Elvis and Motown

[Brian]

Hi again everyone I just came up with an idea I thought would be fun to discuss:


I have heard from Joe Esposito that Elvis was suppose to record an album with the supremes in 1965 but the deal fell through when Colonel and Berry Gordy got into an argument over who would get top billing and most royalties over the album etc. This has given me an idea I don't particularly like the idea of Elvis recording an album or dueting with the supremes I thought a better idea would be for Elvis to go to the Motown studio's in Detroit in the summer of 1964 and record a 12 song album using the funk brothers as his back up band and get songs from the Motown staff songwriters like Smokey Robinson, Norman Whitfield and Holland Dozier Holland etc. I know Motown didn't record any outside artists at least that I am aware of I know Elvis had two sessions at stax despite not recording for that label or being affiliated with it so I was wondering if any of you know if Berry Gordy would have allowed Elvis an outside artist use of the studio, the funk brothers and the songwriters? Do you think it would be a good idea for Elvis to record an album of Motown material in the Motown studios?
I look forward to getting everyone's responses, opinions and thoughts to this.

[hounddog]

good question, i don't know enough about Mowtown to know if he would have been able to record there if he wasn't on the label. But he sure would have done some killer version of some of the Motown standards.

[Getlo]

I have heard from Joe Esposito that Elvis was suppose to record an album with the supremes in 1965 but the deal fell through when Colonel and Berry Gordy got into an argument over who would get top billing and most royalties over the album etc.

No way, now how, never.

[Brian]

No way, now how, never.

Hi Getlo How is my friend today?

well that's what Joe Esposito says I am sure there were all kinds of deals proposed to Elvis and this may have been one of them.

Do you have any opinions on Elvis recording an album at Motown?
Do you think it would have been a good thing?

[Tommy]

Elvis didn't need Motown.

[ehollier]

Hi Getlo How is my friend today?

well that's what Joe Esposito says I am sure there were all kinds of deals proposed to Elvis and this may have been one of them.

Do you have any opinions on Elvis recording an album at Motown?
Do you think it would have been a good thing?

I've never, ever heard of this before. If Elvis would have ever recorded at Motown, and this is a big IF, it would not have been with another act. He would have recorded the same way he had done all of his other sessions - by himself. The Supremes?? Maybe as back-up voices like The Sweet Inspirations or Jordianaires, but not together.

Would it have been a good thing? Elvis recording anywhere was always a great thing, especially if it wasn't a movie soundtrack, but rather songs of his choice and arrangement.

[Brian]

I've never, ever heard of this before. If Elvis would have ever recorded at Motown, and this is a big IF, it would not have been with another act. He would have recorded the same way he had done all of his other sessions - by himself. The Supremes?? Maybe as back-up voices like The Sweet Inspirations or Jordianaires, but not together.

Would it have been a good thing? Elvis recording anywhere was always a great thing, especially if it wasn't a movie soundtrack, but rather songs of his choice and arrangement.

Hi ehollier How are you today buddy?

I know a lot of fans haven't heard this before that's why I posted it, I thought it would be fun to discuss. Regarding the material Elvis would have recorded I was thinking it would be all original material written especially for him by the Motown songwriters. What do you think?

[ehollier]

Hi ehollier How are you today buddy?

I know a lot of fans haven't heard this before that's why I posted it, I thought it would be fun to discuss. Regarding the material Elvis would have recorded I was thinking it would be all original material written especially for him by the Motown songwriters. What do you think?

That's a 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' type of question. Yes, in the perfect Elvis world, the song material and arrangements would have been original, but there are so many recorded songs that would have been perfect for him, also. Historically, not including his movie material, he recorded songs that had been previously recorded by other artists, with some exceptions. My opinion is not entirely unbiased, however, because I have some negative opinions about RCA and their song writers and they way in which they handled Elvis' entire recording career and publishing companies both during his lifetime and after his death.

