Did Elvis have a vocal coach?

[mozzarella]

I have heard that Gordon Stoker was teaching him how to sing properly you know belting out, reaching high notes and so fort. Besides him did he have a personal vocal coach or anyone else helping him in technical things or giving him advice?

[Unchained Melody]

Charlie Hodge of course.

:blush:

[Cliff]

I read somewhere that it was rumoured that he had coaching while stationed in Germany. His voice certainly changed later on. Plus he never suffered from throat nodules.
Even the great Roy Orbison had training in breathing techniques.

[President Presley]

did he have a personal vocal coach or anyone else helping him in technical things or giving him advice?


No, do you think he needed one:hmm:

[SeeSeeRider777]

I heard form GK on the radio that Elvis didnt have one because a vocal coach teaches you how to sing properly. Elvis had his own style and if you sing properly you sound like all the rest. Thats what GK said.

[Teddy]

If he had one in the formal sense I haven't heard about it.
I would think Elvis had more to teach others about singing than he could learn from any vocal instructor. :king:

[hunka love]

I have heard that Gordon Stoker was teaching him how to sing properly you know belting out, reaching high notes and so fort. Besides him did he have a personal vocal coach or anyone else helping him in technical things or giving him advice?

I heard That Tom Jones gave him lessons. From direct soursses...

[ehollier]

If he had one in the formal sense I haven't heard about it.
I would think Elvis had more to teach others about singing than he could learn from any vocal instructor. :king:

Very very true!!! (y)(y)(y)

[Diane]

Ditto!(y)(y)(y)

Diane

[Unchained Melody]

Don't think he needed one. JMO
(y)

[1100ccRider]

I tend to disagree with those who said Elvis didn't need a vocal coach. He had an incredible voice, right from the start, and his range grew to monumental proportions over the years (range isn't the whole story -- he also had great control of his voice and capability for nuance, for example), but I think everyone who uses their voice for a career, or to any other great extent, could use some vocal coaching.

For one thing, having a great voice doesn't mean that you're going to keep it. Many singers and others have blown their voices through harmful singing practices. Tom Jones has certainly had trouble with that, no matter how incredible his voice was (and still is...saw him live here in Vegas a couple of years back and the man was phenomenal), and Wayne Newton's voice is so thrashed that he can barely sing now (saw him live, too, soon after Tom Jones...not something I'd rush out to do but it was comped and I have to say that the man is a consummate showman and very talented musician, but his voice is absolutely decimated). A good vocal coach can help a singer (speaker, too) not only do things like work on extending their range, or assist with breath control, but preserve the integrity of their voice and their vocal health.

Almost a year ago, when I was out of the country, the person I was visiting got me a great Christmas present, that was a session with a local voice coach. This dude not only knows his stuff but has an extensive background in chi kung, tai chi, yoga, etc and so we were able to communicate in terms related to my decades of involvement in Chinese martial arts. He also knew enough about Elvis that he knew the vocal range the man had and was able to work with me to push my voice to its limits and try to extend them. He gave me vocal exercises to do, along with tips on how to avoid damaging my voice and how to care for it, and perhaps the single most important thing was that he pointed out to me how I was able to hit very high notes but did not do so reliably or sustain them strongly because I wasn't putting enough breath behind them. I concentrated on pushing the breath out when way up there and, what do you know, I hit and held higher notes than ever before. I'm not too up on the theory here but I think it was a G that I got with no real problem, an A that I reached more reliably with his help, and a B-flat that I flirted with and sometimes struck but still wavered on. I think B-flat is about as high as Elvis sang, and I think it's as much the idea of it that erodes my confidence now, because I can sometimes hit it but I remember the times when it just wasn't there...as with all things, practice will one day move me to a point at which I can strike this elusive and scary-as-hell note with consistency, just as I now can reliably hit and hold notes that were a stretch for me two years or so ago (in great part thanks to this one short session with the vocal coach). All of this helped incredibly and, amazingly, it was all done within a single hour's session. It's hard to believe that I could have benefited so much from one hour with him, but I did. Granted, my martial arts background (as Elvis pointed out in his 1974 talks about karate, breath control is integral to both singing and martial arts) not only made my usage of breath easier to focus on but I spoke the same language as the instructor and that probably helped me catch on a little more readily to what he was saying and what I needed to do. Regardless, a session or two with such a person would work wonders for any speaker or singer. And, yes, that includes Elvis.

But the point's kind of moot because Elvis did benefit from vocal instruction. At minimum, we know that both Gordon Stoker and Charlie Hodge worked with Elvis and I'm sure that he picked up tips from reading, from talking with other performers, and from other quarters. My own experience suggests that it can take just a tiny bit of guidance to make a vast difference in the way a person uses their voice, and even with a few hours' input from Gordon, Carlie, or whoever else Elvis was way ahead of the game. He had a great voice, naturally, but there's always more potential to realize -- witness the transformation in my voice while he was in the Army and thereabouts, with songs like "It's Now Or Never" and "Surrender" entering his catalog.

In the '70s, Elvis also had a pre-concert ritual that I wish I could recall, involving honey-lemon tea (I think...something like that), among other things, and there's a very clear view in Elvis On Tour of Elvis using an inhaler, probably taking in a bronchial dilator steroid to help open up his lungs maximally. In all, I think Elvis was not only blessed with a magnificent voice but gained a fair bit of knowledge on how to improve it and to preserve it, including with input from informal vocal coaches in his retinue.

[Tony Trout]

Charlie Hodge of course.

:blush:


Correct. Charlie supposedly helped him tremendously as far as teaching him how to extend his vocal range and practice proper breathing techniques.





......and there's a very clear view in Elvis On Tour of Elvis using an inhaler, probably taking in a bronchial dilator steroid to help open up his lungs maximally.


Sorry, but the consensus is that what he was doing was using breath freshener in that scene.

[EnigmaticSun]

Singing, like playing sports, demands diligent preparation and a warming-up. A lot of voices are ruined by those who want to belt out high and powerful notes instantly. In general "belting" seems to have been invented by the musical scene and it's not without risk.

