotty in Nashville some years ago at a book reading for his autobiography. I asked him how he came up with the solo in That's Allright, Mama. He just shrugged and said: "It was a mistake." He also acted as Elvis' manager in the early years and he kept a record of everything, including how much money he made. From 1956 to 1969, he made $40,000. Even if you went back year through year to adjust that for inflation (which I did) it came to $400,000, which comes out to a little more than $33,000 a year adjusted for inflation, nowhere near what he should have made for playing with Elvis and basically creating his instrumental sound.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

Seriously. BBC should being paying Phil a handsome fee for these incredibly well done documentaries on music and musicians.

[@wingsofpegasus]

😂

[@lynndow3185]

These really ARE like documentaries! There is so much background information, I get an understanding of the whole complex scene, not just an artist or a song.

[@jonnyroxx7172]

But REALLY seriously... Fil’s doing a great service to educate and introduce music and musicians in a fun and interesting way. What’s even better is his attitude toward life. I’m a musician and I sometimes watch his videos just because I know they will be upbeat and positive - and to read the nice comments from the people that Fil attracts. I’m going to keep supporting him because Fil makes KZbin a better place. Peace. JR

[@lynndow3185]

@@jonnyroxx7172 I totally agree. Fil does make the world (and the internet!) a better place, for his students, for his viewers and for all of us who feel like kind of a community because of him. Let the lad blush, it's cold in Britain.

[@kevdean9967]

I hope Fil steers clear of the corperate mass media bullshit!!!

[@freedomatlast8756]

Scotty Moore was a very humble man who was almost without ego. Scotty Moore's contribution to music will echo for countless millenia to come.

[@danc3693]

That lack of ego quite possibly hurt his success. I am convinced most highly successful people have a larger ego than the average person - along with particular skills and abilities, of course (and sometimes some plain luck thrown in).

[@FREDgpz]

Less ego, more echo.

[@v-g-z3689]

True. Just one time, when Elvis joked in `54 that he´s gonna have a date with Scottys wife, the look on his face apparently wasn´t so appreciating :D

[@lechat8533]

For all those who don`t know this yet: It was exclusively the Colonel's fault that the musicians were treated so badly. Elvis was very distressed because of that. He would have loved to pay them more. He was very unhappy to see his friends go.

[@permogensen3964]

And Bill was told afterwards to "hold back" on fooling around as no spotlight much be taken away from "his boy". sigh,

[@johnroberts1141]

Elvis could have stopped the Colonel, but he allowed him to screw the band.

[@rocknroll_jezus9233]

​@@johnroberts1141Elvis himself was already screwed by contract

[@crazycat1345]

This is back when MK Ultra started to creep into the music industry. I think the Colonel was a handler.

[@lechat8533]

@@johnroberts1141 When you yourself are not directly involved in a problem, the solution always seems so easy.

[@jazzcat8786]

Pretty wild stuff for 56’ 🤯 Scotty was a monster!! Great rhythm and chord changes, precise double note stops. Slap back delay; so rockabilly🤘🏻

[@giftedplanksify]

You know your guitar techniques!

[@philsilverman9831]

I think of the set up as , elvis on rhythm and Scotty on lead .

[@scottmclennan6114]

Yeah there was much more delay than I’ve noticed before.

[@hank1519]

For years I thought that rockabilly was "primitive," not realizing how sophisticated it was! Silly me!

[@relentlessrescue260]

And this is why no pyrotechnics were ever needed. These guys with their playing, rock’n roll attitude, stage performance, sound and of course Elvis WERE the pyrotechnics!!!!! Unreal!!!

[@edgarwatts8960]

You are really good at making these videos. Thank you.

[@brendawalden6180]

These guys were PURE RAW talent ...nothing added just their bodies and their instruments!!!!

[@MrJed50]

Keith Richards once said, "I never thought of Elvis as a solo performer, when I really got into them in the early days, I always thought of them as a GREAT band with a GREAT lead singer (Elvis)".

[@v-g-z3689]

Keith also said: "Everybody wanted to be like Elvis, but I wanted to be like Scotty"

[@speedracer2336]

Disagree, it was always Elvis. Before him teenagers did not have an idol close to their age. Rock and Roll was around then, but not popular. Elvis definitely popularized it worldwide!

[@danc3693]

@@speedracer2336 As an Elvis fan for 6+ decades, I get your point but it’s important to give credit for the band’s influence on musicians who eventually became classic rocks superstars. Players at that level see a lot more going on musically than just the charismatic lead at the microphone.

