Why not Charlie?!

[Kajo]

How come that Charlie Hodge was excluded out of a lot of projects? When Elvis the concert started in 1997 they didn't even invited him. Sorry but I have to say that he is and was one of the most "important" members of the band. In an interview once he said I don't know they just didn't call me up for, it completely ignored me. What was with Elvis by the Presleys? When they were filming it in 2004/2005 Charlie was still alive. I guess they rather have Joe Esposito, Red and Sonny West, Lamar Fikea and other parasites selling their porkypies instead of a true and close and loyal friend as Charlie. Gosh that makes me so mad!!!:angry:

[Raised on Rock]

Well, musically speaking he was not that important in the TCB Band, if there isn´t any Elvis to give water, scarfs, etc. there is not much point in having him on stage. His harmony singing with Elvis might had a reason to be in the studio on some tracks, but on stage, if there's no Elvis, there's no need for a Charlie.

As an Elvis friend and aid, that's another story and you might have a point about it.

[rickb]

Charlie was an important part of the band in his support for Elvis, particularly in latter years, but he wasn't necessarily there for his music and singing. Still i think he should have been invited at least for that first concert

[Jungleroom76]

I seem to remember seeing a story about a falling out between Charlie and EPE at some point...or maybe it was Charlie and Priscilla...I really can't remember, but perhaps this has something to do with it?? :hmm:

I personally agree that Charlie was a very important part of the band in terms of his support and close relationship/friendship with Elvis. But still...I agree that he really should have been invited to attend the show...he was very recognizable to the fans as he was the one always handing Elvis his scarves, so I'm sure the fans would have appreciated his inclusion in the show.

TCB!
Mike

[Joe Car]

Given his loyalty to Elvis and Elvis' fondness of him, he should have been included. The man never missed a show for God sakes!

[vivaelvis]

Really nice guy but had an annoying as hell voice.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

The way you have to look at these things is that Elvis had his buddies and Priscilla had hers, few of them crossed over and those that did are happy to let Priscilla gloss over the truth with a very thick coating of bullcrap. Priscilla has these guys clambering for scraps off the table.

Personally I have more respect for those who have stuck to their principles and kept well away from her, even if they haven't strictly been helpful to the legacy!

[Dazed and Confused]

I guess so

[RS277]

Couldn't agree more !!!!

[Raised on Rock]

Maybe they didn't invited him as they where affraid he might blew the whole thing with his laughin as he did in the sit down shows of the '68 special.

[debtdbruno]

Yeh, that was an annoying moment................

[Jungleroom76]

The way you have to look at these things is that Elvis had his buddies and Priscilla had hers, few of them crossed over and those that did are happy to let Priscilla gloss over the truth with a very thick coating of bullcrap. Priscilla has these guys clambering for scraps off the table.

Personally I have more respect for those who have stuck to their principles and kept well away from her, even if they haven't strictly been helpful to the legacy!

RIGHT ON MATT!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Albert]

Charlie's influence on Elvis' was much more than most people know. This started right from the start of their friendship (in the army) by introducing Elvis to different music styles and harmonizing. When Elvis returned to live performing, Charlie was the one who gave Elvis his so much needed 'home' feeling (since Charlie was a longtime friend). He was his 'safe-point'.

Charlie helped Elvis with selecting songs for the setlists, getting him back on track when Elvis was off (lyrics, the next song to sing, etc). He made Elvis feel at ease by laughing along, clowning around and basically be there for him when needed.

Eventhough his function was very important during the 70s, I can understand why EPE decided not to include him. Musically speaking, he was not that important during a live show. Sometimes playing rhythm guitar (unneeded: we had John Wilkinson for that) and harmonizing (unneeded: we had the Imperials, the Sweet Inspirations, JD Sumner & The Stamps and Voice).

A the same time it could also be that the amount of money Charlie asked for this stint was too high, or that the role that he wanted during the ELvis The Concert Tour was too big. He was Elvis sidekick, so without Elvis.... what was left for him to do on these shows? But that's all guessing.... I only hope that Charlie didn't have any problems with not being part of this show.