If you listen to a rehearsal or studio work you can hear Elvis gradually getting loose - the songs usually start out relatively "weak", but as his voice gets flexible he gains more confidence and a master take or a successful rehearsal is born.

This is how I perceived these rarer outtakes, although the picture one gets from watching the movies is somehow troubled by the idea of a perfect version at command and of course it looks just like that.

What I'm trying to say is that singing "properly" is not only a matter of technique, but also or rather a way of life. For Elvis it was what he had enjoyed since his childhood and the greatest potential lies in the work one loves.

I think some are pushing it a bit too far with their "protectionism". It wouldn't have been an insult to Elvis' abilities had he taken some lessons as the greatest artists have had a teacher and no shame has been noticed.

[waymore44]

There's nothing wrong with having a vocal coach as long as that coach is just showing you techniques to help you expand your range and not blow your voice out..etc ..and not trying to tell you how to sing. What I mean is, how to pronounce words..etc. You can EASILY tell those who have been TAUGHT to sing.

[KPM]

Correct. Charlie supposedly helped him tremendously as far as teaching him how to extend his vocal range and practice proper breathing techniques.






Sorry, but the consensus is that what he was doing was using breath freshener in that scene.
I always thought it was a inhaler similar to one my daughter had to use for asthma.
By the shape of the dispenser, and the way he turned it upside down when he used it, it looks like the same one she used -the type of medicine in my daughters was called Albuterol and it did indeed open the bronchial tubes for easier breathing. Dr. Nick says he did use antihistimines and bronchial medicines to open and relax his throat especially in Vegas.

[EnigmaticSun]

to help you expand your range and not blow your voice out..

You'll find it happens all the time.

Being misguided vocally is one of the worst things that can happen, since one can't simply restring it. The worst cases are typically schoolteachers and drill instructors in the army.

For a lot of teachers it's hard to imagine how a pupil might develop. A clever one will develop his own methods over time and there's no ultimate human standard.

[mozzarella]

Yeah, I also think that he must have had some advisors and it does not change a millimeter on being a genius. Elvis was a genius but as every singer he had to learn how to sing properly so his vocal chords could sustain for a very long time. Otherwise some incorrect ways of singing can do very big harm. And I think the technique he sang with in the '50s was obviously not the technique he could use on later songs to be as good as he became in the '60s and '70s. (Just notice the difference between Hound Dog 1956 and Hound Dog 1970). He understood that so he took lessons to bring the most out of his voice. Remember: in the '50 he only gave 20/30-minute shows and in the '70 his songs required much much more ability. So I accept that he had been guided and it only made him better. Charlie Hodge? Never thought about that tho...

[Getlo]

Sorry, but the consensus is that what he was doing was using breath freshener in that scene.

Ah, no, TT.

It was not breath freshener. The consensus, supported by the MM and the musicians, is that it was an inhaler to help with his breathing and his lungs.

[Leroy]

Elvis was surrounded by many people. But only one friend in his troops was a professional musician and singer and that was Charlie Hodge. Charlie's role in Elvis' life has always been underestimated. Partly because Charlie himself who made the choice to dedicate his life and skills to Elvis. Charlie already coached him during the militairy service. During his army time Elvis' voice made a big change even without recording and performing the way he did in the 50's.

This period shows us that Elvis had a powerful voice but he needed coaching to get control of it. To get rid of the sharp edges. Voice control and breath control. Elvis recognized quality in other people..... that's why he trusted Charlie in these matters.
To a lot of people Charlie was just a mascotte, the goof who handed Elvis his water and scarfs. But on that stage and during Elvis musical career in the 60's and 70's Charlie was one of the most important figures in Elvis' entourage.....

[Diane]

Thank you for the great post Leroy! I always felt that Charlie was very underrated both in his professional and personal role with Elvis.(y)(y)(y)

Diane

[presley31]

Elvis was surrounded by many people. But only one friend in his troops was a professional musician and singer and that was Charlie Hodge. Charlie's role in Elvis' life has always been underestimated. Partly because Charlie himself who made the choice to dedicate his life and skills to Elvis. Charlie already coached him during the militairy service. During his army time Elvis' voice made a big change even without recording and performing the way he did in the 50's.

This period shows us that Elvis had a powerful voice but he needed coaching to get control of it. To get rid of the sharp edges. Voice control and breath control. Elvis recognized quality in other people..... that's why he trusted Charlie in these matters.
To a lot of people Charlie was just a mascotte, the goof who handed Elvis his water and scarfs. But on that stage and during Elvis musical career in the 60's and 70's Charlie was one of the most important figures in Elvis' entourage.....


thanks for the information, really interesting to know(y)(y)

[Getlo]

Say what you will about Charlie Hodge, but a) he ruined the '68 sit down shows with his inane and embarrassing chatter and b) he was absolutely unnecessary on stage with Elvis from '69 onwards.

[Diane]

I agree it was inane but embarrasing?...no because it was supposed to be natural and informal and I guess that's what Charlie was doing. He may have been unnecessary on stage but apparently he WAS necessary to Elvis or he wouldn't have had him there.

diane

[Getlo]

I agree it was inane but embarrasing?

Yes.


He may have been unnecessary on stage but apparently he WAS necessary to Elvis or he wouldn't have had him there

Only in Elvis' mind, and it was based on his insecurities when he first returned to the stage.

Take Charlie away from the TCB band, and it wouldn't have made a shred of difference. There were enough voices to back Elvis, and Charlie's guitar provided next to nothing.

By the end, Charlie was there on stage, virtually degrading himself as a mic stand.

[presley31]

I agree it was inane but embarrasing?...no because it was supposed to be natural and informal and I guess that's what Charlie was doing. He may have been unnecessary on stage but apparently he WAS necessary to Elvis or he wouldn't have had him there.

diane

agree diane(y)(y)

[Tony Trout]

Ah, no, TT.

