Elvis vs. The Beatles...

[franny]

this was on EIN...


Continuing our controversial series of articles comparing the impact of Elvis and The Beatles, in this article we present a tabular (matrix) comparison of the two musical-cultural icons plus supporting arguments/views. Our examination is based on a review of a cross-section of online and printed material about both artists.

http://www.elvisinfonet.com/elvis_beatles_matrix.html

franny

[JDD]

I like'em both . The Beatles are an evolution of what Elvis and the Rhythm and Blues guys started. They were teens when it began and Elvis fans, especially of the Sun Days stuff. Its really almost two different kinds of music. The Beatles were talented Songwriters, and inovative, but none of them could arrange and sing a song like Elvis. Its an age old debate that people have tried to make me chose between them in the past. I like Elvis more, but I still like the Beatles, particularly Lennon.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I like'em both . The Beatles are an evolution of what Elvis and the Rhythm and Blues guys started. They were teens when it began and Elvis fans, especially of the Sun Days stuff. Its really almost two different kinds of music. The Beatles were talented Songwriters, and inovative, but none of them could arrange and sing a song like Elvis. Its an age old debate that people have tried to make me chose between them in the past. I like Elvis more, but I still like the Beatles, particularly Lennon.
You read my mind, word for word! Thanks!(y)

[ForeverTheKing]

I like'em both . The Beatles are an evolution of what Elvis and the Rhythm and Blues guys started. They were teens when it began and Elvis fans, especially of the Sun Days stuff. Its really almost two different kinds of music. The Beatles were talented Songwriters, and inovative, but none of them could arrange and sing a song like Elvis. Its an age old debate that people have tried to make me chose between them in the past. I like Elvis more, but I still like the Beatles, particularly Lennon.


I totally agree.(y)

I like both too but I think Elvis had much more impact for music in general than The Beatles.(y)
Nobody nowadays thinks or talks about The Beatles in the same way as Elvis...this is because Elvis was the beginning of everything and also because with Elvis we don't talk only about music but also charisma, style and so on..(y)
I think The Beatles were excellent song-writers but I can't find in their voices the same passion I see in Elvis...the proof is that I prefer Yesterday and Hey Jude sang by Elvis.:lmfao:
I wonder how "Imagine" would have been if only Elvis had had the chance to sing it. :'(
This maybe depends on the fact I like him so much but I still think that if we talk about interpretation...well...Elvis will always be THE BEST!

[Albert]

The Beatles were artistic gifted (at least John, Paul and George) and changed (along with others) how music was made. This gives them a lot of credit in the books of music critics and well educated people.

The advantage of the Beatles is that their artistic big boom was about 10 years after Elvis started (I'm not talking about the early Beatle Mania period, because that's not the period where critics crave about). So therefor their music was much more contempory and can easier be played on modern radio without sound too old.

I think The Beatles are given too much credit. Has anyone for example forgotten the influence of The Beach Boys? Their surf/drag years are almost the same as the early Beatle years, while artictic speaking they were really at the level of John/Paul. But no critics are remembering The Beach BOys for that.... like they sunk right at the start of Beatlemania....


It seems like history has been rewritten in the favour of The Beatles. Thank God that we still have Ernst to do justice to Elvis heritage (y)

[ALWAYS_ELVISONMYMIND]

I totally agree! I always tought that The Beatles are a bit overrated. Never been a fan of their music, i liked the Beach Boys a lot better. Those harmonies are really awesome. It always bugs me that when critics talk about The Beatles its almost always positive. The Beatles ...wow.... what a music, etc etc. When Elvis comes across its a bit positive about the early Sun period, but then right on they laugh about the movies and the jumpsuits. F.ck the Beatles i would say....:clap:
The Beatles didn?t change the music, Elvis did ( along with the other early rock artists)

[MISSCLAWDY]

I totally agree! I always tought that The Beatles are a bit overrated. Never been a fan of their music, i liked the Beach Boys a lot better. Those harmonies are really awesome. It always bugs me that when critics talk about The Beatles its almost always positive. The Beatles ...wow.... what a music, etc etc. When Elvis comes across its a bit positive about the early Sun period, but then right on they laugh about the movies and the jumpsuits. F.ck the Beatles i would say....:clap:
The Beatles didn?t change the music, Elvis did ( along with the other early rock artists)
Itotally agree with you!!!;)

[JDD]

The Beatles were artistic gifted (at least John, Paul and George) and changed (along with others) how music was made. This gives them a lot of credit in the books of music critics and well educated people.

I think The Beatles are given too much credit. Has anyone for example forgotten the influence of The Beach Boys? Their surf/drag years are almost the same as the early Beatle years, while artictic speaking they were really at the level of John/Paul. But no critics are remembering The Beach BOys for that.... like they sunk right at the start of Beatlemania....It seems like history has been rewritten in the favour of The Beatles. Thank God that we still have Ernst to do justice to Elvis heritage (y)



I think that has to do with Sales Albert. You can't argue with success and on that level the Beatles eclipsed the Beach Boys by miles. The Beach Boys never got beyond those early sounds though some of Brian Wilsons solo work did, and his writing was genius IMO. The Beatles outsold them all the only real rival for sales and popularity with them was Elvis. A lot has been made of his supposed dislike for them, but I take that with a grain of salt. He obviously listened to some of their stuff as he covered Hey Jude, Yesterday and did an awesome version of George Harrisons "Something". Man that was just a fantastic era for Music. I like everyone here think Elvis was the best but that mid fifties to late sixties era of music was just great great stuff. It IMO has slid backwards since then.

