Episode Details

What was Elvis Presley really like before he became Elvis?

On this episode of My Rock Moment, we're joined by Jim Berkenstadt, the Rock And Roll Detective®, to talk about his new book, Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore. Scotty Moore was there from the very beginning, standing beside Elvis at Sun Records as they recorded “That’s All Right” and helped create a sound that changed popular music.

Through Scotty’s firsthand recollections, Jim takes us inside those early days with the Blue Moon Boys, from their first rehearsals and the Louisiana Hayride to the frenzy that followed Elvis as his fame exploded. We talk about the musicians behind the sound, the early recording sessions, Elvis’s relationship with Colonel Tom Parker, the band’s decision to walk away, and what happened when Scotty returned after Elvis’s time in the Army.

We also get into Elvis’s Hollywood years, his complicated relationship with the music he was recording for films, and the question Scotty kept asking him: did he really want to be a singer or an actor?

The book offers a rare perspective on Elvis through someone who knew him before the legend took over. I was honored to contribute an endorsement to the back of the book, and Jim and I talk about some of the stories and discoveries that make it such a fascinating read.

And there’s a Spotify playlist to go along with the book, featuring the music behind the story.

If you love Elvis, Sun Records and the early days of rock ’n’ roll, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Links to Jim Berkenstadt, Rock And Roll Detective® :

https://rockandrolldetective.com

⁠Buy the Book⁠: Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore

⁠Spotify Playlist⁠: Elvis Presley: Conversations with Scotty Moore

Find other books by the Rock And Roll Detective® ⁠HERE⁠

Songs in this episode:

Elvis - Blue Suede Shoes

Elvis - That's All Right

Elvis - G.I. Blues

Elvis - Jailhouse Rock

Elvis - I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone

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