[@speedracer2336]

@@danc3693 I get it. Went to see Kid Rock awhile ago, not to see his band. Travis Tritt performed locally without his band, just him and a guitar. Arena was sold out.

[@Keranu]

I'm not a Stones megafan, but Keith really had an appreciation for the finer things in early rock n roll. He was crazy for the Everly Brothers yet gives a lot of credit to their original songwriters. Keith and Alice Cooper are real rock historians.

[@naomimoore5696]

I am just amazed at how much you know about all these musicians & artists. Since listening to you discuss each artist, I now have a whole new appreciation on how to observe an artist perform. You are so young & such a wealth of knowledge on these artists! I love listening to you. Thanks for what you do!.

[@margarettaylor8107]

Who could do all three simultaneously, dance, sing, and play a guitar? Only Elvis. What a unique talent.

[@judefernandez827]

Everybody’s forgetting the great Bill Black on upright bass .RIP Mr Black .

[@wingsofpegasus]

I mention Bill in this video! ☺

[@judefernandez827]

Thank you Wings of Pegasus .Yes I heard you mention him .He was so popular in India with his Bill Black’s Combo .I think every Anglo Indian house had a Bill Black’s collection of records .

[@kevdean9967]

They used to call the upright bass the doghouse bass. I believe The Bill Black combo had a #1 hit with "Smokey".

[@momoka2859]

Paul McCartney owns ones of Bill Black's bass that he played on Elvis's concerts. There is a you tube video of Paul playing it singing Hound Dog.

[@judefernandez827]

Yes Michael Koch Paul’s late wife Linda gave it to him for his 50th birthday .

[@carolkowalewicz3822]

Really sorry to hear what happened to the band.They were such an integral part of the sound that propelled Elvis to stardom. As usual your analysis is spot on

[@matthewwhitton5720]

It’s so sad, too, to listen to Scotty being interviewed a few years prior to his passing, reminiscing about a private meeting that Elvis had with the original band, in his home, after the massive success of the ‘68 Comeback Special, in which Elvis asked them to join him on a European tour. Sadly, as we know, probably due to Parker’s machinations, it wasn’t to be.

[@bigdogpete43]

People look at this, but don't realize just how radical it was for 1956. This was the very beginning of a sound that defined an entire generation. Scotty was there when it happened, just when the dam was about to break. What a story to tell. Great stuff Fil, and as always, great commentary.

[@asherasspirit7727]

Scott Moore was kick azz 🥴 And Elvis brought all the rest together in this one! 💗

[@eldondye1809]

So many great 60s/70s guitarists idolized him. Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and others all said Scotty was a huge influence. Thanks for the great history lesson. I learn something new every video. Love your enthusiasm.

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

jEFF BECK,TOO

[@essessessesq]

@@davidsmith-jj4iq Plant tells of he and Page meeting Elvis in 1974-----he said they acted like kids who had just met Santa----and he said "Elvis was ELVIS-----he looked wondeful!"

[@davidsmith-jj4iq]

@@essessessesq NO DOUBT ,thanks Jerry.

[@jimmoulton9878]

This was a great recording of Elvis and early band. Scotty was a real talented guitarist. It is a shame the way the band got treated by management.

[@vidpie]

So this video led me to watching another video tracking down where Scotty Moore lived in Memphis (where he worked at a dry cleaner). Bill Black lived just a few doors down (he worked at a nearby Firestone plant). All three first met in Scotty's tiny living room on the Fourth of July -- a Sunday. His wife recalled Elvis performed a lot of ballads that didn't distinguish him. Scotty was impressed by how many songs he knew. From Scotty's book: ----------------------------------------- Finally, Elvis said goodbye and left... Bill came back to help critique the audition. "What did you think?" I asked. "Well, he didn't impress me too damned much," said Bill. "How about you?" "I thought he had good timing. A good voice. Nothing different jumped out from the material he was doing." "After Bill left, I called Sam to give him a report. I was upbeat but not gushing in my assessment of Elvis' talents. I mentioned that I was surprised that Elvis knew so many rhythm and blues songs. Sam asked if I thought it would be worthwhile to audition him in the studio. "Sure," I said. Sam called Elvis and set up an audition for Monday night at the studio. ----------------------------------------- Monday night is when they recorded, "That's Alright Momma." .

[@timothyjohnson3545]

Excellent posting, Copy Bloc!🎸 🍸 😎

[@kevincorkery6292]

Thank you for bringing to light the hard times that Scotty went through.

[@bobbyc.4415]

Scotty Moore was a badass on guitar!

[@TennesseeMelanie]

He indeed was a total badass.

[@BeefheartLynch]

Word...