[Brian]

That's a 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' type of question. Yes, in the perfect Elvis world, the song material and arrangements would have been original, but there are so many recorded songs that would have been perfect for him, also. Historically, not including his movie material, he recorded songs that had been previously recorded by other artists, with some exceptions. My opinion is not entirely unbiased, however, because I have some negative opinions about RCA and their song writers and they way in which they handled Elvis' entire recording career and publishing companies both during his lifetime and after his death.

Hi ehollier

I like to talk about would have's and should have, could have's from time to time (hypothetical questions) as I think it would be good for all of us. this message board is a place to have discussions and since Elvis has been dead for 31 years if we only talk about what he actually did sooner or later we will run out of things to talk about so I come up with these topics as a way to contribute positively to this message board. I have always thought Elvis didn't record enough original material and if Elvis would have been allowed to record an album at Motown I see no reason why the songwriters there wouldn't have written specifically for him (think one 12 song album)
I think it would have been a good idea for Elvis to do so because Motown was so popular and in my opinion Elvis needed some hits and some good songs to record in the mid 60's.
btw you talk about Elvis covering songs I could see Elvis covering the motown songs ''Tracks of my tears'' but can't see Elvis doing ''That's the way you do the things you do'' or '' Can't hurry love'' what motown songs by other artists could you see Elvis covering (on stage in concert )

[ehollier]

Hi ehollier

I like to talk about would have's and should have, could have's from time to time (hypothetical questions) as I think it would be good for all of us. this message board is a place to have discussions and since Elvis has been dead for 31 years if we only talk about what he actually did sooner or later we will run out of things to talk about so I come up with these topics as a way to contribute positively to this message board. I have always thought Elvis didn't record enough original material and if Elvis would have been allowed to record an album at Motown I see no reason why the songwriters there wouldn't have written specifically for him (think one 12 song album)
I think it would have been a good idea for Elvis to do so because Motown was so popular and in my opinion Elvis needed some hits and some good songs to record in the mid 60's.
btw you talk about Elvis covering songs I could see Elvis covering the motown songs ''Tracks of my tears'' but can't see Elvis doing ''That's the way you do the things you do'' or '' Can't hurry love'' what motown songs by other artists could you see Elvis covering (on stage in concert )


I can see him doing an awe-inspiring redition of Otis Redding's "These Arms are Mine" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (although Redding was not associated with Motown), Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On", "Mr. Pitiful" by the Temptations, "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight. I think he could have made a few Barry White tunes his own, but I do not know if he even considered that. White, who got his start at Motown back in 1969 , incidently, attributes Elvis with changing the course of his life when he listened to "Its Now or Never" while serving 4 months in prison in 1961.

Motown sound has been described as "northern soul." The Memphis sound is a bit different mixed with more bluesy sounds, which, to me, sounds more Elvis.

[utmom2008]

Hi Getlo How is my friend today?

well that's what Joe Esposito says I am sure there were all kinds of deals proposed to Elvis and this may have been one of them.

Do you have any opinions on Elvis recording an album at Motown?
Do you think it would have been a good thing?

Hi Brian! Do you mind sharing which book of Joe's you found that tidbit in? I have never heard a word about ANY thing like that.:doh::doh:

[Diane]

I've never heard of Joe saying this either and I agree 100% with Tommy...Elvis didn't need Motown.

Diane

[KPM]

Elvis didn't need Motown.
Also at that point in time-Motown probably did not feel they needed Elvis.

[ehollier]

Also at that point in time-Motown probably did not feel they needed Elvis.


This was my first thought when I first read this earlier today.

[utmom2008]

I have heard from Joe Esposito that Elvis was suppose to record an album with the supremes in 1965 but the deal fell through when Colonel and Berry Gordy got into an argument over who would get top billing and most royalties over the album etc.


Brian, have you located your source on this yet?:blush:


Hi Brian! Do you mind sharing which book of Joe's you found that tidbit in? I have never heard a word about ANY thing like that.:doh::doh:


I've never heard of Joe saying this either and I agree 100% with Tommy...Elvis didn't need Motown.