Perhaps a question to ask to one of the current TCB band members or Joe Esposito?

[Ematt]

Come on guys, Elvis really had no need for Charlie onstage. Charlie should have felt embarrassed being onstage it was ridiculous.

[Jungleroom76]

Charlie's influence on Elvis' was much more than most people know. This started right from the start of their friendship (in the army) by introducing Elvis to different music styles and harmonizing. When Elvis returned to live performing, Charlie was the one who gave Elvis his so much needed 'home' feeling (since Charlie was a longtime friend). He was his 'safe-point'.

Charlie helped Elvis with selecting songs for the setlists, getting him back on track when Elvis was off (lyrics, the next song to sing, etc). He made Elvis feel at ease by laughing along, clowning around and basically be there for him when needed.


EXCELLENT POINTS MY FRIEND!!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Kajo]

Come on guys, Elvis really had no need for Charlie onstage. Charlie should have felt embarrassed being onstage it was ridiculous.

You better take back what you just said Boy. :angry:

[Ematt]

And why would that be old chap?

[Brian Quinn]

Personally I think the real reason that Charlie was not part of the 'Elvis In Concert' production has already been stated in that without a 'live' Elvis he could bring no realistic function to it e.g. no scarves etc. With the real Elvis, of course, Charlie also had the important function of keeping Elvis on track with the song list and supplying him with gatorade/water. Again not needed in the post Elvis production.

One must not forget Kathy Westmoreland who was also not invited to appear in the current production. In fact she had more legitimacy for appearing than Charlie did. It would appear that Priscilla did not like her alleged 'romantic involvement' with Elvis at one stage.

Brian

[Raised on Rock]

Personally I think the real reason that Charlie was not part of the 'Elvis In Concert' production has already been stated in that without a 'live' Elvis he could bring no realistic function to it e.g. no scarves etc. With the real Elvis, of course, Charlie also had the important function of keeping Elvis on track with the song list and supplying him with gatorade/water. Again not needed in the post Elvis production.

One must not forget Kathy Westmoreland who was also not invited to appear in the current production. In fact she had more legitimacy for appearing than Charlie did. It would appear that Priscilla did not like her alleged 'romantic involvement' with Elvis at one stage.

Brian

Yep. Chalie was Elvis aid, he did was needed up there on stage, handing Elvis guitars, turning on and off his amp, handing capes, scarfs, water, getting him back on track if he forget the words, went out of tune, or what song is next. But musically speaking, he did not offer a thing to the overall sound, he was not a band member in terms of sound but in technical terms, pretty much he was a roadie, Elvis personal one.

So without Elvis, really, I don't see a reason for him to be. That's not to say he did had an importan function when Elvis was up there, center stage, or rehearsing.

P.S. Now, if Elvis the Concert, is not just about him and his music but about a family like situation, and I could get that, I do understand many people wanting to see Charlie, that's all right. You can't think of Mr. Burns without W. Smithers right?

[Kajo]

And why would that be old chap?

Cause you're so wrong and some other people on this forum here too. He was very important to him. In private life and on stage Charlie was the one that took care of a lot of things and never betrayed Elvis. He played rhythm guitar on stage and sang all the back vocals. Even then when they started with the whole Elvis screen thing he would be important because he is the one that is associated with Elvis he was a real part of the band and a true family friend and I'm afraid Elvis' only real friend. Sure he helped out with water and scarves and all that small stuff but he was there backstage too for a lot of other stuff and organized things, taught Elvis to sing and plus all of that he was a part of the band played guitar and sang backup. He deserved much much more than he did and he certanly didn't derserve the disrespect that he's getting from some of the members on the forum here!!!

[LaurieT]

Taught Elvis to sing??? I don't think so. Elvis sang and Charlie hormonized with him. Elvis was a singer long before Charlie.

[Kajo]

Taught Elvis to sing??? I don't think so. Elvis sang and Charlie hormonized with him. Elvis was a singer long before Charlie.

I meant he taught him some vocal tecnhiques during their army time. Charlie was a very good vocal coach. Sure he taught and guided Elvis later through his career.

[LaurieT]

Can you tell me where you get this idea from???

