The band was together five years, releasing two albums and touring the U.S. several times. With Scotty as leader, they issued the Sun single 'Now She Cares No More For Me' / 'My Kind Of Carrying On' (SUN 202), on Saturday, 1st May 1954. Smokie Pt.2 - #17 - 1959.White Silver Sands - #9 - 1960.Josephine - #18-1960. In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. Scotty Moore would later return to Elvis, and last with him from the first session after the army, in March 1960, until the historic Singer TV Special of June 1968. The King told his son Louis Black: If there's anything that y'all need, you just let me know and it's yours.. He was going to put us in jail. By 1956, the friendship was already pulling apart, with Bill, Scotty and D.J. This was during the early 1960s. He passed away on the commode at Graceland. But Bill would never play with him again. They had auditioned for the Grand Ole Opry in October 1954, but they failed to impress the people in charge, or the audience, and were not invited back. "Elvis has left the building" is a phrase that was often used by public address announcers at the conclusion of Elvis Presley concerts in order to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of an encore. They were introduced by Frank Page and performed both sides of that first release (SUN 209). Bill was the friendliest guy in the world'. 2. Johnny Black can be seen in Alan Freed's rock exploitation movie', Rock, Rock, Rock', made in Hollywood during 1957. The words in the song are so heavy; that song could be written for today. Filming took place in Queensland, Australia and the first stills and trailer are still yet to be unveiled by the studio. The Combo was driven by a strong mix of bass, sax and keyboards. But when he was alone in private, the King liked to close the shades and also turn down the temperature. It would be very fitting if the trio ofRonnie Wood,Nicky Hopkins, and Ian McLagan all contributed a single cut to the collection. 4. There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presleys band. Around the mid-SO's, Elvis' family moved opposite Ruby Black. Bill Black. A key book for anyones collection. Those who claimed that grunge bass lacked finesse were way ahead of their time. I somehow think not. The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. Elvis and Priscilla later visited Evelyn and the girls at their home. We practice a little bit. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. 1935: Elvis is born Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, in a two-room shotgun house in East Tupelo, then a separate municipality that some called the "roughest town in north Mississippi." Though poor, Elvis's parents, Gladys and Vernon Presley, were not unlike many others in Mississippi at that time, for the country was in the midst of the Great Depression. While in the Army, he met Evelyn, who played guitar as a member of a musical family. [14], Black and Moore became Presley's backup group and were paid 25% of his earnings. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. [26] The studio recorded many Bill Black Combo albums (with billings such as "The Best Honky Tonk Band in America" and "The band who opened for the Beatles")[citation needed] and produced number-one country hits for Charly McClain, T.G. With all the touring, it almost seemed that the large bass had a permanent bunk on the roof of the car back then. "[12], The next day, the group recorded four more songs, including Blue Moon of Kentucky," by the bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, which he had written and recorded as a slow waltz. growing bilberry in australia. Elvis: How did Elvis bassist Bill Black die and whats his connection to Paul McCartney? That was necessary for us because we played for a lot of country crowds that weren't used to people jumping up and down on stage."[20]. 16/06/2022 . The Fascinating Tale Of John Lennons Duel Citizenship. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. 4. On sax, Ace Cannon took over touring duties from Willis who remained in Memphis for the studio work and movie appearances. The importance of bass-player Fred Maddox on Bill Black's playing style It was becoming harder and harder to see Elvis, with the growing 'mafia' that now surrounded him. On Saturday, 16th October 1954, Elvis, Scotty and Bill appeared on the 'Lucky Strike Guest Time' segment for new artists on the very popular 'Louisiana Hayride' show on KWKH out of Shreveport. Rumors of instrumental releases came and went. And I'll have about four or five million of them. The lineup was Black (bass), Joe Lewis Hall (piano), Reggie Young (guitar), Martin Willis (saxophone), and Jerry Arnold (drums). Bill replied, in his typical blunt style', Well, he didn't impress me too damned much!' Interview with guitarist Reggie Young(Member Bill Black Combo) Bass links rock and roll royalty Interview with D.J. They didn't like the Hollywood scene when they got there. These three men had bonded in a way Sam Phillips could only have dreamed of. He wanted it made clear who the star was. Bill was with him. Bill is happier leading his own combo than he was in those mad days with Elvis. It wasn't until Elvis sought to officially change it to the more traditional spelling that he learnt that, despite the document, state records did indeed already have him registered as Elvis Aaron. Another reason is that they felt Presley was not giving them enough credit for their contributions to his music. In a temper, which was rare for him, he threw the guitar down and walked out. Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley, Bill Black and D.J. Johnny was actually said by some to be the better bass player of the two. [5], In July 1954, Sam Phillips, of Sun Records, asked Black and Moore to play backup for the as-yet-unknown Elvis Presley. Had he lived, it's quite possible that Bill Black too would have put in a guest appearance for old times sake on that '68 show. and Jerry 'Satch' Arnold on drums. His place in rock 'n' roll history is beyond question: 'One of the best bassmen in the business'. The Starlight Wranglers were a Sam Phillips group. This is in the strictest confidence. The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. He's big-hearted, naturally high-strung, not hot-tempered. The Starlight Wranglers played at the Eagles Nest on Lamar, just outside Memphis. The story of how Parker successively forced both Scotty and Bill Black to quit the band is particularly disturbing, and the fact that Elvis did not stand up for his friends is also rather sad. Canadian tour of 157 - Elvis' only performances outside the U.S. In 1959, the Combo signed to Joe Cuoghi's Hi label. Fontana, with various star guest artists, was released. William P. Black', Blackie', was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, 17th September 1926. You can unsubscribe at any time. Bill and Scotty were heavily involved in constructing a song. Bill Black's Combo cut more than 20 albums, toured