Diane
Agreed!(y)


Elvis didn't need Motown.
Agreed!(y)(y)(y)

Also at that point in time-Motown probably did not feel they needed Elvis.
You are right about that I suspect.(y)

[Diane]

Elvis and Motown both were just fine the way they were. :D:D:D

Diane

[utmom2008]

Elvis and Motown both were just fine the way they were. :D:D:D

Diane

Maybe Elvis could have signed on as one of The Pips, :supriced:I loved watching those guys with their dance steps right behind Gladys Knight.;);) :notworthy:king::notworthy

[ehollier]

Maybe Elvis could have signed on as one of The Pips, :supriced:I loved watching those guys with their dance steps right behind Gladys Knight.;);) :notworthy:king::notworthy

Yes, but I've never seen those Pips move their hips quite like he did....man, I might need to go take another shower........

[Brian]

Hi Brian! Do you mind sharing which book of Joe's you found that tidbit in? I have never heard a word about ANY thing like that.:doh::doh:


How is my friend Utmom today?

It's in one of Joe's less than stellar books I was skimming through (possibly ''Good Rocking tonight book'' but can't remember right now) fans have been discussing this for for years on other message boards, Joe said Elvis was planning on recording ''Brown eyed handsome man'' and ''Baby what you want me to do'' I wasn't exactly thrilled with the concept but do like the idea of Elvis recording songs by Smokey Robinson and playing with the funk brothers am I the only one that thinks it would have been a good idea for Elvis to record an album of all original motown material?

P.S. I love motown how about all of you?

I also agree with people who say Elvis was more suited to Stax and Muscle shoal styled soul but I still love motown

[utmom2008]

Here we go...i found a job for Elvis.:lol::lol:


i0MKjE83gPY

[KPM]

How is my friend Utmom today?

It's in one of Joe's less than stellar books I was skimming through (possibly ''Good Rocking tonight book'' but can't remember right now) fans have been discussing this for for years on other message boards, Joe said Elvis was planning on recording ''Brown eyed handsome man'' and ''Baby what you want me to do'' I wasn't exactly thrilled with the concept but do like the idea of Elvis recording songs by Smokey Robinson and playing with the funk brothers am I the only one that thinks it would have been a good idea for Elvis to record an album of all original motown material?

P.S. I love motown how about all of you?

I also agree with people who say Elvis was more suited to Stax and Muscle shoal styled soul but I still love motown
I just browsed through the index for "Good Rockin Tonight" and there is no mention of Motown, Berry Gordy, or The Supremes so its not in that book.

[Brian]

I just browsed through the index for "Good Rockin Tonight" and there is no mention of Motown, Berry Gordy, or The Supremes so its not in that book.

Okay but I did hear Joe say this somewhere

I have also heard other fans talk about it on the other boards I visit

I will look to see where he says this exactly

[KPM]

Okay but I did hear Joe say this somewhere

I have also heard other fans talk about it on the other boards I visit

I will look to see where he says this exactly
To be truthful-I have never read or heard this anywhere Brian.
I have read about 60 books on Elvis going back to the early 60s. If this was in any of them-I must have forgot it because it does not ring a bell at all.:blink:

[utmom2008]

Okay but I did hear Joe say this somewhere

I have also heard other fans talk about it on the other boards I visit

I will look to see where he says this exactly

Thanks, that would be great because I sure can't place it. I had NEVER heard a word about this until you mentioned it.:supriced::supriced::supriced:

[Tommy]

OK what would Elvis have done at Motown, that he couldn't do without them?? As we all well know he could out do anything they put out. Whatever song he sang after that it was his! I can't believe that, maybe Joe made it up!

