Classic Pop Icons

On May 5, 1965 the American music show Shindig! devoted an entire episode to Elvis Presley, with all guests performing a cover of a popular Elvis song. The occasion was the tenth anniversary of Elvis Presley “zooming to international stardom,” although the date doesn’t really fit. Among the stars paying tribute to Elvis were Glen Campbell, Sonny and Cher, and Ray Peterson.

It’s fair to say that some performances haven’t aged well (or weren’t up to much to begin with), but there are some strong renditions of the Elvis classics. A pre-fame Glen Campbell certainly gets into the spirit of the occasion, as does Jerry Lee’s sister Linda Gail. Joey Cooper also does well with the rockers.

You can enjoy the full show below.

Shindig! – Elvis tribute

Part 1

• Joey Cooper – “Blue Suede Shoes”
• The Blossoms – “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do”
• Glen Campbell – “Big Hunk O’ Love”
• The Wellingtons – “I Need Your Love Tonight”
• Sonny & Cher – “I Got Stung”
• Chambers Brothers – “Hard Headed Woman”
• Delaney Bramlett – “That’s Alright Mama”
• Chambers Brothers, The Wellingtons & The Blossoms – “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck.”

Glen Campbell had played guitar on Elvis’ version of “What’d I Say” recorded in August, 1963 for the movie “Viva Las Vegas.” Campbell was one of the LA session musicians who were known as the Wrecking Crew.

Look out for James Burton playing lead guitar on “That’s All Right Mama.” Burton became lead guitarist in Elvis’ TCB band in 1969.

The Blossoms would later work with Elvis on his 1968 television special.

Part 2

• Ray Peterson – “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
• Linda Gail Lewis – “Don’t Be Cruel”
• Willy Nelson – “Hound Dog”
• Maria Ghava (Shindig dancer) – “Hey Memphis.”

Ray Peterson had the original hit with “The Wonder of You” in 1959. Elvis’ version from 1970 was a huge hit in the UK, staying at number one for six weeks.

Linda Gail Lewis is the sister of Jerry Lee Lewis and she still performs to this day. She was just 17-years-old when this Shindig! appearance was recorded.

Part 3

• Joey Cooper – “Mean Woman Blues”
• Sonny and Cher – “Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear”
• Jimmy Boyd – “Hot Dog”
• Ray Peterson – “It’s Now or Never.”

Jimmy Boyd had been married to Yvonne Craig, who co-starred with Elvis in the movies “It Happened at the World’s Fair” and “Kissin’ Cousins.”

Part 4

• Chambers Brothers – “Jailhouse Rock”
• The Shindig dancers – “Party”
• Joey Cooper – “Crawfish”
• Sonny and Cher – “All Shook Up.”

Sonny and Cher had one top ten hit behind them in May 1965, but hadn’t yet had their massive hit with the classic “I Got You Babe” and were still relatively unknown. The duo were the original choice to star in the movie Speedway (1968), but the project was dropped when their first film failed at the box office. The lead roles were taken by Elvis Presley and Nancy Sinatra.

Part 5

• Glen Campbell – “Trouble”
• Ray Peterson – “Heartbreak Hotel”
• Cher – “Wooden Heart”
• The Blossoms – “Shake Rattle & Roll.”

Part 6

• Jimmy Boyd – “Poor Boy”
• Sonny and Cher – “Treat Me Nice”
• Glen Campbell – “Surrender.”

Part 7

• Linda Gail Lewis – “Crying in the Chapel”
• The Shindogs – “King Creole”
• Joey Cooper – “Blue Suede Shoes.”

Joey Cooper was a regular member of the Shindig! house band known as the Shindogs. The band was put together by guitarist James Burton, who would later lead Elvis’ TCB band. Future TCB Band pianist, Glen D. Hardin, was also a member of the Shindogs.

Shindig! was produced by Jack Good who would later direct the West End stage show “Elvis the Musical.”