[@Sunny-jz3dy]

It blows my mind that Scotty was self taught! Thank you for doing this reaction on Scott Moore! He was quite a gentleman! 😇.

[@stevetrivago]

What can I say Fil.. you are the man! Sent this to my 73 yr old dad... he loved Elvis 🕺🏻 beautiful work man

[@toddjones3969]

Those Sun recordings are a master class in accenting/serving the song. Scotty’s playing is just pure, simple beauty on those tracks. And to think he hardly ever bends a note!

[@robertchesnosky3508]

WE MAY NEVER AGAIN SEE THE KIND OF THRILLS AND EXCITEMENT THAT ELVIS IN 1956 WAS CAPABLE OF CREATING ON STAGE. THE WHOLE BUILDING ROCKED.

[@NickRatnieks]

Alvin Lee said something to the effect that Scotty's playing on Hound Dog sounded like a whole load of scaffolding poles falling off a truck! Now this was meant as a compliment- it really is an incredible sound and quite unique, too. Great solo by Scotty on King Creole and so many other early Elvis recordings at Sun.

[@essessessesq]

you're right about Scotty's solo on King Creole!....if you go to you tube for that song as a film clip from the movie, EP is in front of the band playing an acoustic guitar, and while the solo plays, EP is doing all the correct fingering on his acoustic guitar for the solo, and he trurns to look back at Scotty, and they are both laughing, because it is so absurd in the film to show that fabulous ringing electric guitar solo as coming from an acoustic guitar!

[@Mega1moon]

​@@essessessesq4:06

[@georgesid5632]

I absolutely love Wings of Pegasus and his in-depth and intelligent analysis. I am seriously addicted to these videos. Keep up the great work Sir. I take my hat off to you!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks George!

[@bubhub64]

RIP to all the "Blue Moon Boys!"

[@keithhyttinen8275]

Fil....thank you for all your great uploads. Very enjoyable.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Thanks Fil..Scotty such an innovator with his sound..no wonder Joe Perry and Keith Richards loved him and so many others.

[@lechat8533]

I just had to come back to listen to your excellent analysis and fantastic summary of what was going on back then. I`ve always loved Scotty because although he and Bill were so important in Elvis`s career, he was a very quiet and humble man/musician. The Colonel said that without him there would be no Elvis. Well, that`s debatable, but I personally believe that without Sam Philips, Scotty and Bill, there wouldn`t be an Elvis like we know him today. In the end, it was Sam who singled him out, and Scotty Moore was the one who gave Elvis his approval, although, in the beginning when he met Elvis, he wasn`t really "enchanted" by him. Scotty just said that he guessed, Elvis was "alright". After all, Elvis was a teenager and Scotty was 4 years older than him and more experienced at that time. Four years is a lot when you are so young. I`ve always felt sorry that Elvis, Scotty, Bill, and DJ Fontana weren`t able to stay together till the end.

[@Rcknroler913]

The Blue Moon Boys. Most influential rock and roll band ever.

[@cut1986]

YES.

[@essessessesq]

The Beatles all ageed with that assessment!---

[@dennismood7476]

One of the things I really like about your videos is the way you watch them yourself. I can see you genuinely enjoying the artists in the video. Your smile and eyes are showing the fascination and appreciation of the talent you are watching . It's so great to see one artist admiring another. Keep up the great work here.

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@strumbum946]

My Dad was a session drummer at Sun Records in the mid 50s. He recorded some stuff with Scotty Moore (before) Elvis came to Sun. I never really found out from my Dad what he and Scotty recorded. I think it was mostly demo stuff. Sam Philips tried to get my Dad and Scotty to back Elvis. Neither my Dad or Scotty liked Elvis or his style of music. My Dad and Scotty were more interested in playing Jazz. Scotty also liked Country music, but in the same style as Chet Atkins. My Dad refused to play with Elvis, however, Scotty agreed to play with him and see what they could do. I have thought all my life what it would have been like for my Dad to have been Elvis’s drummer. But he wasn’t. Scotty did become Elvis’s guitarist and the rest is history. My Dad always stayed loyal to playing Jazz music until he could no longer play, a few years before he passed away in 2015 at 83 yrs old. RIP Pop!

[@patrickgueguin792]

What's your dad name?

[@strumbum946]

@@patrickgueguin792 - His initials are NK. Unless you were hanging out at Sun Studios during those days, you wouldn’t recognize his name. He was never a famous drummer. He only played locally in our City.

[@patrickgueguin792]

@@strumbum946 Well,I felt in the trap.Thanks

[@strumbum946]

@@patrickgueguin792 - Do you know any of the session players that used to play at Sun Studios?