[Katie]

The Beatles were okay I guess...I like a few of their songs, but IMO, Elvis is much better than them. Some people on this thread also brought up the Beach Boys. I prefer them, along with The Rolling Stones over the Beatles. I think the Beach Boys' songs were just as good if not better than the early Beatles songs, but their mistake was not being foreign, which probably didn't make them seem as new and exciting as the Beatles.

JMO

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I have always quite liked the Beatles, I think John and Paul were good song writers who have penned some really good music! I think that had they gone on they would have made some interesting music, the material they were producing in the late 60's e.g. Sgt Peppers and the White Album were ground breaking.

John and Pauls voices were not what I would call fantastic or anywhere near the range and power of Elvis but when you here John Lennon singing in "A Day In The Life" it sends shivers down my spine. :supriced: (y)

The way Paul McCartney is recieved in America always amuses me, it's like he is some kind of god?

As for John Lennon, all the mythic bullsh*t surrounding him e.g. "Working Class Hero" and "Imagine" well........... you can keep all that.

Matt

[Diane]

I'm probably going to get bombarded for this but I never liked the Beatles. I've had an ongoing argument with my brother-in-law for years about Elvis vs the Beatles. Lennon is his big idol! The sound of the old rock and roll seemed to change drastically after they appeared and I resented them for it as I loved the old sound of Elvis, Fats Domino, Little Richard etc. Bob Seiger's song Old Time Rock 'n Roll says it all for me - the music afterwards never did have the same "soul". I do agree the Beach Boys were good though.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

over the Beatles. I think the Beach Boys' songs were just as good if not better than the early Beatles songs, but their mistake was not being foreign, which probably didn't make them seem as new and exciting as the Beatles.

JMOI'm not sure if that is what killed them though. I think it had alot to do with the Beach Boys not being as versatile as the Beatles ( or maybe they just weren't doing the right kind of drugs,LOL) It also had alot to do with the main members and their dad. The origins of the Beach Boys music and the group were drastically different that the Beatles. They had a disciplined and structured beginning which can certainly stifle creativity, or the courage to be so. The Beatles had no structure or guidelines in the beginning, which gave them more leeway to pursue different directions, and when it worked, they did it more. It's artists like this that have more staying power. Elvis was definately versatile and creative, probably the father of that, I'd say. Nobody really did their "own thing" until Elvis came along. But the Beatles did emulate him, early on. I think he had a major influence on them and, because of the path that he tread and laid down, the Beatles were able to be creative because Elvis did it first. He was the inspiration in that way for alot of artists.

[sH]

Beatles was the greatest and more popular at their time. Beatles were good together. as one person elvis is greatest

[Elvisman76]

I have never really understodd these types of debates. Anyone can see that the beatles and Elvis were two different types of music. While yes it can be said that they both did Rock n Roll, they both evolved differently.
Both Elvis and the beatles both started out doing rock n roll, However look at what was happening with the beatles by 1968 into 1969. Their music was more extreme aka "The White Album".
Elvis on the other hand as we all know cooled off in the 70's. He became more of a relaxed more mature type of singer that followed more into country, ballads and some Rock songs.
Have any of you ever noticed the difference between and Elvis fan and a beatles fan? That tells a story. Elvis fans, atleast the ones I know tend to be more calmer people. beatle fans tend to be more hippy and saucy.
And thats fine ! I have always been told that eaither you are a beatles person or an Elvis person. I have met very few who like both.
The main point I am making here is that it doesnt matter who one likes more, or even to compare. Elvis and the beatles did their thing for Rock n Roll.

Mark
Las Vegas

[Raised on Rock]

Music Number 4 Rock band structure eLvis N/A? thats the most stupid thing I ever heard, Wast?n ELvis Presley, Scotty Moore and Bill BLack, the prototype of a rockn and roll combo? latter DJ FOntana came along and that was the model that Lennon and Macartney used to form their rock band, you know we need an acoustic rythm guitar to play the intro of "Thats all RIght" and electric to play the solo, and we need a bass player, latter came a drume to. About the JOrdanaires as a side order for the rythm band, didnt Mcartney said once that the Beatles learned to sing in armony because of the need to do the vocal armonies on the elvis covers they made? And at last, wasnt Elvis himself, just he with the guitar, the prototype of what a rock and roller needed to play? the guy who wrote N/A on the elvis side of band structure must be a dam fool

Appart from that, I must say that Im one of those of the rare specie who can be an Elvis fan and a Beatles fan at the same time, and a ROlling Stones fan to... I must have been raised on rock, but yeah, Elvis is number one in my heart. Long Live to the King!

P.S. Sorry for the shoutiing in red, put that point cannot be missed just like that.

[franny]

Elvis is #1 to me, but I do like The Beatles as well, I think they were a great band...They made their presence known and made an impact, but there's no comparisom...to quote John Lennon "Before Elvis there was nothing"...