It was not breath freshener. The consensus, supported by the MM and the musicians, is that it was an inhaler to help with his breathing and his lungs.


Hmmm....now that I think about it....you're quite correct, Getlo. I just thought maybe that it could've also been breath freshener since he would always kiss the ladies in the audience during the shows.




Say what you will about Charlie Hodge, but a) he ruined the '68 sit down shows with his inane and embarrassing chatter and b) he was absolutely unnecessary on stage with Elvis from '69 onwards.


I'll completely agree with you on Charlie being embarrassing during the '68 Comeback Special 'sit down' shows. Elvis even made reference directly to Charlie as being a "big mouth" during one of the shows. It's actually one thing that completely ruins listening to the audio of both sit-down shows for me.

As far as him being onstage with Elvis and being useless from '69 onwards, I also tend to agree.

Elvis could've gotten his own water and scarves and picked up his guitar (IMO) by himself. Most other artists I've seen onstage (except for a few) always pick up their guitars on their own and it's really annoying as heck to see Charlie following Elvis around onstage during the final years putting his scarves around his neck.

Who came up with that idea, anyway?? It worked fine from 69-72 for Elvis just to walk over and have Charlie put a scarf around his neck - why did they change the routine?


Yes.



Only in Elvis' mind, and it was based on his insecurities when he first returned to the stage.

Take Charlie away from the TCB band, and it wouldn't have made a shred of difference. There were enough voices to back Elvis, and Charlie's guitar provided next to nothing.

By the end, Charlie was there on stage, virtually degrading himself as a mic stand.


Wow. We agree again, Getlo. Great points, sir.

A key example of Charlie being a 'mic stand' is both during "That's All Right, Mama"; "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "Unchained Melody" and the 'gay' routine during "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" is just absolutely horrid. It may be funny to some but it's very embarassing to watch during the EIC outtakes.

[Diane]

I guess I'm just more lenient towards issues like this.:D

Diane

[KPM]

Say what you will about Charlie Hodge, but a) he ruined the '68 sit down shows with his inane and embarrassing chatter and b) he was absolutely unnecessary on stage with Elvis from '69 onwards.
I think Charlie did a pretty good job of harmonies behind Elvis-"when you could hear them".

I have to agree with Diane, Charlie was necessary to Elvis and it was Elvis's show. When you get right down to the nitty gritty who was necessary beyond Elvis and the TCB band? He could have done entertaining shows without all the others. But the show Elvis wanted included all he toured with, the Stamps, the Sweets and the orchestra. IMO it would have been great if he had once in a while toured with just the TCB-a synthesizer could have been played on songs which needed any added strings or horns-and more of a tighter rock sound would have come through maybe.
But all who were on the stage were what Elvis thought was necessary for his show.

[utmom2008]

Say what you will about Charlie Hodge, but a) he ruined the '68 sit down shows with his inane and embarrassing chatter and b) he was absolutely unnecessary on stage with Elvis from '69 onwards.


I agree it was inane but embarrasing?...no because it was supposed to be natural and informal and I guess that's what Charlie was doing. He may have been unnecessary on stage but apparently he WAS necessary to Elvis or he wouldn't have had him there.

diane

I haven't watched them in awhile...refresh my memory please on what Charlie was babbling about?:supriced::hmm::lol:

[utmom2008]

Elvis could've gotten his own water and scarves and picked up his guitar (IMO) by himself. Most other artists I've seen onstage (except for a few) always pick up their guitars on their own and it's really annoying as heck to see Charlie following Elvis around onstage during the final years putting his scarves around his neck.


I really agree with that point SP. That scene from '77 where Elvis is literally tossing scarves to a lower balcony crowd about every 3 seconds is very annoying. I lose count of how many he has tossed at one point. I always feel good about the scarf I have...it's from Vegas and was NOT one of hundreds he was tossing out....plus it was the LAST scarf he had on that night.(y) The scarf tossing business really got out of hand the last couple of years on the tours.:blink::blink:

[KPM]

I really agree with that point SP. That scene from '77 where Elvis is literally tossing scarves to a lower balcony crowd about every 3 seconds is very annoying. I lose count of how many he has tossed at one point. I always feel good about the scarf I have...it's from Vegas and was NOT one of hundreds he was tossing out....plus it was the LAST scarf he had on that night.(y) The scarf tossing business really got out of hand the last couple of years on the tours.:blink::blink:
I think he knew how the girls treasured them and just wanted to get as many into the crowd as possible.
But before throwing scarves became "an assembly line" I can see how you feel that yours is much more special.:)

[utmom2008]

I think he knew how the girls treasured them and just wanted to get as many into the crowd as possible.
But before throwing scarves became "an assembly line" I can see how you feel that yours is much more special.:)

I'm glad that makes sense.:D I had kissed him earlier....when he was "scarfless":lol: He had this last one on for awhile and I was thinking "who's going to get that one?"....low and behold he brought it to me and I knew then that I could die a happy female!:lol::lol::lol:(y)
And the 2nd and 3rd happiest people in the room were my mom and dad!!:lol:

[Diane]

I'm really happy for you Rosanne. It's something you'll never forget for sure.(y)

Diane

[buttonhead]

As annoying as Charlie could be.... WHY does Elvis still have him around ? on stage that is ? :hmm: :hmm: maybe somehow down deep Elvis heart charlie was important ? ... give him drink, sang harmony... hand down Elvis some scarf's...:lol:


I'd better stop... I am way off topic now ..:P

[Donut]

I'm glad that makes sense.:D I had kissed him earlier....when he was "scarfless":lol: He had this last one on for awhile and I was thinking "who's going to get that one?"....low and behold he brought it to me and I knew then that I could die a happy female!:lol::lol::lol:(y)
And the 2nd and 3rd happiest people in the room were my mom and dad!!:lol:

Have you ever found footage from that day? Would be something really cool for you to have on tape, at least the concert.

[utmom2008]

Have you ever found footage from that day? Would be something really cool for you to have on tape, at least the concert.

