Elvis Blog – Post #22

DATELINE: Memphis, Tennessee
Remembering Friday 17 August 2012
Elvis Week

ELVIS QUOTE:
“I ad lib everything. I never had a rehearsal in my life. When I recorded Blue Moon of Kentucky, I didn’t even know the words of it.”

ELVIS TRIVIA:
Why did Elvis put in for Army combat maneuvers?

ELVIS HISTORY:
Tuesday 17 August 1954
Earlier in August, Elvis had been stung by criticism that he was not religious. He asked Sam Philips to void his contract so he could go back to gospel music. Sam refused and told him (no doubt with a straight face) that there was a rule against talking religion in the music world.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE:
Friday 17 August 2012
Elvis Week
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest
10 AM. Groggy from lack of sleep, we stumbled into the Cannon Center 255 N. Main Street for the first round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest. 29 artists who had already won preliminary rounds, competed. Such unbelievable talent. The first round was incredible, I’ve seen a lot of contests, but never one as tough as this. I figure the songs they draw (by random drawings) will make the big difference. Two good-looking guys from across the pond, Ben Portsmouth (Walthan, St. Lawrence, England) and Pete Storm (Kent, England) both drew the all-time crowd favorite Suspicious Minds—the song voted number nine of the 500 best songs ever written. Portsmouth also drew the perennial favorite, Hurt, not once but twice. How lucky can you get? Bobby Simpkins was phenomenal singing Wearin’ That Loved-on Look. Mark Anthony drew Just Pretend, and did an amazing job. Flawless performances by Ted Torres, Victor Trevino, Jr., and Kevin Mills made it hard to pick a favorite.

I finally got to eat at the Blues City Café. Love those ribs, but missed seeing Joseph Hall’s show due to lack of time. Some of the group got to see him at the Clarion.

7 PM Second Round UETA contest:
I have narrowed the field of possible winners (in my opinion) at this point. Certainly Ted Torres, Victor Trevino, Jr., Kevin Mills, and the Brits, Ben and Pete, are the ones to beat. I would be surprised if either of the British guys take it because the other three have such a huge American fan base. Victor and Ted were surprising in their (very smart) choices—Ted doing an energetic fifties Elvis, and an angelic-looking Victor doing gospel (who knew bad-boy Victor could sing gospel?) Victor showed an astounding power in his ballad voice. Both their ranges are amazing. Kevin, always a crowd favorite, was on fire with Steam Roller.

10:30 PM Cannon Center:
Cody Slaughter (2012 UETA) and Shawn Klush (the very first UETA). What can I say? Thrilling. A perfect show.

TRIVIA ANSWER:
Because I didn’t want any mother writing in to ask, why do you get out of things my boy has to do?