[@patrickgueguin792]

@@strumbum946 of course ,no

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

Man the things you learn listening to you. Now I wish I would have saved some more braincels. Thanks again Fil you always make it interesting. Hats off to Scotty Rock on

[@lynndow3185]

You have plenty of brain cells left! And music forges new connections among them...rock on!

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

@@lynndow3185 I don't know my cat looks at me stupid sometimes

[@lynndow3185]

@@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222 well, cats, cats are smarter than all of us!

[@jamesgordonakacrazylegs8222]

@@lynndow3185 They've definitely found a great job. All they have to do is act like they like you a couple times a day get fed for it, roof over their head and no responsibilities except catching mice and they get to eat them too

[@joannaedwards6325]

James Gordon Funny! But true. 😄

[@MichaelT199]

You never cease to amaze, Fil. Thanks for the info and analysis.

[@marnaehrech1223]

Fil, the fact that you are highlighting these amazing unsung heroes, decades later, to give them the respect they deserve, gives me the warm fuzzies inside! They certainly didn't deserve to be relegated to oblivion, unremarked, uncelebrated. Thank you for giving us a chance to appreciate them once more! I'm sure Col. Tom Parker had many more misdeeds to his credit. Love this video!

[@wingsofpegasus]

No problem!

[@joannedungan8381]

That's probably why on tour after 68 Elvis always would introduce his band individually and what they were playing.

[@CornbreadOracle]

Many years ago, when I was a young lass in the 1990’s, I worked with a lady who I’d say was probably hovering around 60 then. One day in casual conversation the topic of Elvis came up (it was a retail job - probably inspired by the store music?) She told me the following story: when she was a young teenager she’d gone to a county fair. (Context: this was in north Alabama) She and her friends were excited to see the musical acts. They were anticipating some of the known names in the line up, but, as she said, she didn’t even remember who that was because the opening act was a young good looking guy with a funny name. She’d never heard of him, but once he got started she knew she’d never forget him. That young man was Elvis Presley and the way she described seeing a young Elvis perform was “It was like somebody spilled lightning on that stage. After that you didn’t CARE who came next.”

[@v-g-z3689]

Elvis was the motor and the Blue Moon Boys were the supercharger of that motor. Back in the 50´s Scotty´s sound was mindblowing, people just haven´t heard anything like it before. The sound he got out of that Gibson will never be duplicated.

[@TheKopyKatz]

Scotty was awesome. Saw him and DJ play live at the mean fiddler back in late 90s.

[@worldtravel101]

I'm a heavy metal guy, but I absolutely love watching Elvis!

[@scottthomas9181]

Love Scotty but im more impressed with your research and back story great post Fil

[@ronnie5129]

FIL, ONCE AGAIN, A GREAT VIDEO, AND YOUR COMMENTS, KEEP THE MUSIC AND INFO ON THE PEOPLE COMMING, YOU ROCK, COUSIN FIGEL

[@Jamesharris-lo9nn]

Scotty was a huge influence on so many guitarists including one of my favorites the great Brian Setzer. Great job Fil!

[@brendaisajiw3417]

Stole? In a case like this you can't steal anyone away if they don't want to go.

[@grimbeornn]

Yes sir, that was pure revolution. Blue Moon Boys rocked the world so hard, and it’s still shaking! Miss you always..

[@charlievance8750]

I saw Elvis Presley perform live at the National Theatre in Greensboro, N.C. on Feb. 6, 1956. A lot of great things were happening to Elvis that year. He was already getting National Attention by performing on the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey "Stage Show" He had just signed on with RCA-Records and his new LP self titled was released the same year. Scotty Moore and Bill Black were great in that 1956 show. "Mystery Train" and all his Sun hits they played and played well! Scotty Moore is why I got my first Guitar and started learning to play like him! Thank you Scotty Moore! I am still playing my friend. May you RIP.

[@Patriot751]

Scotty Moore was James Burton of the 50s. He really made Elvis shine, worked as a team. Thanks for the info about the evolution of their relationship, didn't know that. I'm happy they reunited in 68. It is sad, Parker was a terrible manager, he should have paid Moore and DJ and Black well, kept Elvis skills sharp, they all shared a special bond. Elvis lost his confidence during his movie years, his guys should have been with him, Parker was a disgrace. I think, Scotty, DJ and Black knew Parker tied Presley's hands. They, I think, always loved Elvis for what he did for them.