I have never found footage(he had on the AFH jumpsuit), but I do have the CD. In fact..during CHFIL you will hear Elvis get tickled and laugh. He was laughing because when he gave me the scarf my Dad said "thank you Elvis" in a big voice, and Elvis seemed to get a kick out of that!:lol::lol:(y)

[Donut]

I have never found footage(he had on the AFH jumpsuit), but I do have the CD. In fact..during CHFIL you will hear Elvis get tickled and laugh. He was laughing because when he gave me the scarf my Dad said "thank you Elvis" in a big voice, and Elvis seemed to get a kick out of that!:lol::lol:(y)

What is the date?

[utmom2008]

What is the date?

August 6, 1973...it was opening night.:blush:

[midnight]

I'm glad that makes sense.:D I had kissed him earlier....when he was "scarfless":lol: He had this last one on for awhile and I was thinking "who's going to get that one?"....low and behold he brought it to me and I knew then that I could die a happy female!:lol::lol::lol:(y)
And the 2nd and 3rd happiest people in the room were my mom and dad!!:lol:

What a wonderful memory! It seems he put some "thought" into your scarf! I bet he put that scarf on knowing it would be for you! Do you think he recognized you from other concerts or maybe you did something for him with that kiss!!:blush: Wow , what a moment!

[presley31]

I think Charlie did a pretty good job of harmonies behind Elvis-"when you could hear them".

I have to agree with Diane, Charlie was necessary to Elvis and it was Elvis's show. When you get right down to the nitty gritty who was necessary beyond Elvis and the TCB band? He could have done entertaining shows without all the others. But the show Elvis wanted included all he toured with, the Stamps, the Sweets and the orchestra. IMO it would have been great if he had once in a while toured with just the TCB-a synthesizer could have been played on songs which needed any added strings or horns-and more of a tighter rock sound would have come through maybe.
But all who were on the stage were what Elvis thought was necessary for his show.

couldn't agree more KPM (y)(y)

[utmom2008]

What a wonderful memory! It seems he put some "thought" into your scarf! I bet he put that scarf on knowing it would be for you! Do you think he recognized you from other concerts or maybe you did something for him with that kiss!!:blush: Wow , what a moment!

Of course I would LOVE to think that the kiss blew him away, and that he realised that he had just kissed his future and last bride. However.....he probably realised I was a teenage girl there with my parents and probably had a real good idea what my father had paid Emilio for those seats!! When the lights came on in the showroom and my parents saw how I was moved to tears Daddy hugged me sooo hard and said "it was worth every penney that it cost me." I will never forget him saying that!:blush::blush:
Other people in the showroom started coming over to us and congratulating me...and Daddy!! I understand what Lisa says about her father...I was the same way about mine. I adored him, and he worshiped the ground I walked on. My parents were older when I was born, and they already had 2 boys that were 11 and 12 when I was born, so YES..I know what you are thinking...I was "indulged".:lol::lol:

[midnight]

[/u]

Of course I would LOVE to think that the kiss blew him away, and that he realised that he had just kissed his future and last bride. However.....he probably realised I was a teenage girl there with my parents and probably had a real good idea what my father had paid Emilio for those seats!! When the lights came on in the showroom and my parents saw how I was moved to tears Daddy hugged me sooo hard and said "it was worth every penney that it cost me." I will never forget him saying that!:blush::blush:
Other people in the showroom started coming over to us and congratulating me...and Daddy!! I understand what Lisa says about her father...I was the same way about mine. I adored him, and he worshiped the ground I walked on. My parents were older when I was born, and they already had 2 boys that were 11 and 12 when I was born, so YES..I know what you are thinking...I was "indulged".:lol::lol:

You are right Rosanne, Elvis probably gave you that scarf thinking how proud it would make your Dad! If he only knew how much that really meant to you and your family!

[MojoElvis]

From what I've read, as far as any kind of vocal coaching goes, it was Charlie Hodge. Charlie encouraged Elvis to reach his vocal potential in songs like, NOW OR NEVER, Elvis didn't have the confidence to publicly attempt something like that. You'll hear him still in 1970 the taping of, THAT'S THE WAY IT IS, asking Charlie, "is that unison or harmony" on rehearsing, Bridge Over Troubled Water.

[Unchained Melody]

Say what you will about Charlie Hodge, but a) he ruined the '68 sit down shows with his inane and embarrassing chatter and b) he was absolutely unnecessary on stage with Elvis from '69 onwards.

The bad talk about Charlie on here as made me somewhat sad.

Watch the DVD The Elvis I Knew. Elvis was Charlies bestfriend to him, he loved serving his time and life for Elvis, he looked up to him like a brother, and was always there to lift Elvis up through the hard times and always there to give him a good laugh and put a smile on Elvis' face when things were down. Nothing wrong with Elvis wanting his friend with him on stage in the 1970's people certainly don't give the poor fellow enough credit.

[WHITETIGERMAN]

I agree Col Jon........he did alot for Elvis on stage and behind the scenes. Elvis loved the closeness of his family and circle of close friends around.I think that's what helped the sit down shows and made them so enjoyable outside of Elvis himself in '68.
I also think that as far as vocal coaching.........him being around alot of others and always constantly singing is what really helped Elvis' voice over the years,along with him and Charlie vocalizing.

[Unchained Melody]

Agreed, its no secret elvis was a nervice wreck for the taping of the nbc special, and I'm sure he wanted Charlie there also as a source of comfort.

And Charlie did help Elvis with his singing during Elvis' army years with breathing techniques etc.

[Leroy]

It's impossible to create a list of what Charlie did for Elvis but here are a few things:

He did Elvis harmony vocals. On recordings during the 60's and 70's he not only sang harmony with Elvis but also made the vocal arrangements. Because he was capable of impersonate Elvis voice his harmony vocals were as perfect as if Elvis did it himself.

We already discussed the vocal coach topic. As some other members stated, nobody had to teach Elvis how to sing. His voice was incredible but Charlie was able to direct Elvis.

