Scotty Moore

By 1968, Elvis Presley's career appeared to be in irreversible decline, torpedoed by the innumerable inane films he had made throughout the previous decade. While Elvis had wiled away the '60s playing characters named Lucky and Spike, artists like the Beatles and Bob Dylan had altered the pop music scene, making Elvis' previous accomplishments appear quaint but outdated to most young record buyers. Searching for a vehicle to revitalize his career, Elvis and the Colonel decided on a 60-minute television special.

Throughout the 1950s, the concept of the instrumental track was wrestled away from the cloying strings of MOR orchestras and into the hands of screwdriver-wielding guitarists, sleazy saxophonists, primal garage bands and dance craze creators. The teenage generation demanded music with everything and non-vocal versions of the hits sat next to specially created rabble-rousing gems that transcended genres and styles. This was music where words were just not enough.

In 1982, the unexpected success of the Stray Cats' American debut, Built for Speed, made America aware that rockabilly, previously believed to be extinct, was actually alive and well somewhere in New Jersey (though the evidence had to be taken to England before anyone would notice).

Elvis Aaron Presley[a] (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor.

Elvis Aaron Presley[a] (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.

With a career spanning six decades, guitarist Reggie Young has contributed to scores of hit recordings. “Forever Young” marks his album debut as a recording artist in his own right. While the name might not be instantly familiar, Reggie Young’s laidback guitar has been a staple of Southern music’s evolution, gracing countless recordings and scores of hits. Elvis Presley’s ‘Suspicious Minds’, ‘In The Ghetto’ and ‘Kentucky Rain’, Dusty Springfield’s ‘Son Of A Preacher Man’, Dobie Gray’s ‘Drift Away’, the Box Tops’ ‘The Letter’ and ‘Cry Like A Baby’, Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’, J.J. Cale’s ‘Cocaine’, Kenny Rogers’ ‘Lucille’, Willie Nelson’s ‘Always On My Mind’ and Billy Swan’s ‘I Can Help’ are but a few of the classics to have benefited from Young’s relaxed, economical and seemingly effortless touch. Not for nothing did Eric Clapton dub him “one of the best guitarists I ever heard.”

Elvis Aaron Presley[a] (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), known mononymously as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Known as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Presley's energized performances and interpretations of songs, and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, brought both great success and initial controversy.

Elvis Aaron Presley[a] (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), known mononymously as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Known as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Presley's energized performances and interpretations of songs, and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, brought both great success and initial controversy.