Elvis Presley - Mystery Train

Okay so here it is, the top 5 greatest solo artists of all time! This is not my personal opinion, more along the lines of fact as each of these 5 artists has numerous hit albums, singles, and videos. They were very relevant when they burst onto the scene, grew to be massively popular, and remain to be very popular today. Those who are alive continue to pack large arenas all over the globe and those who are not certainly would if they could. Each of these artists influenced entire generations of other musicians, styles, and people all over the world. They also changed the game by constantly innovating and setting the standards for popular music. For each of the 5 artists I will post a famous and personal favourite song of mine as well as a more obscure track.

When a young Elvis stepped into Sam Phillips' Sun Studios to lay down the first tracks (which included "That's Alright, Mama") that created the perfect combination of the white country rockabilly sound and the black soul and blues sound, rock and roll had found the voice and the star that would bring its music to the masses. Although there were other rockers that came before him (Chuck Berry, Bill Haley & The Comets), Elvis Presley was the first bona fide, worldwide rock superstar. His incredible voice and sexy looks and moves had the ladies dropping their panties and the gents rocking along to and imitating his every move. He was so sexy that television cameras would not show anything below his waist; his hip shaking was way too out of control and sexual for the old guard American conservatives. After a few hit albums Elvis turned his attention to acting and became one of the first musicians to cross over into Hollywood and the acting world. Soon enough he was everywhere; on lunch boxes and t-shirts, Christmas specials and underwear. He became known as the King and his "Thank you, thank you very much", in that great southern drawl, became one of the most commonly used and mimicked phrases. 

Elvis lived fast, drank hard, and did too many drugs which ultimately led to his early demise. He died suddenly at the age of 42 in 1977 of prescription drug overdose. Elvis Presley left behind a trove of music; everything from gospel to country to Christmas music. After a posthumous JXL remix version of his song "A Little Less Conversation" went #1 on the billboard charts he became the only artist to have 30 #1 songs (The Beatles had 29). Elvis Presley is definitely the #1 greatest solo artist of all time because practically every single person on planet erf has heard of him, he has a ridiculous amount of hit songs and albums, and he inspired an entire generation to get out there and rock n' roll!

"Mystery Train" is my favourite Elvis Presley song. It has that great chug along beat and a brilliant guitar solo. But most of all it's Elvis' angelic voice. The way he phrases and holds back on certain notes, only to unleash on others makes it one of the all time best vocal performances. Just an all around great song. 

Elvis Presley - Trying To Get To You (Live)

This performance is from Elvis' excellent NBC comeback special in 1968. Just Elvis and his electric guitar, performing with the emotional intensity of a true legend. When he hits those growling notes of the chorus it'll send shivers throughout your body. Be sure to watch the King at one of his finest moments.