Charlie was Elvis musical stage director from 1969 until the end. Every change that was made went through Charlie. He communicated with the band and the orchestra. A perfect example was what happened during just before the taping of Aloha. The TV director needed a few extra songs for the special and confronted Elvis. Elvis looked at Charlie and said: "Give me a few extra!" an walked away. Charlie had to come up with the extra songs and place them somewhere in the show.

Whenever something went wrong on stage and improvising was needed it was Charlie who took over and made shure the whole thing went on. Like the time in Las Vegas in December 1976 when Elvis had his bath room accident and sprained his ankle. Or when things went wrong in Baltimore in 1977.

[Unchained Melody]

It's impossible to create a list of what Charlie did for Elvis but here are a few things:

He did Elvis harmony vocals. On recordings during the 60's and 70's he not only sang harmony with Elvis but also made the vocal arrangements. Because he was capable of impersonate Elvis voice his harmony vocals were as perfect as if Elvis did it himself.

We already discussed the vocal coach topic. As some other members stated, nobody had to teach Elvis how to sing. His voice was incredible but Charlie was able to direct Elvis.

Charlie was Elvis musical stage director from 1969 until the end. Every change that was made went through Charlie. He communicated with the band and the orchestra. A perfect example was what happened during just before the taping of Aloha. The TV director needed a few extra songs for the special and confronted Elvis. Elvis looked at Charlie and said: "Give me a few extra!" an walked away. Charlie had to come up with the extra songs and place them somewhere in the show.

Whenever something went wrong on stage and improvising was needed it was Charlie who took over and made shure the whole thing went on. Like the time in Las Vegas in December 1976 when Elvis had his bath room accident and sprained his ankle. Or when things went wrong in Baltimore in 1977.

Excellent points my friend, well said !!! (y)

Theres no doubt Charlie Hodge was TCB'in just as much as anyone around with the exception of Elvis of course !!

[Diane]

Thank you Leroy, you just confirmed what a lot of us felt about Charlie.(y)

Diane

[Unchained Melody]

Thank you Leroy, you just confirmed what a lot of us felt about Charlie.(y)

Diane

Could't agree more Diane.

Charlie I think gets his rep because he dedicated so much of his time and life just to Elvis..imo, he was one of the bestfriends Elvis had along with Billy Smith..

[presley31]

I really like charlie and always have and nothing will ever change my opinion on the man. l'am glad elvis had him around in his life and to helped when needed..

[Unchained Melody]

I really like charlie and always have and nothing will ever my opinion on the man. l'am glad elvis had him around in his life and to helped when needed..

I feel the same way P31 :notworthy

[Merry]

Giving a big round of applause, to a very special man, the late
Mr. Charlie Hodge:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ImuOzx0VIk

[buttonhead]

The bad talk about Charlie on here as made me somewhat sad.

Watch the DVD The Elvis I Knew. Elvis was Charlies bestfriend to him, he loved serving his time and life for Elvis, he looked up to him like a brother, and was always there to lift Elvis up through the hard times and always there to give him a good laugh and put a smile on Elvis' face when things were down. Nothing wrong with Elvis wanting his friend with him on stage in the 1970's people certainly don't give the poor fellow enough credit.


Hi Brad ...

I always see Charlie Hodge as someone who is ALWAYS been there for Elvis, good time or bad , I am sort of envy him for that :blush:

To me Elvis is a great singer by nature. So far as Elvis vocal coach, I think that by singing with great singer such as J.D Sumner and The Stamps, and long hours of gospel nights with them was enough to make his vocal perfect...

[Unchained Melody]

Hi Brad ...

I always see Charlie Hodge as someone who is ALWAYS been there for Elvis, good time or bad , I am sort of envy him for that :blush:

To me Elvis is a great singer by nature. So far as Elvis vocal coach, I think that by singing with great singer such as J.D Sumner and The Stamps, and long hours of gospel nights with them was enough to make his vocal perfect...

Just gets me upset when you see people saying Charlie was worthless or didn't serve any purpose to elvis at all.

[presley31]

Just gets me upset when you see people saying Charlie was worthless or didn't serve any purpose to elvis at all.

The way l see it is elvis wouldn't of kept charlie around if he didn't mean anything to him.

[Unchained Melody]

The way l see it is elvis wouldn't of kept charlie around if he didn't mean anything to him.

Same here ! (y)

[ricky]

He had the Greatest vocal coaches all around him.....The Black blues & Gospel singers that he listened to from a child....BB King, Ray Charles the great Frankie Laine & Johnny Ray no doubt about it guy's they left their mark on Elvis (Listen to Laines "I Believe"or Johnny Ray's "Such a Night" and the Church check out how many singers Worldwide all started in the Church..

I have been a working Musician all my working life, it's a gift from the Greatest Coach of all God Almighty coaches are for classical singers who have to be right on the button, Elvis was vocally, unique covering all the Male vocal ranges ie: Tenor,Baritone and (His Favourite) Bass....and he posessed the greatest gift for a singer, he could Scat and Improvise.

He needed a coach like we need Pneumonia,unique,multi talented' power to die for......ELVIS!!!! never again will we see the like....:king::king::notworthy:notworthy:clap::

[Leroy]

I'm afraid you are missing the point Ricky.... those are not vocal coaches. If you are a musician yourself you should know that a vocal coach is someone who sits with you, listens to you and then point out what you can do to improve your vocal range, make better use of the power and breathing techniques.

You can listen to every singer you like and and admire and they will probably influence your musical direction.... but they will not coach you. Neither does God. He might give you the talent but without good guidance you'll be a loose canon on deck.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Elvis' vocal style changed many times over the years, I'm pretty sure he was aware that certain techniques would leave him vulnerable. By rehearsing and getting advice he was able to protect one of his greatest assets, his voice.