I would even say "After Elvis there's still nothing"...:lmfao:

franny

[JDD]

Elvis is #1 to me, but I do like The Beatles as well, I think they were a great band...They made their presence known and made an impact, but there's no comparisom...to quote John Lennon "Before Elvis there was nothing"...

I would even say "After Elvis there's still nothing"...:lmfao:

franny



:hmm: there is at least Elvis film ...

[Katie]

I'm probably going to get bombarded for this but I never liked the Beatles. I've had an ongoing argument with my brother-in-law for years about Elvis vs the Beatles. Lennon is his big idol! The sound of the old rock and roll seemed to change drastically after they appeared and I resented them for it as I loved the old sound of Elvis, Fats Domino, Little Richard etc. Bob Seiger's song Old Time Rock 'n Roll says it all for me - the music afterwards never did have the same "soul". I do agree the Beach Boys were good though.

Yea I agree the sound of good rock n roll sorta disappeared with the Beatles. I can't think of many bands after them that sounded very similar to the old rock n roll, except maybe CCR.

[quinn53]

The Beatles, IMHO, were one of the greatest things to ever happen to music. Their writing, their instrumentals, their harmonies, their wit, when all put together, it makes the greatest band in rock history.
I was in the 4th grade when The Beatles first appeared on The Ed Sullivan show. My friends and enemies all gave me hell, saying Elvis was dead, he died from a beatle bite.
I love The Beatles. I can't imagine how Elvis felt, seeing these little girls holding signs saying, "Elvis Is Dead." I feel pretty sure Elvis wasn't in the hippie movement, but Elvis sang "Yesterday", "Something", and "Get Back", I think he appreciated them. In a perfect world, maybe they could have worked together.
All that said, I am first and foremost an Elvis fan.

[STUD]

I've always felt the Beatles are a bit overrated. I think the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin had more of an influence on classic rock and hard rock than the Beatles. The Beatles just happened to be more famous with the fans during the time they entered our country because hard rock wasn't as popular with the mainstream, and they were better looking and cleaner than the Stones, and that's why the Stones were #2 behind the Beatles at that time. Personally, I like the Stones' music much more. The Beatles had some good songs, but nothing great IMO. When their songs were bad, like Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine, and All You Need Is Love, they were some of the worst songs ever recorded IMO.

There's no need to compare the influence of Elvis vs. the Beatles, cuz there's no comparison IMO. Sorry if I offended any Beatles fans.

[nerma]

Sorry but I never liked the Beatles: for me (ELVIS IS ONE AND ONLY):king:
LONG LIVE THE KINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG::notworthy :notworthy:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Dave TCB]

It took 4 of them to conquer the UK, but only 1 Elvis to conquer the world :lmfao:

[amzietamzie]

Coming from a completely Beatles-mad house, I have always been surrounded by their music, much more than Elvis until I became a fan of him. I do like the Beatles a lot and think that they were very talented, especially in terms of song-writing and, in many ways, originality. Of course I think their voices, although with their own qualities, are incomparable to Elvis' and personally I think that they convey none of the passion and emotion that makes Elvis' music, although it may not be his own writing, so personal and beautiful.

In my opinion, it is completely ridiculous to compare the two. Elvis was one man. The Beatles were a 4-man band. They were from different countries and different times. They performed, mostly, very different kinds of music. The Beatles were inspired by Elvis and Elvis did seem to like their music.

Both were great in their own way... personally I'd rather listen to and talk about Elvis :notworthy any day, and he always be the very best to me, the greatest entertainer of all time, but I still do enjoy listening to the Beatles, Let It Be is one of my absolute favourite songs, and can appreciate their talents.

[VEP]

Elvis was the first and the best:D

[Katie]

I've always felt the Beatles are a bit overrated. I think the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin had more of an influence on classic rock and hard rock than the Beatles. The Beatles just happened to be more famous with the fans during the time they entered our country because hard rock wasn't as popular with the mainstream, and they were better looking and cleaner than the Stones, and that's why the Stones were #2 behind the Beatles at that time. Personally, I like the Stones' music much more. The Beatles had some good songs, but nothing great IMO. When their songs were bad, like Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine, and All You Need Is Love, they were some of the worst songs ever recorded IMO.

There's no need to compare the influence of Elvis vs. the Beatles, cuz there's no comparison IMO. Sorry if I offended any Beatles fans.


Yeah I pretty much agree with everything you said.

Except for the part about the Beatles being better looking than the Stones.
I personally don't think anybody from either band is/was good looking.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

The Beatles had some good songs, but nothing great IMO. When their songs were bad, like Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine, and All You Need Is Love, they were some of the worst songs ever recorded IMO.


WOW very harsh :supriced: granted they had recorded some crap but so did Elvis! "Old Macdonald" Just to name one

Matt

[STUD]

WOW very harsh :supriced: granted they had recorded some crap but so did Elvis! "Old Macdonald" Just to name one

Matt

Yeah, but he didn't write those songs, and he didn't enjoy recording them. They were in the script. I'll take ANY of Elvis' movie songs over the Beatles' worst songs.