[Ematt]

I think its more of a case of Elvis finding something for Charlie to do, so he became Elvis` onstage gofer. I know its said he had some input regarding Elvis` stage material, but really, its nothing Elvis could`nt handle himself.

The un-plugged guitar, the endless cackling, over loud "back-up" and "harmonies".....nahh there was no need for Charlie.

[rickb]

I have no doubt that as Elvis became more troubled on stage he became more reliant on guidance from Charlie. That back-up role was important. For example, you can hear his little prompt with the title of My Way in EIC

[Erhan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5nQ58a3-0s

[buttonhead]

Why not Charlie, first.. he is now gone, ... so please people have some respect talking about him. if you dont have any respectful words about him then leave it and moved on. I think EPE had cut many people who dearest for Elvis, I believe he may wanted to keep some of the memories and legacy for himself, something can be very personal and a lot of them just wanted to treasure it , no offense but may be that was what he wished ??.. I will never know. If hes still alive, i would think some fans would ask him this question ' Why Not you Charlie..?'

He was Elvis buddy to poke many of jokes on stage, they often named it as ' the gay routine '- on Are You Lonesome Tonight... and in real life he was the few of E.. real friend, he may not be Joe Satriani, or Jimmi hendrix playing a guitar, his voice not be as smooth as the guys on the Stamps but Elvis gave him responsibility of how the stage was,.. etc, this was what Elvis liked , so why we all argued about something that none of us could change. Enuff of me yapping, i got island fever now ...:lol:

[Kajo]

Can you tell me where you get this idea from???


Sure I can tell you where I got that "idea" from. First it is very well known and documented that Xharlie and Elvis became big friends in the army. Charlie was a vocal coach. They had a piano at Elvis' place and they sang a lot. Charlie taught Elvis breathing and other techniques. Just liesten to his pre and post army recordings how his voice matured after he came back from the army. Second sure that Elvis was talented and all, but talent is only 10 %. Nobody, really nobody can develop and grow a voice like Elvis did from 1969-1977 without practicing at least once a weak.Especially for Elvis who had 2-3 shows a day he really needed some practice. It's like training. Training your vocal chords. There are our mucels. Third I know very well what I'm talking about as I am a professional opera singer. Fourth I had a friend who was vocally in trouble had a little "vocal crisis" as we call it and who had masterclasses with Charlie Hodge in 2000/2001 and told me that he helped him so much. He was a life savior. Told me he is a great teacher and that he knew why Elvis sang technically so good. Elvis really had a great vocal technique.

[Diane]

Sure I can tell you where I got that "idea" from. First it is very well known and documented that Xharlie and Elvis became big friends in the army. Charlie was a vocal coach. They had a piano at Elvis' place and they sang a lot. Charlie taught Elvis breathing and other techniques. Just liesten to his pre and post army recordings how his voice matured after he came back from the army. Second sure that Elvis was talented and all, but talent is only 10 %. Nobody, really nobody can develop and grow a voice like Elvis did from 1969-1977 without practicing at least once a weak.Especially for Elvis who had 2-3 shows a day he really needed some practice. It's like training. Training your vocal chords. There are our mucels. Third I know very well what I'm talking about as I am a professional opera singer. Fourth I had a friend who was vocally in trouble had a little "vocal crisis" as we call it and who had masterclasses with Charlie Hodge in 2000/2001 and told me that he helped him so much. He was a life savior. Told me he is a great teacher and that he knew why Elvis sang technically so good. Elvis really had a great vocal technique.

I agree with you, not only did Charlie help Elvis with his vocal technique, he was a good friend that tried his best to keep up Elvis' spirit.

[Kajo]

I agree with you, not only did Charlie help Elvis with his vocal technique, he was a good friend that tried his best to keep up Elvis' spirit.

Thanks Diane. At least somebody who shows some respect to that man. The only thing people know is bashing. It's easy to bash him now when he's gone. I agree Diane he definitely always tried to keep his spirit up. He was a true friend,musician,coach just everything. I think Charlie deserved much more than 85% of the *****ic comments he got here on this forum.