[@essessessesq]

I have good news----the fact is, that Scotty and drummer DJ Fontana DID play on all of Elvis's movie and non-movie recording sessions, all the way up to 1968----and in 1969, Elvis asked both of them to go with him to Las Vagas, and they both said "no thanks"----both were family men and didn't want to go to Vegas for a month-----Elvis also asked his vocal group, the Jordanaires, to go to Vegas----but they also said "no thanks," because they were making so much money doing Nashville recording sessions-------Scotty DID say to Elvis, "call James Burton, he can put together a band for you."----The rest is history!

[@dannythompson4748]

@@essessessesq JAMES BURTON was RICKY NELSON"s BEST FRIEND WHEN THEY WERE TEENAGERS, PLAYED GUITAR FOR RICKY WHEN HE WAS GETTING HIS SINGING STARTED ..

[@Rock4UNow]

@@essessessesq i the good thing we got out of James Burton was, Ronnie Tutt (drummer ) and Jerry Shift (bass player) but there's another guitarist I wish Elvis would have picked for lead, I'm not going to say. Could have kept James for rhythm and some lead.

[@essessessesq]

@@dannythompson4748 Correct! And James Burton played lead guitar on the early rock classic "Suzie Q" by Dale Hawkins----1957?

[@essessessesq]

@@Rock4UNow Eric Clapton?---just kidding---I did see an interview with Paul McCartney in which he said "We [the Beatles] would have been Elvis's backing band, if he had ever asked us!"

[@timothyjohnson3545]

Exceptional, Phil! You always hit the right notes. But, this well researched backstory overview and analysis is right off the charts brilliant and registered massively with music lovers everywhere!

[@RMGCBG]

You are all over the chart! Love it Fil, I posted the Holy Grail on Facebook

[@michaeliacangelo5646]

I really respect you. Your love for your craft and the respect you have for musicians and artists is amazing to watch. When u watch and start smiling at what you reacting to is so authentic and full of love u have for talent I totally respect and believe your anaylases 100 percent

[@jayr178]

Scotty was too nice of a guy to tell Elvis to "shove it" for the comeback special. But money is always needed, I get it.

[@HeavenlyPresley-Tonya]

Scotty was excited as hell to do that with Elvis... Listen to his interviews...!!!!

[@brendaparker3825]

Phil, your smile could light up a run way. I love watching your reactions as much as the video's. Thank you for making these. They are awesome!!

[@rookmaster7502]

I discovered years ago that learning Scotty's licks can really benefit one's rock and roll guitar playing.

[@davidmartin7081]

Scotty had some influence even on the Amazing S.R.V.! Right on.

[@DiamondGirl-1234]

The background information and analysis of this time period of music is so complete. Your breakdown of these performances are the absolute best on You Tube!!! Keep them coming.

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

Great video Fil, you hit right on everything... Scotty Moore was under rated as guitar player and his importance in rock history and his design in Elvis's sound. As incredible as Sam Phillips was sometimes I think he gets too much credit for that original sound. BTW the Gibson ES-295 Scotty was playin is still around and on display at Graceland... I saw it last year and have to say I never thought I would be that awe-struck in the presence of a guitar!

[@commanderthorkilj.amundsen3426]

Agree. Scotty was a stellar rockabilly guitarist. Similarly, Luther Perkins gave Johnny Cash (great song writer, but a dismal vocalist and beginner guitarist) his signature sound. Elvis, however, had the voice, the moves, style, and looks to create the avalanche that ensued.

[@milesreay8375]

I think you apply the term “rhythm guitar” rather loosely in regard to Scotty Moore. His claw hammer style was rhythmic, but he didn’t play rhythm guitar in the generally accepted sense. You also use the term “pick” loosely. Scotty mainly used a thumbpick, and very rarely a plectrum. Also, he didn’t stop using a thumbpick early-on as you maintain. He used it on most, if not all, the early Sun recordings at least.

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

@@milesreay8375 Are you talking to me or Fil...? If you watch the prior video I think you'll know what Fil is talking about in regard to Scotty playing rythem... And Fil stated on multiple occasions that Scotty used alternative picking: ie... Anything other then flat picking.

[@Mega1moon]

​@@commanderthorkilj.amundsen34260:00

[@johnduckworth474]

Thanks for this, Fil. You do a great job here and with all your videos. I look forward to every one of them.

[@suryclind]

thank you for telling the story of how and with who, Elvis started. I know the story well n you were spot on. love your reviews n watch you appreciate music from my generation...

[@ilianazamora3313]

Fil, I just love your smile when you're watching these guys play their guitars. 💖

[@thejohnwattshow5119]

Boy! that's going way back! Seems like yesterday!

[@marktwain368]

You make it fun, Fil. You enjoy analyzing these guys as much as we do! Rock on, man!