[Suspicious Minds]

Elvis is always the best. Who else can sing Religious, rock 'n' roll, blues, country and western and pop music? :hmm: :blink:

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Yeah, but he didn't write those songs, and he didn't enjoy recording them. They were in the script. I'll take ANY of Elvis' movie songs over the Beatles' worst songs.

Its what you consider worst by the Beatles that is weird, I am a massive Elvis fan and put in many hours work on my site........... But saying you would take ANY of Elvis' movie songs over the worst of the Beatles (Strawberry Fields & All You Need Is Love) well that's just incredible?

Fair play to you :D

Matt

[STUD]

Well, it's just an opinion. I'm not trying to force it on anybody. A lot of people dug the Beatles, and a lot of people would disagree with my preference of Elvis' bad movie songs over the Beatles' worst. A Day In The Life is another one that comes to mind that I can't stand. I also don't like Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and I never liked Hey Jude. That gets my vote for most overrated song in history, but hey, it was a big hit. I remember hearing some other bad ones, especially in their later years, but I can't think of their names.

I just think the Beatles were and are overrated. I just never understood what the fuss was about over them. I will say that I do like Twist and Shout, Long and Winding Road, and Got to Get You Into My Life. Those are my 3 favorites by them, and I think they're good songs. Some of their early stuff, like Can't Buy Me Love, Love Me Do, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, etc. are pretty good, but nothing I go crazy about.

Just my opinion. Everyone has their musical preference.

[Suspicious Minds]

I play Elvis more than the Beatles. Elvis was not a writer of songs. He did record crappy movie songs like Old MacDonald. Elvis put more feeling in the way he sung some of the ballads and rock 'n' roll. To me the Beatles tracks sounded the same just different words.

[Sammy4Elvis]

In the words of John Lennon - 'Before Elvis There Was Nothing'

Need i say anymore!! Elvis all the way!! ;)

[Diane]

I do feel the Beatles were over-rated too and that a lot of their popularity sprang from their completely different look at the time. The public is a sucker for anything new and different. I never cared for them for the reason I stated in my first thread but do feel that they had some merit. I have always liked Hey Jude. If I was to pick a favorite it would be Paul then George. Ringo didn't do much on his own and Lennon was always stoned and had a close-up personality.

I much prefer the Rolling Stones if I were to get myself out of the rut of strictly being and "oldies but goody". They all look like the walking dead and god knows everyone still wonders how come is Keith still alive. He must have better health genes going for him than Elvis did. But, I have seen Mick in several interviews and he comes off as being intelligent and has a good sense of humor - I enjoyed him.

[jak]

Its really not fair to compare the two.Im for Elvis all the way but you have to give the Beatles their due.They are the only ones who compare to Elvis in popularity.I much prefer Elvis music but the Beatles were far more creative when it came to their music and being involved in their product.I always admire people who can write their own material and compose the music.Their great talent cant be questioned.When it comes to compiling up a list of all time worst songs performed by a major entertainer our guy would contribute heavily to it.
Jak

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

When it comes to compiling up a list of all time worst songs performed by a major entertainer our guy would contribute heavily to it.
Jak

Agreed, any popular artist(s) will record some awful songs and given the opportunity Elvis wouldn't have recorded half of the crap he did by choice.

That said had Elvis been firmer with the Hollywood machine given his box office power he wouldn't have done the kind of films he made.

Matt

[jak]

I think only a person of Elvis magnitude could have survived releasing all that junk.Its a testament to his fans really sticking with him.When Elvis first started recording he really put forth tremendous efforts in the studio.I wish he would have maintained that passion his entire career.As an artist Im surprised he didnt refuse some of that material.
Jak

[graceland123]

it might be junk to you but so was a lot of the beatles songs
people call seregant pepper the greatest album in the world but to me its a pile of shite to each his own

[thehillbillycat]

This is what I wrote to a member of my forum (sondreh) about this subject.
For me, I think Elvis is the greatest solo singer and Beatles is the greatest group. I wouldn't classify those people into the same area. One reason, for Elvis, he influence alot of people including The Beatles. But the list goes on and on on the influence he put on people. The Beatles are the same way because they to also influence alot of people into forming groups and such. N'Sync, 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys just to name a few of the new people. Elvis had the gift of all gifts. He had the voice and looks. When he started on the scene he was not like by the grown-ups of those days because of his black ways. The Beatles was also hated but in a different way. When Lennon was misquoted, which he was, about being more popular then Jesus. KKK and the southern people went mad and start having Beatle Burnings. Elvis like the Beatles but he also hated them at the same time. Why? Because that was the time Elvis was doing those movies and The Beatles was a threat to Elvis. Elvis thought he couldn't be that popular anymore. That is why Elvis did the Comeback Special. To see if he still had it and that show was a success and put Elvis back onto the stage. So Elvis and Beatles are great in there own fields but for me I wouldn't rank them higher over the other. They are right by each other. But Elvis would be popular because you see him on everything. And all you have to do is say Elvis and people knows who he is. For Beatles, some would say who is that.