I find it inconceivable that Elvis wouldn't have gotten advice both from a medical view point as well as professional to ensure he was able to maintain his voice. I certainly don't think it would have been above Elvis to get tips from fellow professionals such as JD, Charlie or Sherrill Nielsen

When Elvis was in Hollywood he would have almost certainly have been insured for loss of voice, same in Vegas. I'm pretty sure there would have been some checks and balances put in place.

[KPM]

He had the Greatest vocal coaches all around him.....The Black blues & Gospel singers that he listened to from a child....BB King, Ray Charles the great Frankie Laine & Johnny Ray no doubt about it guy's they left their mark on Elvis (Listen to Laines "I Believe"or Johnny Ray's "Such a Night" and the Church check out how many singers Worldwide all started in the Church..

I have been a working Musician all my working life, it's a gift from the Greatest Coach of all God Almighty coaches are for classical singers who have to be right on the button, Elvis was vocally, unique covering all the Male vocal ranges ie: Tenor,Baritone and (His Favourite) Bass....and he posessed the greatest gift for a singer, he could Scat and Improvise.

He needed a coach like we need Pneumonia,unique,multi talented' power to die for......ELVIS!!!! never again will we see the like....:king::king::notworthy:notworthy:clap::
Lets Not forget Dean Martin, Mario Lanza, Eddy Arnold, and a host of others.
He was influenced by them all-but its not really the same as formal vocal lessons.

[ricky]

I'm afraid you are missing the point Ricky.... those are not vocal coaches. If you are a musician yourself you should know that a vocal coach is someone who sits with you, listens to you and then point out what you can do to improve your vocal range, make better use of the power and breathing techniques.

You can listen to every singer you like and and admire and they will probably influence your musical direction.... but they will not coach you. Neither does God. He might give you the talent but without good guidance you'll be a loose canon on deck.

Leroy with respect, I bow to your obvious superior knowledge on what I should and what I should not know as a working Musician(and Singer),and I have not missed the point..

The question was" Did Elvis ever have a vocal coach ?" then the blunt answer is no, and that is from as near to the horses mouth as you would want to be..

Memphis, late 40's early 50's on the breadline, coach = $,I don't think so, and if you read my thread you will see that I mentioned coaches are for Classical singers ie: Opera Singers, Musical Artists, and from experience I stand by that...

And as for Charlie Hodge mentioned by many members as his coach, the Guy got money under false pretenses, one member of the TCB Band who will remain anomynous actually cut his guitar strings onstage. because of the noise insessantly in his ear, a very unpopular member of the Band, and as for being Elvis's coach laughable, Court Jester yes.. MUSO: No way.. if anything he to tried to learn from Elvis.

He learned from Lanza thats where his love of power singing came from, and as for God you should have a chat with Sir Cliff Richard he will tell you God is behind everything?

Leroy, Elvis was, is and always will be R'n'R, there is no breathing control, its natural adrenolene that drives you to near exhaustion. (Check pictures of him after any performances you are fired up before you step onstage and totally switched off to anything but the explosion to come) I started in 1956 not only did I want to sound like him, at that age (I was16) like every other guy who could sing I wanted to be him, he was the Coach to 100's of would be singers,so I think we should stick with that one, I sung in the Church Choir from the age of 8 to when I was 14. I learnt more from Elvis,Jerry Lee,Chuck Berry etc than any so called Coach could ever have taught me there. ..Influences, yes, but he was the Master Coach he had a unique talent..And thats why we are all on this site and 1,000's of others, 31 years after his passing .. and as for people guiding you, forget it, from mine and obviously Elvis's career, we were all ripped of with avengance by the many Col Parkers who were out there ready to help take you apart (Financially & Percentage wise) piece by piece.

To round this reply off Leroy, I have been there and I have paid my dues,I still work with the best guys around, each day after 50 years of it I am eternally grateful to the man who taught me how to "do it"ELVIS.. I appreciate your comments, but when I get told "You should know your a Musician" my hackles get riled, the Internet is a great way to have a swipe at someone,as you cannot talk face to face.. perhaps when I travel through Holland and I do many times we can share a Beer together..

I went on to Record for Columbia EMI in the late 50's & through the 60's under my real name not the name I use on this site that one is a tribute to my late friend of 26 years, Ricky Nelson. thank you for your reply....(y)(y)

[EnigmaticSun]

the 'gay' routine during "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" is just absolutely horrid. It may be funny to some but it's very embarassing to watch during the EIC outtakes.

Just put a tag over it that says "parental advisory". ;)

[beckelvis]

Seriously to need and entrenador for the voice?I don´t belive

[Tony Trout]

It's impossible to create a list of what Charlie did for Elvis but here are a few things:

He did Elvis harmony vocals. On recordings during the 60's and 70's he not only sang harmony with Elvis but also made the vocal arrangements. Because he was capable of impersonate Elvis voice his harmony vocals were as perfect as if Elvis did it himself.

We already discussed the vocal coach topic. As some other members stated, nobody had to teach Elvis how to sing. His voice was incredible but Charlie was able to direct Elvis.

Charlie was Elvis musical stage director from 1969 until the end. Every change that was made went through Charlie. He communicated with the band and the orchestra. A perfect example was what happened during just before the taping of Aloha. The TV director needed a few extra songs for the special and confronted Elvis. Elvis looked at Charlie and said: "Give me a few extra!" an walked away. Charlie had to come up with the extra songs and place them somewhere in the show.

Whenever something went wrong on stage and improvising was needed it was Charlie who took over and made shure the whole thing went on. Like the time in Las Vegas in December 1976 when Elvis had his bath room accident and sprained his ankle. Or when things went wrong in Baltimore in 1977.


I agree on most things said here, Leroy. As far as 'harmony' vocals, though, Charlie didn't do all of the harmony vocals - at least not in the studio. One can easily hear Elvis himself overdub harmony vocals on the song "There Goes My Everything".

And while we're on the subject of 'harmony vocals', can anyone tell me who did the harmony vocal with Elvis on "Don't Cry, Daddy"? My ears may be deceiving me but I could swear that I hear Elvis's overdubbed harmony vocal on that song as well....(and no, it doesn't sound like Ronnie Milsap, either - Ronnie is/was only credited for the 'overdub' sessions later that year in spite of what he's said in interviews - he never played during the actual sessions while Elvis was there in Memphis during January/February, '69).

