Elvis (Geoff Kennedy) loose at HRC meeting
Posted by David Owen
on Aug 15, 2012
Who says that Elvis Presley is an expired icon of the past. Through his Australian link and great fan Geoff Kennedy we were delighted to a short journey through his life and music over a lunch meeting. Geoff reminded us that his music and impact still lives on in all that we do today.
Suitably attired and looking like a reincarnated Elvis, Geoff through both words and music gave a delightful address on the Rock King. Along the way Geoff described :-
1. Elvis's early history and poor background and how his singing skill had been recognised at school and how he had honed his presentation skills following observation of theater activity while working part time. It was surprising to most that his make-up skills resulting in the black "pompador" hair style and dark mascara eyes actually hid a "mousy blond" coloring.
2. That pre notoriety Elvis was essentially a practiced country singer but cleverly through his initiative had broken into the Rock and Roll style. A lesser known first hit was "that's alright Momma" but with "Heartbreak Hotel" he gained international success in the later 1950's while under contract to RCA. The Svengali style management of Tom Parker, characteristised by big agent fees and progressive and carefully timed releases of earlier made recorded songs maintained Elvis's prominence.
3. The second phase of a significant film career of 30+ plus films albeit playing the same character in a familiar plot.
4. The One Man Show years in Las Vegas where Elvis and Tom Jones (close friends) dominated the business for many (7+) years in the early 1970's.
5. A vulnerable but charitable and "gospel" side of Elvis which probably lead to his early death.
The "Questions from the Audience" session was replaced by some historic songs and audience (most notaby Gerry Cantwell) participation.
Thanks Geoff and Elvis (the personalities merged) for the great meeting , all left with an uplifted feeling and sense of fun and joy. Music is indeed a wonderful tonic.
Suitably attired and looking like a reincarnated Elvis, Geoff through both words and music gave a delightful address on the Rock King. Along the way Geoff described :-
1. Elvis's early history and poor background and how his singing skill had been recognised at school and how he had honed his presentation skills following observation of theater activity while working part time. It was surprising to most that his make-up skills resulting in the black "pompador" hair style and dark mascara eyes actually hid a "mousy blond" coloring.
2. That pre notoriety Elvis was essentially a practiced country singer but cleverly through his initiative had broken into the Rock and Roll style. A lesser known first hit was "that's alright Momma" but with "Heartbreak Hotel" he gained international success in the later 1950's while under contract to RCA. The Svengali style management of Tom Parker, characteristised by big agent fees and progressive and carefully timed releases of earlier made recorded songs maintained Elvis's prominence.
3. The second phase of a significant film career of 30+ plus films albeit playing the same character in a familiar plot.
4. The One Man Show years in Las Vegas where Elvis and Tom Jones (close friends) dominated the business for many (7+) years in the early 1970's.
5. A vulnerable but charitable and "gospel" side of Elvis which probably lead to his early death.
The "Questions from the Audience" session was replaced by some historic songs and audience (most notaby Gerry Cantwell) participation.
Thanks Geoff and Elvis (the personalities merged) for the great meeting , all left with an uplifted feeling and sense of fun and joy. Music is indeed a wonderful tonic.
 |
 |
 |