Now, I am going to add more to this. People on here has been saying that The Beatles are over-rated. I need to say to those that say that, that you are wrong. Why? Here is the answer. Elvis you see him on everything. Shoes, ties, cds, videos, shirts, spoons, knifes, swords, cups and so on and so on. The Beatles you don't see alot on them. All you see is a few videos, most of the albums on cds but not all of them as it is with Elvis, a few shirts, a few figures, maybe a hat or two and so on. Elvis is over-rated because of one thing - He is Elvis. That name says it all. Also Hey Jude is not the over-rated Beatle song. Yesterday is because it was sung by alot of famous people including Elvis and he didn't do a good job on it.

Hey STUD, I got news for you Led Zeppelin had been influence by the Beatles. The leader even said that himself. Oh, and also The Beatles - All You Need Is Love was televised around the world before Elvis' Aloha From Hawaii was. Watch the Beatles' Anthology. Elvis was the first to have a live concert to be beemed around the world. But he wasn't the first to be beemed around the world. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band is considered the greatest album in the history because of it style it was created. It was different then any other album to date and is timeless. The Beatles expanded their music by added more instuments to a standard Rock and Roll feel. Elvis didn't really did that. He stuck with the same type of songs either it was gospel, country, rock and so on. He didn't change it like the Beatles did to their music. He kept it the same but added his take on the song. Those Beatle songs that Elvis did are considered as the worst done version of their songs. That is coming from people who hates the Beatles of all things.

For those who thinks I like The Beatles more then you are wrong. I like Elvis, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and the people from the 50s and 60s the same.

Now, I would like to hear from you now someone.

[STUD]

Hey STUD, I got news for you Led Zeppelin had been influence by the Beatles. The leader even said that himself. Oh, and also The Beatles - All You Need Is Love was televised around the world before Elvis' Aloha From Hawaii was. Watch the Beatles' Anthology. Elvis was the first to have a live concert to be beemed around the world. But he wasn't the first to be beemed around the world. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band is considered the greatest album in the history because of it style it was created. It was different then any other album to date and is timeless. The Beatles expanded their music by added more instuments to a standard Rock and Roll feel. Elvis didn't really did that. He stuck with the same type of songs either it was gospel, country, rock and so on. He didn't change it like the Beatles did to their music. He kept it the same but added his take on the song. Those Beatle songs that Elvis did are considered as the worst done version of their songs. That is coming from people who hates the Beatles of all things.

Did Led Zeppelin also mention the Rolling Stones as one of their influences? I'd be surprised if they didn't. http://rock-songs.com/rolling-stones/

Yes, the Beatles' All You Need Is Love was before Elvis' Aloha From Hawaii, but was watched by only 350 million people while Aloha was watched by over 1 billion.

To say that Elvis didn't change music is just plain wrong. He combined R&B, country and gospel into one style to create Rock & Roll, and HE made it a worldwide sensation. Thus he is named the King of Rock & Roll. I'm not saying you're disputing this, but when you said Elvis didn't change music but kept it the same, well, if that's true, he would've been just another artist. One of the biggest reasons I love Elvis is that he could sing almost any genre great - rock, country, R&B, and gospel. He changed his style to suit the song, and nobody else could do it like Elvis. To this date, he's the only artist to be inducted into 3 musical Halls of Fame. His musical versatility is unmatched.

Yes, the Beatles were very talented. I never disputed that. They wrote their songs and like you said they added more instruments and were one of the originators of the classic rock style, though I don't think they did it as well as the Stones. That could be just a personal opinion on my part, and not fact, though I think a fair share of people would agree with me, since to this day the Stones are still called the world's greatest rock band.

Anyway, I don't think people give Elvis enough credit for how involved he was in the recording of his songs. He grabbed a song and incorporated his own style into it to make it his own. Hardly anyone recognizes Heartbreak Hotel as Mae Axton's song, or Hound Dog as Big Mama Thornton's, and so many others. Elvis practically wrote alot of his songs.

I don't like the song Hey Jude, period. No matter who sings it. Even Elvis couldn't save that song IMO. To me, his best version of a Beatles song was Something, sung at the Hawaii special.

[thehillbillycat]

I never said Elvis didn't change music. I am disputing the ones who said that The Beatles are over-rated. That is what I am disputing. They are not over-rated. You see Elvis on everything more than you do of The Beatles. Elvis did a ok job on Something but not better than the Beatles. On the Alternate Aloha even made it longer than the original version which was good but still not better than the Beatles version. As Frank Sinatra said "That is the best Lennon and McCartney of them all" but the only thing about it Lennon and McCartney didn't write that song, George Harrison did. About the Rolling Stone as being the greatest Rock and Roll band. That is not what people says that is what they have said. No one except for the RS fans call them The Greatest Rock and Roll Band. Yes, they made of stayed together since the early 60s but they are old and needs to retired just liek Paul McCartney needs to do. All these singers from that time needs to retired because they are not young as they was. Chuck Berry still tours around but not like Rolling Stones does. Jerry Lee Lewis is the same way. He tour around but not like he did in the 50s, 60s or 70s.

Elvis was also troublesome too. He wanted to get rid of the Beatles. He wanted them to be banned from America and wanted them out forever. He considered them as a threat. And they were. While Elvis was making those movies, The Beatles was putting out hit after hit. They are the only group in the history to have the top 5 songs at the same time. No one else, not even Elvis has done that since. The Beatles were the threat to Elvis since Elvis wasn't touring and was doing those movies. Also they are the only group to have all the LPs during that time they was a group to go to number 1 at one time or another.