Any ideas??

[mozzarella]

Oh... I didn't want to cause any argument on this, I was just curious... I share your thoughts, Leroy about the Charlie Hodge issue. And I also believe that he needed some guidance after the '50s when he switched to more 'technical' songs (It's Now or Never, Surrender, so forth)

[KPM]

It's impossible to create a list of what Charlie did for Elvis but here are a few things:

He did Elvis harmony vocals. On recordings during the 60's and 70's he not only sang harmony with Elvis but also made the vocal arrangements. Because he was capable of impersonate Elvis voice his harmony vocals were as perfect as if Elvis did it himself.

We already discussed the vocal coach topic. As some other members stated, nobody had to teach Elvis how to sing. His voice was incredible but Charlie was able to direct Elvis.

Charlie was Elvis musical stage director from 1969 until the end. Every change that was made went through Charlie. He communicated with the band and the orchestra. A perfect example was what happened during just before the taping of Aloha. The TV director needed a few extra songs for the special and confronted Elvis. Elvis looked at Charlie and said: "Give me a few extra!" an walked away. Charlie had to come up with the extra songs and place them somewhere in the show.

Whenever something went wrong on stage and improvising was needed it was Charlie who took over and made shure the whole thing went on. Like the time in Las Vegas in December 1976 when Elvis had his bath room accident and sprained his ankle. Or when things went wrong in Baltimore in 1977.
I think that Charlie may have been Elvis's "vocal sounding board" and Charlie in turn helped Elvis when he was working on new songs or old songs in finding the path to how Elvis wanted to do them. The home recordings show that many songs he jammed on at home eventually made their way to the stage or recording studio. Charlie understood who Elvis was musically -or I would assume he did since Elvis liked the sound Charlie had with the Foggy River Boys and invited him after the Army to come to Graceland.
Charlie may have been less important on stage to some-but not to Elvis.

[1100ccRider]

Leroy with respect, I bow to your obvious superior knowledge on what I should and what I should not know as a working Musician(and Singer),and I have not missed the point..

The question was" Did Elvis ever have a vocal coach ?" then the blunt answer is no, and that is from as near to the horses mouth as you would want to be..



I appreciate that you have been a working musician -- good going, in itself -- for longer than I have been alive, but I'm not sure that it's the horse's mouth that you're channeling here. That doesn't mean that you don't know what you're talking about -- far from it, with the exception of your being wrong about Charlie Hodge -- but, actually, more likely, you and some of we others are talking at cross-purposes.

You seem to be referring to Elvis having a vocal coach who shaped his voice and who did so at the outset. Nobody's suggesting that. And, in that sense, you are absolutely right in that if he had any 'coaching' it was via the recordings of his pop, gospel, blues, and country favorites. I don't think we're talking about that, so the whole point about him being too poor to afford vocal coaching is revealed as a straw man. The real blunt answer is that, yes, Elvis did have vocal coaches. That doesn't mean that they taught him how to sing 'properly' or fundamentally altered his voice or delivery, but they further refined his innate talent and gave him the means through which he could channel it to achieve more with his voice while, presumably, safeguarding his most important professional asset.

As my one experience suggests -- just one hour with a voice coach who did nothing to change my voice's basic nature but who in that short time helped me more fully maximize its potential -- having the input of a voice teacher does not necessarily mean that Elvis would have had to have long series of formal lessons or start from the very basics and learn to sing as perhaps a classically-trained vocalist would. He had vocal coaches, informally -- the likes of Charlie Hodge, Gordon Stoker, and others -- and they helped him more finely tune the vocal instrument that he possessed. Fine tuning, not a complete overhaul and learning to sing like a carbon-copy of some Metropolitan Opera lead, is what we're talking about here. And, yes, Charlie Hodge was an important part of this and if Elvis was the only one who appreciated his value on stage then that is, in the end, all that mattered.

[ricky]

I appreciate that you have been a working musician -- good going, in itself -- for longer than I have been alive, but I'm not sure that it's the horse's mouth that you're channeling here. That doesn't mean that you don't know what you're talking about -- far from it, with the exception of your being wrong about Charlie Hodge -- but, actually, more likely, you and some of we others are talking at cross-purposes.

You seem to be referring to Elvis having a vocal coach who shaped his voice and who did so at the outset. Nobody's suggesting that. And, in that sense, you are absolutely right in that if he had any 'coaching' it was via the recordings of his pop, gospel, blues, and country favorites. I don't think we're talking about that, so the whole point about him being too poor to afford vocal coaching is revealed as a straw man. The real blunt answer is that, yes, Elvis did have vocal coaches. That doesn't mean that they taught him how to sing 'properly' or fundamentally altered his voice or delivery, but they further refined his innate talent and gave him the means through which he could channel it to achieve more with his voice while, presumably, safeguarding his most important professional asset.

As my one experience suggests -- just one hour with a voice coach who did nothing to change my voice's basic nature but who in that short time helped me more fully maximize its potential -- having the input of a voice teacher does not necessarily mean that Elvis would have had to have long series of formal lessons or start from the very basics and learn to sing as perhaps a classically-trained vocalist would. He had vocal coaches, informally -- the likes of Charlie Hodge, Gordon Stoker, and others -- and they helped him more finely tune the vocal instrument that he possessed. Fine tuning, not a complete overhaul and learning to sing like a carbon-copy of some Metropolitan Opera lead, is what we're talking about here. And, yes, Charlie Hodge was an important part of this and if Elvis was the only one who appreciated his value on stage then that is, in the end, all that mattered.

ccRider, you also seem to have all the answers, I joined the discussion to try and give a Musicians point of view so I have learned a lesson, it doesn't really matter..

You can have your views on Charlie it's a free World, I know he was a passenger in the Band, and definately not his Voice Coach so rather than upset anymore people lets just leave it at that.