[@beatlessteve1010]

It's amazing how lead guitar has changed over the years ...Elvis steals the show what an entertainer.

[@keetonplace]

That was the very reason that these guys were never going to stand out with Elvis there. Wherever Elvis was, he was the show. He couldn't help that, you just couldn't stop looking at him. Not just his good looks, a presence about him. There's Mash-up videos made with Elvis and Freddie and others with Elvis having a small part, and all the people commenting are saying it was Elvis you wanted to get back to. Please try and not blame him so much if they didn't get the credit due them. He had them there for the movies and Scotty was around Graceland until the end of his life.

[@daviddband77]

My goodness! What a excellent video! Nice research!

[@slicksnewonenow]

I've never understood... Elvis being the kind of person he was, why he didn't "take care" of Scotty, Bill and D.J. after the party was over (so to speak). I wonder if the Colonel had anything to do with all of that, too? Story has it that that crook ended up making 10 times the money Elvis did... And Elvis was LOADED.

[@lindajones8101]

I know Albert Goldman got roasted over his Elvis biography that I read and quite enjoyed in parts. I remember how he brought to life the white gospel singers that he said Elvis went to see along with hundreds of others at local community halls or whatever. But one thing Goldman mentioned was that Elvis could have been so much bigger and been in front of so many more audiences who loved him if he had been able to tour outside of the US. But although many of us don’t realize it, he never did. Goldman’s theory was that the colonel was actually a Dutchman who was in the US illegally and therefore didn’t want to chance taking himself and his star out of the country in case he couldn’t get back in. So Goldman does claim that the kernel in this way as well held Elvis back. Goldman mentions that since Elvis was stationed in Germany in the military that there would’ve been so many Germans and other Europeans and probably even Japanese people who would’ve gone crazy for him. But instead he was stuck to playing on the US mainland and in Hawaii and doing the movies that he apparently hated.

[@lindajones8101]

I did read that the kernel had an immense gambling addiction or habit and used Elvis’s earnings especially in the movies that Elvis hated to finances gambling debts.

[@cpklapper]

This is why Jim Morrison blew up at being announced as “Jim Morrison and the Doors” and refused to come on stage until announced as “The Doors”.

[@karlgillies]

I couldn't have put it any better, about Scotty Moore, even though James Burton is brilliant, Scotty had his own style, which was essential to Elvis, being a star, Scotty guitar playing, was what made Elvis, and what a tragic mistake, to part ways, with Scotty .

[@davidnelson6986]

Phil's comments are just brilliant and so insightful. I love his commentaries. His adding the historical context for the various musicians and singers really brings it alive.

[@davidmartin7081]

Once again Brother Fil does a TOP NOTCH JOB!!! You Absolutely Amaze me sometimes Fil! Scotty was an influential axe man on many peers & posterity. His chops on "Good Rocking Tonight " were noticed by S.R.V.'s rhythm guitar! Love Struck, Pride & Joy have Scotty's bag stamped on them. Incredible job Fil! What would we do without you?!!! You're the Greatest! ROCK!!!

[@jaclestrat]

David Martin spot on with SRV and Pride and Joy /Good Rockin Tonite licks.

[@cotachrome5797]

10 seconds into the song, I have a grin on my face, my toes are tapping, and I have to pause the video to get my guitar so I can play along the rest of the way. Maybe not Moore’s best performance, but the vibe and feeling that changed the world are all there. Have to add though, as much as I love Elvis and his early band, Bill Haley and the Comets had a very similar music style, in 1954. Thanks Fil!

[@sandramiller8701]

Elvis Presley was Something Else

[@monabrown5184]

I always enjoy learning these random miscellaneous things that you seem to know about everyone that was, or is, a musician. The history, the detail, the backstory, and the music. I appreciate the work and dedication you have to bring us these videos (like every day).

[@rcsproject627]

Scotty and Bill got shafted big time. It's too bad Elvis didn't stick up for them so that they would get the pay that they deserved. Great analysis Fil. Cheers

[@momoka2859]

Yes very sad they got screwed. But in the later studio recordings they needed studio musicians who could play anything.

[@bradleyhart2492]

Thank you so much for doing this. I thought I knew a bit more than the "average person" about Elvis, but this is something I never even considered. I'm not a musician at all, but my wife is a sax player in a jazz band ( Big House Blues Band) and we talked about this. To my surprise, she knew about how important Elvis's first band was to his success. Bravo, keep up the great reviews.