[Joe Car]

I never said Elvis didn't change music. I am disputing the ones who said that The Beatles are over-rated. That is what I am disputing. They are not over-rated. You see Elvis on everything more than you do of The Beatles. Elvis did a ok job on Something but not better than the Beatles. On the Alternate Aloha even made it longer than the original version which was good but still not better than the Beatles version. As Frank Sinatra said "That is the best Lennon and McCartney of them all" but the only thing about it Lennon and McCartney didn't write that song, George Harrison did. About the Rolling Stone as being the greatest Rock and Roll band. That is not what people says that is what they have said. No one except for the RS fans call them The Greatest Rock and Roll Band. Yes, they made of stayed together since the early 60s but they are old and needs to retired just liek Paul McCartney needs to do. All these singers from that time needs to retired because they are not young as they was. Chuck Berry still tours around but not like Rolling Stones does. Jerry Lee Lewis is the same way. He tour around but not like he did in the 50s, 60s or 70s.

Elvis was also troublesome too. He wanted to get rid of the Beatles. He wanted them to be banned from America and wanted them out forever. He considered them as a threat. And they were. While Elvis was making those movies, The Beatles was putting out hit after hit. They are the only group in the history to have the top 5 songs at the same time. No one else, not even Elvis has done that since. The Beatles were the threat to Elvis since Elvis wasn't touring and was doing those movies. Also they are the only group to have all the LPs during that time they was a group to go to number 1 at one time or another.

Elvis didn't want them banned from America, as a matter of fact, when John Lennon had immigration troubles, he supposedly contacted EP or EP offered to help him, not sure which is which. If you are referring to Elvis' letter to Nixon, nowwhere does he mention the Beatles as a bad influence on the American youth.

[thehillbillycat]

Elvis didn't want them banned from America, as a matter of fact, when John Lennon had immigration troubles, he supposedly contacted EP or EP offered to help him, not sure which is which. If you are referring to Elvis' letter to Nixon, nowwhere does he mention the Beatles as a bad influence on the American youth.


I guess you never read books on Elvis Presley or Beatles. There is several of books that says that he considered them as a threat and wanted them to be banned from America. I also wasn't talking about Elvis' Letter to Nixon. John Lennon did contact Elvis about the immigration troubles but Elvis wouldn't help out for personal reasons. That is what Lennon said about Elvis' help. It was in 1975 just after Lennon got his green card that he found out by sources from people that knew Elvis that Elvis wanted the Beatles to be banned from the country. Lennon told the rest of the Beatles. They didn't like that but they still loved Elvis and respected him. Supposedly, Lennon went to Elvis' funeral to pay respects. This is unconfirmed though.

[Cryogenic]

There is several of books that says that he considered them as a threat and wanted them to be banned from America.[...]It was in 1975 just after Lennon got his green card that he found out by sources from people that knew Elvis that Elvis wanted the Beatles to be banned from the country.

Where is the evidence of this?

Elvis did bad-mouth The Beatles to the Nixon administration, but this was surely done as a way of sweet-talking a group of people he wanted something from (a badge). The fact that he recorded several of their songs suggests that he didn't hate them. If they were such a negative influence in his eyes, then why would EP lend them credence by covering their music? Although he probably had some antipathy towards them, especially when they first came to America, it's obvious he had some degree of respect/admiration for them, too; at worst, then, he was ambivalent, and ambivalence doesn't generally motivate one person to want others ejected/banned.

[elvislady]

i prefer elvis to the beatles anyday. but in the (elvis on tour concert) elvis sings a song with the words something like i wanna go to england i and i quite like the beatles. i dont know what the song title is.
elvislady.

[Joe Car]

Where is the evidence of this?

Elvis did bad-mouth The Beatles to the Nixon administration, but this was surely done as a way of sweet-talking a group of people he wanted something from (a badge). The fact that he recorded several of their songs suggests that he didn't hate them. If they were such a negative influence in his eyes, then why would EP lend them credence by covering their music? Although he probably had some antipathy towards them, especially when they first came to America, it's obvious he had some degree of respect/admiration for them, too; at worst, then, he was ambivalent, and ambivalence doesn't generally motivate one person to want others ejected/banned.

There is no documented proof that EP badmouthed the Beatles, other then heresay.

[Sammy4Elvis]

i prefer elvis to the beatles anyday. but in the (elvis on tour concert) elvis sings a song with the words something like i wanna go to england i and i quite like the beatles. i dont know what the song title is.
elvislady.



The song is Never Been To Spain. :cool:

The lyrics that your talking about are -

Ive never been to England, but I kinda like The Beatles'.

[thehillbillycat]

For those who wants proof about Elvis bad-mouthing The Beatles. Lennon found several documents about Elvis that wanted The Beatles out of the country. They have now become part of the FBI files. Read them for yourself. I have. Some has Elvis own hand writing on them. That is the proof right there.