It has taught me to speak just as a follower of Elvis on the Forum, and not as a Musician, as obviously you guy's have inside information that I don't..

Take Care....Ricky:doh:

[Getlo]

Elvis was Charlies bestfriend to him, he loved serving his time and life for Elvis, he looked up to him like a brother, and was always there to lift Elvis up through the hard times and always there to give him a good laugh and put a smile on Elvis' face.

No argument there.

Charlie was, indeed, one of the best friends Elvis ever had.

I just don't believe he was needed on stage at all ... especially in '68.

[1100ccRider]

ccRider, you also seem to have all the answers, I joined the discussion to try and give a Musicians point of view so I have learned a lesson, it doesn't really matter..

Your point of view is a refreshing one and one that could be a real asset here, and all I was pointing out was that you were a bit off track in being so adamant about Elvis not needing or having a vocal coach. And by 'vocal coach' I mean, again, not a formal teacher nor anybody at the start of Elvis' career or aspirations to be a recording singer but people he knew along the way who could help him perfect his primary instrument and do so in a manner such that he was less likely to blow his voice out.

That certainly doesn't in any least part minimize Elvis' vocal prowess that was there, if ever-changing and developing, right from the start. He may not have needed much in the way of guidance but, like everyone else, he would definitely have profited from some handy pointers (and, more specifically, advice such as that he received on how to extend and work within his range, advice that helped him nail songs like those 1960 Neapolitan ballads that were the sort of song he hadn't tackled before).


You can have your views on Charlie it's a free World, I know he was a passenger in the Band, and definately not his Voice Coach so rather than upset anymore people lets just leave it at that.

I'm not some rabid fan of Charlie Hodge, but I do think his contribution's downplayed by many, to whom he has lately become an object of ridicule. Was he as important to the live act as the bass player or drummer? No. But it's a matter of record (literally) that he worked on harmonies with Elvis from his first association with him and he did a lot of the logistical work related to presenting the songs in Elvis' repertoire, and it's also established fact that he was a very experienced musician when they first met and that Elvis benefited from his input on how to care for and work with his incredible voice.

Again, it's neither a shameful secret nor a criticism of Elvis' talent to acknowledge that Elvis picked up, from informal vocal coaches, some useful guidance on how to preserve and explore his vocal capabilities. Nobody is so good -- at anything, not just singing -- that they are above learning. Anyone who thinks otherwise of themselves hasn't learned much from life.

[EnigmaticSun]

Again, it's neither a shameful secret nor a criticism of Elvis' talent to acknowledge that Elvis picked up, from informal vocal coaches, some useful guidance on how to preserve and explore his vocal capabilities. Nobody is so good -- at anything, not just singing -- that they are above learning. Anyone who thinks otherwise of themselves hasn't learned much from life.

Very well said, I couldn't agree more. Elvis didn't raise himself on some lonely island in the ocean. Even he needed people around him to live with and to learn from.:D

[KPM]

I guess some have differing views on the term "vocal coach"
So here is a formal definition of the term:

A vocal coach is a person who works with singers on their singing technique, care and development of the voice, performance and preparation of a work. The coach may give instruction to the singer in private lessons, on stage, or during a recording session. A vocal coach is sometimes responsible for writing and producing vocal arrangements for a music production. Also with providing support for the singer.
In my way of thinking and having a slight brush in my life with playing in a band-many people along the way would fit the definition I just posted.
My brother is a professional musician of 25 years and I asked him what a vocal coach would be in his estimation-he said anyone you learn from on the subject of singing.
So in my own humble opinion I do not think you have to hire someone with the formal title of "vocal coach" to get coaching. I also don't think that you can only learn proper breathing, or proper techniques from only a "formal vocal coach" I think Elvis learned his trade in jamming with others and listening to many many styles of other singers-then trying to duplicate what he heard. Listen to his take on Bill Monroe when hes clowning around-he knew that mans voice from listening and learning from his records.
Elvis was not the type it seems to me-to learn from formal lessons. Jamming for the fun of it-was probably the best learning experience Elvis had vocally.

[U.S. Male]

"Foul words" are not necessary in this (or any) conversation. :cop:
Lets keep our comments "clean" shall we.

[Unchained Melody]

Oh... I didn't want to cause any argument on this, I was just curious... I share your thoughts, Leroy about the Charlie Hodge issue. And I also believe that he needed some guidance after the '50s when he switched to more 'technical' songs (It's Now or Never, Surrender, so forth)

Agreed as in the 50's Elvis basically went out there and yelled and screamed, but then changed it almost completely with songs like Fame and Fortune and Its Now Or Never, and he had to control the voice more and definitley believe Charlie Hodge helped him do alot of that, they said in Peter Gurlanick's first book while Elvis was in Germany he spent alot of time doing this using his voice in different ways etc.

[Unchained Melody]

No argument there.

Charlie was, indeed, one of the best friends Elvis ever had.

I just don't believe he was needed on stage at all ... especially in '68.

Maybe he wasn't but elvis wanted him there and I guess thats all that matters at the end of the day...whether it was for comfort, support or what, Elvis saw the need to have him on stage and thats that!

[shelley.m.]

Agreed as in the 50's Elvis basically went out there and yelled and screamed, but then changed it almost completely with songs like Fame and Fortune and Its Now Or Never, and he had to control the voice more and definitley believe Charlie Hodge helped him do alot of that, they said in Peter Gurlanick's first book while Elvis was in Germany he spent alot of time doing this using his voice in different ways etc.

Elvis was aiming for a much wider audience,once he came out of the army.The face of Rock'n'Roll changed after singers like Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran died.The music scene changed in 1960 and Elvis had to change with it.

[Unchained Melody]

Elvis was aiming for a much wider audience,once he came out of the army.The face of Rock'n'Roll changed after singers like Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran died.The music scene changed in 1960 and Elvis had to change with it.

Agreed, and I like the direction Elvis went in the 1960-1963 period.
Some of his best music was made IMO!!