A friend abused me for my claim that I think Elvis could have sung opera.

What do I know about opera? Absolutely nothing.

When Elvis came out of the army, there was an attempt to have him sing more adult material, a few of them opera based. “It’s now or never” was O Solo Mia with the words rewritten. “Surrender” is another example. I’m not arguing that Caruso would have jumped up and applauded these efforts, but it’s not like Elvis had any training either - either way they show off an incredible instrument that released Country, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Rock, Hard Rock, and Blues music. Elvis was an expert in most of these catagories just from his innate love of music - the others he created.

So could he have sung opera? - if there are any experts out there let me know.

As for his instrument - he could do this with one foot solidly and sadly in the grave - “Hurt” from 1977

Share This

// 2 Comments »

Stolen from here.

http://hobbiesandpastimes.blogspot.com/2007/06/voices-of-elvis-presley.html

“The voice covers two octaves and a third, from the baritone low-G to the tenor high B, with an upward extension in falsetto to at least a D flat. Presley’s best octave is in the middle. D-flat to D-flat. Call him a high baritone.” “Moreover, he has not been confined to one type of vocal production” “He is a naturally assimilative stylist with a multiplicity of voices – in fact, Elvis’ voice is an extraordinary voice, or many voices.” – (Henry Pleasants, The Great American Popular Singers)

“I suppose you’d call him a lyric baritone, although with exceptional high notes and unexpectedly rich low ones. But what is more important about Elvis Presley is not his vocal range, nor how high, or low it extends, where its center of gravity is. By that measure, Elvis was all at once a tenor, a baritone and a bass, the most unusual voice I’ve ever heard.” – (Gregory Sandows, Music Professor at Columbia University)

[Read more…]

Share This

// Comments »

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/11/16/114120.php

See my thoughts at the above link. You knew it would be overweighted towards the ’60s yet where in hell is Levi Stubbs!

Share This

// 1 Comment »

I grew up listening to Herb Score announce Cleveland Indians baseball games. He always appeared to be the nicest most gracious man alive, and never for a second seemed bitter that his Hall of Fame talent had been eclipsed by some epic bad luck. If it had been me, the whining would have been endless.

Share This

// Comments »

Kneel Before Oprah and Kiss Her Ring

Share This

// Comments »