[elvislady]

The song is Never Been To Spain. :cool:

The lyrics that your talking about are -

Ive never been to England, but I kinda like The Beatles'.

yea i checked it out thanks
elvislady

[Cryogenic]

For those who wants proof about Elvis bad-mouthing The Beatles. Lennon found several documents about Elvis that wanted The Beatles out of the country. They have now become part of the FBI files. Read them for yourself. I have. Some has Elvis own hand writing on them. That is the proof right there.

And these are the same items that are a part of the aforementioned trip for the badge. Elvis was sweet-talking the Nixon administration -- pure and simple.

[thehillbillycat]

And these are the same items that are a part of the aforementioned trip for the badge. Elvis was sweet-talking the Nixon administration -- pure and simple.



The documents doesn't bad-mouth Nixon. It was only bad-mouthing Lennon from Elvis. That is all. Lennon during this time was trying to find a way to stay in this country. It is true that Lennon did try to turn to Elvis but Elvis wouldn't help for some reason. Actually it says he wouldn't help out for personal reasons. So Lennon try to find out why and uncover some documents that was written in Elvis handwriting that Elvis wanted to get rid of The Beatles during the 60s. Lennon couldn't believe it and found a few more that told the same thing. From what I heard that Lennon was heart broken.

About the song Never Been To Spain. Yes, Elvis sung it but it wasn't written by him. Hoyt Axton wrote it and he did like the Beatles. I would understand why you would bring that up if Elvis wrote it but he didn't.

[Katie]

I do feel the Beatles were over-rated too and that a lot of their popularity sprang from their completely different look at the time. The public is a sucker for anything new and different. I never cared for them for the reason I stated in my first thread but do feel that they had some merit. I have always liked Hey Jude. If I was to pick a favorite it would be Paul then George. Ringo didn't do much on his own and Lennon was always stoned and had a close-up personality.

I much prefer the Rolling Stones if I were to get myself out of the rut of strictly being and "oldies but goody". They all look like the walking dead and god knows everyone still wonders how come is Keith still alive. He must have better health genes going for him than Elvis did. But, I have seen Mick in several interviews and he comes off as being intelligent and has a good sense of humor - I enjoyed him.

I second that.
Except I probably like the Rolling Stones a lot more than you lol.
Mostly because they're my 2nd favorite band/singer.
I love the beat in almost all of their songs.

[elvislady]

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis_meets_the_beatles.shtml
i thought you might like to read this.:D
elvislady

[franny]

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis_meets_the_beatles.shtml
i thought you might like to read this.:D
elvislady

Thanks, elvislady! It was interesting to read...(y)
I like what John Lennon had to say...:)

franny

[EnigmaticSun]

I can understand (if true) Elvis having doubts about hippies and the Beatles. You know in those days there used to be people who thought it was art to have some naked ladies roll around in paint and press their bodies on a large piece of paper.

I'm the child of a hippie-parent and I'm hating her for what she's done to me. Playing strange games with a 5yo and then bragging on about having been a good mother. Those stupid 60's: we are all the same, everything should be allowed, laissez-faire, extreme pacifism..

I know why Elvis wanted to protect his traditional values. And of course none of the Beatles or Rolling Stones could even come close to Elvis as a singer.

I don't like the Nixon administration and the Vietnam-war was one huge mistake. I guess Nixon needed Elvis more badly than Elvis needed Nixon..

[elvislady]

http://www.elvispresleynews.com/JohnLennon.html
elvislady:)

[Cryogenic]

The documents doesn't bad-mouth Nixon.

Of course they don't bad-mouth Nixon! Elvis was going to meet Nixon. Whatever his real thoughts were on Nixon, he kept them to himself.


It was only bad-mouthing Lennon from Elvis. That is all. Lennon during this time was trying to find a way to stay in this country. It is true that Lennon did try to turn to Elvis but Elvis wouldn't help for some reason. Actually it says he wouldn't help out for personal reasons. So Lennon try to find out why and uncover some documents that was written in Elvis handwriting that Elvis wanted to get rid of The Beatles during the 60s. Lennon couldn't believe it and found a few more that told the same thing. From what I heard that Lennon was heart broken.

Since your username suggests you are an Elvis Presley and a John Lennon fan, it's surprising how little you know about this matter. Elvis made passing reference to The Beatles in his hastily-written letter to Nixon, composed entirely on an American Airlines commercial airliner, and proof-read by Jerry Schilling, and shortly thereafter handed to a White House official. While the context of this reference wasn't positive, it wasn't hate-filled, either. Elvis was essentially expressing his concerns about the influence of The Beatles and other artists/groups/organisations on the youth culture of America. All with an eye on getting his beloved badge. That is all. Elvis may -- or may not -- have made further verbal references along similar lines when he met the President.

Your fallaciousness is astounding. Are you also "elvislennon2005" on the www.elvisconcerts.com message board? Let me disavow you of another fantasy: that camera seen at the edge of the stage, as discussed in this thread (http://www.elvisconcerts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=61&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60), is almost certainly a security camera. It has an exceptionally slim body with no visible film/video reel or human operator. While it may have captured some interesting footage, it in no way would match a professional recording, nor does it remotely suggest that such a recording took place (just the opposite, in fact: the security camera would probably have been ditched if professional recording had actually taken place).