[@coelhocointech9841]

Is there anyone else who could sing, play rhythm guitar and dance like that...ever in all of history

[@ep4everlegend317]

What a dynamic grouping that changed music and the world... Elvis was truly amazing and unique but here we see the focus shift to a guitar hero Scotty Moore, revolutionary time in music, scotty certainly deserves credit with shaping guitar playing style, sadly we lost Scotty last year.. Great review and analysis..

[@priscillachung-hacker5923]

This is the Elvis I love!

[@larryferguson1547]

Brilliant post, Fil!! Really enjoyed this one! Great back-story and a very detailed analysis and summary of the rise of Elvis, his sound, the people who influenced it, how they influenced it.... And all in under 15 minutes! This is definitely going down to my "History Of Rock Music" folder. You should start a 'Rock History' channel! Thanks so much.

[@fredhinckley8630]

I remember the first time Elvis was on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956 (yes I am that old). They only showed Elvis from the waist up, because his dancing (swiveling his hips) was considered too "dirty" to show on TV. Yes, times have changed.

[@petermartinijr.1012]

Fred Hinckley this performance was before he did Ed Sullivan. This was on the Milton Berle Show April 1956. The first time Elvis was on Ed Sullivan was September 1956.

[@hoponpop3330]

Actually Elvis’s first National TV appearance was the Dorsey Brothers show. My sister was 14 my girl cousin 13 and I was 12 . Those girls went crazy when he appeared . He then did Berle And The Steve Allen show ( no fan of Rock ) but Alllen’s show ran opposite Ed Sullivan and normally was killed in the ratings However when Elivis appeared on the show it actually beat Sullivan in the ratings which caused Ed to book him.

[@douglasj.arcuri1370]

I wish your analysis was out years ago.We didn’t have U tube.Your music analysis has rounded out my music education.The secrets are finally revealed.

[@chuckmadden2251]

Digging into the next layer would be Travis picking, such an influence on Scotty and many rock and country pickers. This style also goes back to The Everly Brothers uncle Mose, a coal miner in Kentucky. Another great video Fil!

[@kevdean9967]

I believe the liniage went from Travis to Chet and then it proliferated to just about every country guitar player with Jerry Reed being the Pinnacle. That's just my opinion of coarse.

[@chuckmadden2251]

@@kevdean9967As in most cases the inventor(s) are names never known, the one who brings it to fame we know. To learn this style, Merle followed coal miners Ike Everly and Mose Rager as the two played local parties, Merle even plays a cover of the Ike Everly's Rag. Worth checking both of those unknowns out if you like this style... it's the roots. Even better story knowing this was the famous Everly Brothers father.. who gave up fame to push the boys career.

[@texasdoug5739]

Wonderful presentation. Great video, Phil.....thank you for posting.

[@pbracey1]

Excellent analysis Fil...so much history. It was so disgraceful how Scotty, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana were treated, and weren't adequately compensated. Buddy Holly and the Crickets became popular during that same time period. I wonder if the Crickets (Joe B. Mauldin, Jerry Allison, et al.) were compensated in a similar manner?

[@jessiem276]

Elvis should have gotten rid of Parker! I couldn't believe it when I heard he was getting half of every cent Elvis ever made. That's robbery!

[@essessessesq]

Holly was even wose to his band----he went solo in 1958 and dumped them!

[@essessessesq]

@@jessiem276 it was not quite that bad-----the 50% to Colonel was only on a few side deals when EP and Colonel went in as 50-50 equals. That was NOT the % on most of EP's $. I believe Colonel got 20% of that, because EP was his ONLY client and Colonel spent all his time on EP..

[@donrobinson8816]

Peter No. The Crickets were all (including Buddy) paid the same. He was influenced to put them on a salary, but Buddy would have none of that. They split all income from personal appearances and shared equally the royalties.

[@PatrickCawley]

Elvis was the reason I sang but Scotty was the reason I play the guitar. Great video and analysis.

[@oldarpanet]

Fil, I know you are an artist in your own right, but could it be that your best gig is as an archivist or some such for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame? With your skill in seeing, describing, putting into perspective artists contributions to music... This is fascinating. How you describe the contributions of different artists toward forwarding music, as an element of the whole. It's amazing. This guitarist adds this, without which this front man is perhaps, never going to make it...but, he is there, and it makes the world of difference. I realize it's your point of view, but you seem to be able to see all this from an external point of view and make it so...understandable... That you see the skill and articulate it and how it adds to the whole is so refreshing. So many want to judge: he is great, he sucks, blah, blah, blah. You seem to have none of that. You see and report the contribution made and how it adds to the whole. This is so refreshing! Thanks, man. This is why I always check out what you upload. Maybe you could market your skill as an informed observer of musicianship.. Anyways, Here's me, wishing you: All the best!