[KPM]

OK what would Elvis have done at Motown, that he couldn't do without them?? As we all well know he could out do anything they put out. Whatever song he sang after that it was his! I can't believe that, maybe Joe made it up!
The people at Motown were not exactly into Elvis at the time. They were busy with there own very "identifiable sound" and the numerous hitmakers on their label. The idea someone at Motown came up with an Elvis/Supremes idea just seems odd.

Are you sure this was not talk of a movie project? I seem to remember talk of the Supremes maybe being in a film with Elvis but that is also just something which just popped into my head.
Anyone else recall this-or is it a random thought which my brain just sent to remind me how old I am?

[Brian]

The people at Motown were not exactly into Elvis at the time. They were busy with there own very "identifiable sound" and the numerous hitmakers on their label. The idea someone at Motown came up with an Elvis/Supremes idea just seems odd.

well that's what Mr. Esposito has said.

Sonny West says in his book that Elvis was approached by Judy Garland's people about recording a children's album with her and Elvis wasn't interested so it didn't happen. Stranger things have been offered to Elvis than working with the supremes.

I will look and find where Joe Esposito says this about the supremes.
I will get back to everyone as soon as I can.

[Diane]

Thank you for the clip with Gladys Knight and the Pips Rosanne. I love watching the Pips too.:) We went to see the Drifters in Salem, Oregon years ago and they were something else too. I've always loved african american rock groups...Platters etc. No one can move the way they do. Not as sexy as Elvis but so loose and smooth that it's a real pleasure to watch them.

Diane

[utmom2008]

Thank you for the clip with Gladys Knight and the Pips Rosanne. I love watching the Pips too.:) We went to see the Drifters in Salem, Oregon years ago and they were something else too. I've always loved african american rock groups...Platters etc. No one can move the way they do. Not as sexy as Elvis but so loose and smooth that it's a real pleasure to watch them.

Diane

I agree Diane.(y) Remember The Temptations? :wiggle::wiggle::wiggle:

[Diane]

Yes I do!:D Little Richard was fun on stage too and had two fantastic dancers with him.

Diane

[ehollier]

Another song that would have suited Elvis style was "Nightshift" by the Commadores, another Motown powerhouse!!!!!!

[Getlo]

well that's what Joe Esposito says I am sure there were all kinds of deals proposed to Elvis and this may have been one of them.

Joe has said a lot of things over the years. It might have been briefly mooted, but would not have made it past the initial idea. There's no way the Colonel would have let his boy take second or equal billing to anyone.


Do you have any opinions on Elvis recording an album at Motown? Do you think it would have been a good thing?

I think it would have been great, actually. A pity that it never took place.


Elvis didn't need Motown.

Well, he needed something in 1965! By then, he was in many respects a musical joke, and so far removed from the real music scene (which would only get worse until his resurgence in 1968) it wasn't funny.

A collaboration with some Motown greats, or Phil Spector etc, would have been a much-needed boost to his flagging career.

[ehollier]

This is one awesome song that Elvis could have done an amazing job on had he been given the chance....

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[ehollier]

In addition to the B. B. King tune, Elvis could have brought women to their knees with this slow, soulful one......

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[Tommy]

Well, he needed something in 1965! By then, he was in many respects a musical joke, and so far removed from the real music scene (which would only get worse until his resurgence in 1968) it wasn't funny.

A collaboration with some Motown greats, or Phil Spector etc, would have been a much-needed boost to his flagging career.


This is true in a way, he had "IT" all along, he finally came out of his shell in 68! He could have done this in 1965 without Motown or anyone else, or any other year for that matter.

[Wendy56]

Elvis didn't need Motown.

Also at that point in time-Motown probably did not feel
they needed Elvis.
Elvis and Motown were fine, but I would like to see them together... Instead (some) late 60s Elvis' movie songs. :hmm:

[KPM]

This is true in a way, he had "IT" all along, he finally came out of his shell in 68! He could have done this in 1965 without Motown or anyone else, or any other year for that matter.
This is so true-he always had it-true talent never leaves.