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

I prefer Elvis.
The Beatles have some great songs, but i think that Elvis had more influence on how the music changed the world.

[Trev1]

How can you say that??? Elvis is my joint number one along with the Beatles... most people like either one or the other but I like both equally..... The Beatles music is still at a different level than rock/pop bands today....I mean they has 3 really talented musicians / song writers in the band - John, Paul, George...... You have to hand it to them the wrote there own material and played there own instruments (something they have over Elvis). The range of there material from classic ballads such and 'The Long and Winding Road' ; 'This Boy' ; If I Fell ; And I Love Her ; to rockers such as 'Birthday ; Revolution ; I Saw Her Standing There ; was astounding. I'm not knocking Elvis - he was only one person - they were three...... and his voice was probably better than all 3....but then again its different styles - the Beatles Harmonies were great.......also Elvis has more Charisma than all of them......
I would call it even....you could argue this one forever.....

[Trev1]

I have always been told that eaither you are a beatles person or an Elvis person. I have met very few who like both.


Mark
Las Vegas

Hi Mark - Wrong ! I like both equally....I am 33 now and I have gone from one to the other since I was about 10 yrs of age...... I go through phases of listening to each. I have been to 5 Beatles festivals/conventions and no Elvis one yet....but only cause i'm from Ireland and Liverpool is quite near. Graceland is more of a mission....but it is my dream to go there ...potentially on my honeymoon (y)
I am listening to Amazing Grace (Gospel collection) at the moment and its one of my favourite albums even though i'm not particularly religious...but songs such as 'Milky White Way' are sung Beautifully..... 'Run On' is a great underrated/little known Elvis rocker!....oops anyway thats off topic!!

[Trev1]

When their songs were bad, like Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarine, and All You Need Is Love, they were some of the worst songs ever recorded IMO.

There's no need to compare the influence of Elvis vs. the Beatles, cuz there's no comparison IMO. Sorry if I offended any Beatles fans.

You have'nt !!! :blink:
But I don't agree - 'Yellow Submarine' is a childrens fun sing a long - and works for what it is...... the other two are classics - esp Lennons vocal on "All You Need Is Love"
Are you not forgetting most of Elvis's movie sountracks!!

One of my favourite stories is when Elvis met the Bealtes - there are great accounts in the Bealtes Anthology and also Jerry Schillings new book....(y)
Its funny the story of George and Larry Geller off smoking the herbal jazz ciggies all night :P


I'm sure they had the upmost respect for one another.....Elvis recorded 3 Bealtes songs - Hey Jude, Yesterday and Something.......:notworthy
As for the Nixon stuff I don't know home much of that to believe :doh:

[ELV1S]

I'd like to share my opinion in this matter, I agree completley with Trev1

I am 19 years old, I've been an Elvis fan since i was 5 years old, and i havent stopped playin Elvis til i was about 16, thats when I found a John Lennon LP called Double Fantasy in my dads room, i played it and i was hooked, from then on i got all the Beatle albums aswell as all the solo Beatle albums. and since i turned 18 years old, i have got into Bob Dylan, and i know have every Dylan album, and i must say, all 3 combined make the perfect collection.

I cant pick a favourite from the 3, they are all, as artists- perfect

Elvis for his voice, his looks, his unmatched charisma, his live performances, his timing as a musician and his arranging, his Sun material and 50s albums were astonoshing, aswell as the early and late 60s albums, his 70s albums were great too.

The Beatles obviously for their writing abilities, their sense to try new things and write different material the world has never heard before (eg, the Physcodelic years, Sgt Pepper, Revolver etc) most of their albums were perfect.

Bob Dylan for his writing ability and the depth and detail of every word in a song changed the music world drastically, his albums such as Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde On Blonde are, along with Elvis' Sun Sessions and The Beatles' Revolver, Sgt Pepper, White Album and Abbey Road the most amazing albums of all time

gettin back to the topic, I love all 3 equally, I really couldnt choose between them, but obviously Elvis is the King, even The Beatles and Dylan agree with that, fact!

Mark
(y)

[mxshorty59]

I like both Elvis and The Beatles, i respect them very much for their contribution to the music industry. But overall Elvis tops all!

[sabbath]

every song elvis did, even though some of the original versions are awesome, when elvis did them they became elvis ongs. so i would have the original and elvis version of it. the two being two seperate beings alltogether.
ecept the yesterday/hey jude medley which i never felt or will feel elvis made his own. whenever i hear a 69 show i skip this , to me, embarassing moment. i never understood why elvis did them. yesterday is an ok song but not worth doing more versions than the original beatles version of. hey jude is an aweful singalong that belongs at the bottom of the barrel

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Hey Jude is an aweful singalong that belongs at the bottom of the barrel

Wow it's not that bad :lmfao:

[MauriceColgan]

I remember Irishman Gay Byrne introducing the Beatles on Granada TV Manchester UK back in the early 60s. They were quite exciting, but following Elvis and the many others of the golden age of Rock 'n' Roll.....................:-)

I grew to admire John Lennons songs in particular.

But was already deep into the great Ludwig Van Beethoven so was not that impressed by the fab four.

Music has many branches, said the Russian composer Shostakovich. But, some limbs are more equal than others:)
I'm left-handed(y)