Tonight was another rare American Idol viewing. We are to start Tuesday night rehearsals soon but nit was ice to be off early on a Tuesday night. This week the top nine took on the task of attempting to channel their inner King of Rock & Roll. For the most part, they all did a great job with two very notable exceptions. I have to say how much I idolize the performer who came from nothing and achieved such a memorable place in entertainment history. Not only was he instrumental in the evolution of pop rock music but he also crossed over to country and sang gospel/spiritual music like no one else. I have always appreciated the religious side of Elvis more than any of the other genres. I think these songs showed a personal, vulnerable side that few of his “hits” conveyed (with the possible exception of “In the Ghetto”).
In what has been called the “’68 Comeback Special” after the Hollywood era of a long list of movie attempts, the King set out to do what he had done best… perform in front of a live audience. Not only did he perform many of the crowd pleasing songs, but also included a montage of gospel songs. I’m not going to post the nine minute section of the special but here is an equally moving piece that closed the concert:
Remember, it WAS the late 60s. If you put the song into the context of the turbulent times, the song speaks for itself. I don’t think he was exceptionally vocal about his world view but his music spoke volumes. He may not have written a large number of songs but the songs he chose to perform was his genius.
Oh, I LOVE that song! My appreciation for Elvis has grown in the past few years. I checked out a greatest hits collection from the library not too long ago and that’s where I found “If I Can Dream” – wore that track down!!
I wouldn’t think some people would have the right voice to do Elvis- sounds like an almost unfair assignment to take on songs from one particular singer. Those who could be otherwise outstanding could find themselves off the show just because they can’t sound like Elvis. That said, I have no idea about those two who performed the “bad karaoke” the other night. Just what I read in the paper, mostly on the local contestant. DeWyze (sp?)
Actually Derek, Lee was one of my favorites the other night. He is improving from what little I have seen. One of the remaining contestants performed a song that I know well and made it sound totally unrecognizable. That’s not the “Lawdy, Miss Clawdy” I remember.
And taylhis, If I Can Dream is one of my favs, too.
notice the comma between the two important names.. LOL. No pun intended. I believe the spelling is different in any case 😉
Ah, yes, caught it – minus one “r” 🙂