Elvis wasn't a musician, could barely strum an acoustic guitar and never played on any of his records. And the majority of the money his estate makes is from Graceland ticket sales, not from anything to do with actual music.

Roy's estate benefits from songwriting royalties mainly, as he wrote some classic songs that are still generating millions each year. Elvis obviously had sex appeal and charisma, Roy hid behind his dark glasses and sang his heart out.

Elvis was somewhere in a venn diagram of the talents of Roy and Little Richard, a great star rather than a great musical talent.

I'm not sure which point you're suggesting is not true, but it's clear that Elvis never played on any of his records or wrote any of the songs he sang. Here's an interesting article quoting some of the musicians who did play on his later records, including the great guitarist James Burton.

[Link]

I saw all these guys backing Emmylou Harris live in London a couple of times in the mid 70's they were pretty good musicians.

The guys who played on his early rock'n'roll records did all the heavy work, while Elvis strummed an acoustic guitar off-mike!

Most people who hang out with musicians can eventually strum a guitar or pick out chords on the piano; they do it to relieve the boredom, doesn't make them musicians any more than having a driving licence makes me a formula one driver!

40 years ago. I remember this more than the Lewisham riots.
I went to work with me dad that day. He ddistributed the evening news and I often went out in his bright yellow Evening News van. People were literally trying to get at the papers before we walked from the van into the drop.
Should have kept a copy...

Me Aunty Pam cried for days.

A legend who bought black music to the masses in an acceptable (notwithstanding the hips) way.

What's yer favourite track by the king?

In The Ghetto is one I've always late.

Who cares re musician. The guy could outsing anyone and had charisma in droves. There's not many male singers women go crazy for and men love their music too. He was unique. Frank skinner said he would've been the only guy he'd let his wife sleep with to find out after what it was like. Lol

Orbisons voice was special too.

Edited by matthau (17 Aug 2017 11.31pm)

You forgot 'Return To Blender' and 'The Wonder Of Stew'.

I prefer 'American Grillogy'.
And who can forget 'Love Meat Tender'.

Edited by Hrolf The Ganger (18 Aug 2017 10.25am)