[@paulablissett9396]

WELL SAID, BRAVO!

[@marnaehrech1223]

Absolutely, oldarpanet! Took the words right out of my mouth! Fil's level of perception is so finely tuned, it's remarkable. Such a delight these videos are!

[@lynndow3185]

Fil is truly one of a kind...archivist, analyst, educator and musician in his own right.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Fil is blushing with all the compliments.

[@rebbeshort]

Stay away from working for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Fil. I don't believe it to be a very honourable institution. Too many quality musicians missing from it; too many mediocre ones in it.

[@tontoschwartz6916]

Outstanding analysis Fil. You really know your music and how these early days were SO important to rock. Scotty was such a seminal performer. Thanks for this.

[@vmat1000]

The Blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll. Sure, a Carl Perkins tune but shot across the bow here. i can dig it.

[@sinnertrain7405]

I've never seen this clip before, wow, what seminal sounds! Scotty Moore was an amazing guitarist and a real trailblazer on the guitar. Thanks for featuring one of the original rock guitarists (who were pretty jazzy back then).

[@acatwiththreenames3658]

"When Elvis went to Hollywood, ...that's when everything went wrong" - Adam Duritz

[@jrc8640]

No it didn't he was the biggest paid actor in Hollywood and when he finished he did the incredible comeback in 68 .. not many artists could rekindle there singing career after that long without performing !! Only EP could do that !!

[@keetonplace]

@@jrc8640 Tom Hanks and Jay Leno were doing Elvis trivia one night, both being fans. One said every movie made money, and that no one has ever done that since, and he was paid a million per movie, a first. But the main thing is that the movies drew in kids that remain fans to this day.

[@AndreRMeyer]

exceptional, as usual Phil, I truly admire the work and feel you put into 'your work‘, thank you very much.

[@1allstarman]

$100.00 a week in 1956 was making a good living , My mom bought a 2 family home in 1969 , her monthly payment was $90.00 a month .

[@tracy3364]

He still makes me smile this is what 70 years or so ago still gets me

[@Igbon5]

Have you seen the movie "Hired Gun"? It's on Netflix and is about musicians who were important for certain bands but were not treated all that well. It's a good watch.

[@1satisfiedmind]

I'm gonna check it out, thanks

[@marnaehrech1223]

Thx for that!

[@davidcatalano3781]

Fil, love your story about Scotty and Elvis and the bandI never knew this . Great information! God bless!

[@jessiem276]

I watched this again 😀 I have to admit...kept trying to watch Scotty, but..it's very hard with Elvis singing & dancing around 😂 I keep wondering how he was able to sing, play the guitar & keep dancing around the whole time. I haven't seen many of the very old videos, but..they're great. Elvis was an awesome entertainer/artist. Thanks, for all of the information you give us 💙 Btw..this was supposed to be about Scotty, and here I go focusing on Elvis, so..I can kind of understand why the musicians weren't getting enough attention 😂 They most certainly should have been paid more!

[@albertomartinez2479]

Every serious Guitarist knows who Scotty is and what he accomplished.

[@ivannovotny4552]

Never disappointing, thank you Fil for another video presentation sharing with us. Cheers.

[@southphillybilly5379]

Wonderful synopsis. I enjoy all you videos. Sad how the band was treated, but maybe that’s just the music business. Don’t know how true the stories are, but I’ve heard the same thing about Chuck Berry. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@SolarReturn1966]

One of the BIGGEST highlights in my life was meeting Scotty Moore and getting his autograph three different times! Fortunate to get his autograph at his Independent Tape Duplication business in Nashville years ago. Later learned the gal I spoke with that worked for Scotty wasn't even aware who her boss was...imagine that! Legendary my friends! Absolutely LEGENDARY!

[@amberwoodstudio]

A lot of guitar players from my generation can’t appreciate this. I learnt so much listening to Scotty. He never gets boring or over does it. Instead he puts emphasis on dynamics and how it makes the listener feel. At a time when Bing Crosby was all the rage. These guys show up like 4 teenagers knocking down dads garage door to kick your ass. ☺️

[@joeysanguine3596]

Thank you for remembering Legendary guitarist Scotty Moore; amazing video 🥰

[@Mark13091961]

Fabulous and incisive review. A curious fact, this recording was done live on the deck of a US aircraft carrier in harbour as part of a TV show

[@lynndow3185]

I was wondering about that, thanks. It was interesting that Elvis and the music got as enthusiastic as response from an audience of men (I think it's all men), he was so appealing to the girls!