The unmistaken Memphis Sound is back in full force. For the first time since the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, the King’s entire “Hit Making Team” recently returned to the recording studio with the singer/songwriter John Krondes to make new music and keep the dream alive.
A celebrity red carpet CD launch and book signing event hosted by Elvis’ friend George Barris with Joe Esposito – Elvis Presley’s best man – will rock the music world on Tuesday September 22nd. The event will benefit Elvis’ favorite charity, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The guest list for the event is incredible and includes Suzanna Leigh (Elvis’ co-star “Paradise Hawiaan Style”), Darlene Tompkins (Elvis’ co-star “Blue Hawaii”), Ray Walker (The Jordanires), Jay Leno, Bo Derek, Shirley Jones & Marty Ingels, Lou Ferrigno, Nancy Sinatra, John Schneider, Phyliss Diller, Joe Mantegna, ZZ Top, Billy Bob Thornton, Erik Estrada and many others.
Featured in the new recordings are all of Presley’s vocal groups: the Jordanaires, the former original Stamps Quartet, Imperials, and Sweet Inspirations. Both of the King’s Bands rock the house for the comeback; included are the TCB Band and the “Memphis Boys” – the American Studios Band. Elvis Presley’s first drummer DJ Fontana, and star drummers Ronnie Tutt, Gene Chrisman, Steve Gadd and Anton Fig keep the beat for the “Hit Team”. This heart-Stirring project also includes scores of super talent who accompanied the King; Millie Kirkham, Shane Keister, Bobby Ogdin, Gary Herbig, Lanny Morgan, Elvis Presley’s original Horn Section, Arrangers, Elvis composers Paul Evans, Paul Parnes, Al Byron, Jimmy Krondes, Randy Starr, and many others.
John Krondes and the “Hit Making Team” salute the King and dedicate this epic CD as a fresh start and New Beginning for the music. Spectacularly friends, the melodious Memphis Sound is Back, the spirit has risen, and the music will never die.
The event takes place tonight at Barris Kustom City, 10811 Riverside Drive (at Lankersham Blvd. north of Universal Studios) N. Hollywood, CA 91602
