• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Elvis: What Would He Sing?

::::BASSIST::::

::::BASSIST::::

Progress Not Perfection.
Sep 2, 2004
12,524
291
Vancouver, BC Canada
#1
The singer in my band is an Elvis Tribute Artist... and a fairly good one. His voice is very silky (for lack of a better word) but his range is limited.

My band is thinking of branching out beyond 50s and 60s stuff to attract more gigs so we are thinking of adding songs more into the classic rock side of things. However, it would definitely not suit this guy's style to sing Hendrix, The Who or Zeppelin.

Here are some song I have thought of:

pretty woman
running down a dream
last dance with maryjane
long cool woman
get back
lay down sally
Fire - Robert Gordon version
I'm on Fire - Springsteen with root 5 on bass. Sounds great.

What are some other songs that would work well? We are trying to keep them dancy and known but not overdone.

For samples of his voice: Link Removed

cruiserpic4-1-2-1.gif
 
#2
I think Elvis can sing anything! It's up to the band to make the songs work with his style. Elvis singing Smack my bitch up, or Hash pipe? Pure unadulterated win!!!

I think you could sell a band like that!

Where's gnarlybass?
 
#3
::::BASSIST:::: said:
The singer in my band is an Elvis Tribute Artist... and a fairly good one. His voice is very silky (for lack of a better word) but his range is limited.

My band is thinking of branching out beyond 50s and 60s stuff to attract more gigs so we are thinking of adding songs more into the classic rock side of things. However, it would definitely not suit this guy's style to sing Hendrix, The Who or Zeppelin.
Click to expand...

Have you not heard Dred Zeppelin? Elvis can do Zep.:D
 
#6
There are lots of artists that would fit in the genre; Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Chris Isaak. And really, there are so many bands out there that do some very creative covers of songs that you'd initially cross off their list.
 
#8
Sadly, I think if elvis were alive today he'd also be suckered into doing duets with Kanye West and Lady Gaga for the $$$$. Staying in the public eye seemed to be pretty important to him and the easiest route to that is hooring your name out to some other artist to give them apparent credibility with an older audience.
 
#12
Led Zeppelin's Dyer Maker would actually probably work in an Elvis version. It's the same four chord progression as many songs of his period, just lower the vocals down a register and you're good.

American Girl would probably work by Petty as an upbeat number. Righteous Brothers would work if you've got a strong higher lead to compliment him.

The most natural fit for Elvis songs would be anything Glen Danzig's done. He's got a crooner style that lends itself to a Presley style, it'd just be a matter of deciding if the content is appropriate.
 
#16
stflbn said:
Sadly, I think if elvis were alive today he'd also be suckered into doing duets with Kanye West and Lady Gaga for the $$$$. Staying in the public eye seemed to be pretty important to him and the easiest route to that is hooring your name out to some other artist to give them apparent credibility with an older audience.
Click to expand...

He could be a mentor on American Idol.;)

What would Elvis be doing if he were alive today?

Clawing away at the inside of his coffin. :D
 
#17
::::BASSIST:::: said:
The singer in my band is an Elvis Tribute Artist... and a fairly good one. His voice is very silky (for lack of a better word) but his range is limited.

My band is thinking of branching out beyond 50s and 60s stuff to attract more gigs so we are thinking of adding songs more into the classic rock side of things. However, it would definitely not suit this guy's style to sing Hendrix, The Who or Zeppelin.

Here are some song I have thought of:

pretty woman
running down a dream
last dance with maryjane
long cool woman
get back
lay down sally
Fire - Robert Gordon version
I'm on Fire - Springsteen with root 5 on bass. Sounds great.

What are some other songs that would work well? We are trying to keep them dancy and known but not overdone.

For samples of his voice: Link Removed

cruiserpic4-1-2-1.gif
Click to expand...

Limited Range, as in Frank Sinatra? He couldn't sing worth a ****. Look where the Mob got him!!:ninja:
 
#18
I [DEL]probably[/DEL] should not have said that. He has a great voice, but cannot hit the ultra low 'Johnny Cash' lows or 'Robert Plant' highs (when he was younger). I shouldn't be critical as his voice is very good and a zillion times better than mine.

Still though, there are some vocal styles he just does not suit singing... and that's okay.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back