the United States and Europe and won awards as the best instrumental group in America in 1966 and 1967. According to Express, one of Presley's cousins discussed his particular quirk.Billy Smith was one of the few of Presley's inner circle to visit the upper floor of Graceland. In 2007, Black was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. [10] When the other two musicians joined in, Phillips taped the song. He very much wanted to be a part of whatever it was. Visually, a glimpse of Bill's act behind Elvis was caught during the 'Milton Berle Show', on the deck of the U.S.S. Elvis then picked it up and played the part himself. Elvis certainly capitalized on this through his choice of material and performance stylehis sexualized scandalousness was linked in large part to the fact that he was imitating, or referencing,. Part Two The Bill Black Combo, plus his recording studio and publishing. The number of photographs and relevant memorabilia in the book is extremely impressive and the design very stylish- with each chapter introduced by an old-fashioned silver gelatin styled image. The Colonel also had a habit of complaining to the other musicians about one thing or another, which had or hadn't been done for his 'boy'. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Black performed as an exaggerated hillbilly with blacked-out teeth, straw hat and overalls. Despite this, Bill usually appears to have slits for eyes and a face A born joker in both image and nature. List Of Elvis Drummers A fabulous photo of Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black having lunch with 'Pop' - Elvis, on stage, 1954. may be re-printed for public display without permission. Bob Tucker worked for the University of Memphis as Professor of Music Business while leading the combo. 2. Yet when the session was over, they were told to pack up and leave. I'll have plenty of 'em, before the show, during the intermission, after the show. Posted by: Category: Uncategorized . [3] Black also developed a "stage clown" persona in the same way that Maddox entertained audiences. Their mother, Ruby, and the family at one time lived in the same Lauderdale Courts housing project, in Memphis, as the Presley's. [18][19], Black played on early Presley recordings including "Good Rockin' Tonight", "Heartbreak Hotel", "Baby Let's Play House", "Mystery Train", "That's All Right", and "Hound Dog", and eventually became one of the first bass players to use the Fender Precision Bass (bass guitar) in popular music, on "Jailhouse Rock", in the late 1950s. When it was asked of D.J. 1. Scotty had in fact moved home to be closer to Bill and Evelyn on Belz Blvd. The research is impressive, as are all the delightful stories about this great musician. Perhaps a good indication of how things stood can be seen in the often-told tale of the recording session which produced '(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care', on Wednesday, 8th May 1957. It is unfortunate that Elvis fans have never had a chance to truly hear Bill Black's version of events through a long, in-depth interview or autobiography but Paul Belard has tracked down some very interesting band interviews - along with post-Elvis newspaper articles - which do provide a good look at Bill Black's side of the story. Black's body was buried, next to his father, William Patton Black Sr., at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis was canceled after two weeks and wouldn't appear in the town before July 1969. Each one of them has an individual style of their own'. [citation needed]. He (Elvis) was standing at the edge of the pool and me and Bill got behind him and pushed him in. Finally, they were both interested in pursuing other musical projects. In 1961, the group even ventured onto the silver screen, appearing in the film 'Teen-Age Millionaire'. Yours truly Bill Black. His day job at the time was cleaning and blocking hats at his brothers' dry cleaning firm. Following this, Elvis then purchased the '54 Cadillac which gained its place in his legend by burning up on the road when the wheel bearings locked with Elvis and a girlfriend out alone, near Texarkana, Arkansas. Written by Reggie Young and Bobby Emmons. Author Robert Gordon put it well when he said that', Bill Black was an extremely affable, warm-hearted, and humorous guy who loved and appreciated the craziness in rock and roll'. But a few of them started playing them all. why did bill black leave elvis. Finally, they were both interested in pursuing other musical projects. Sidenote: From the Sept 9 1956 Ed Sullivan Show Elvis was paid $6029, Col Parker took $4166 while Scotty Moore and Bill Black only got paid $165 each! The meeting lasted something like two hours. In May of 1955, Elvis gave both Scotty and Bill due credit. That's all it was. His father, Vernon, did. "[3] Fontana called Black the mainstay of the band in the early days. He returned home to have his then-wife tell him that Bill had passed on a few days before. 1. Costume designer Bill Belew conceived the iconic ensemble -- as well as a gold lame jacket and a white two-piece suit that Elvis wore in the special -- and went on to create the flamboyant . While the thousands of miles might have been destroying the bass, the recording sessions, radio work, and concerts had seen the friendship between the three men grow in leaps and bounds, confidence building with each new experience. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips - Sun Records 1954. Other highlights are discovering new stories including. Bob Tucker and Larry Rogers purchased Lyn-Lou Studios after Bill Black's death in 1965. Harry and Meghan were . New link to Dua Lipa. It has since become a catchphrase and punchline. how did the british take over fort duquesne? Austin Butler spoke about having a health scare after he wrapped filming Elvis as he walked the red carpet at Sunday's 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2022, Adam Dunn portrayed Black in the movie Elvis, starring Austin Butler. Fontana to their ranks. It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar. The band released blues instrumental "Smokie" for Hi Records (Hi 2018) in December 1959. The bassist was buried next to his father William Patton Black Sr at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. "[3], In 1952, Black began playing in clubs and on radio shows with the guitarist Scotty Moore. String of hit singles and popular LP releases. I suspect the reason why he hadn't adopted it is because he was known for his on-stage . Prior to the link up with the Wranglers, Scotty Moore and Bill Black once backed up local boy Dorsey Burnette at a club. The book is A4 and 260 pages. But for a white artist at that time it was easier . We're taking a little break and he starts beating on the bass and singing "Blue Moon of Kentucky," mocking Bill Monroe, singing the high falsetto voice. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. The 79-year-olds late wife Linda McCartney bought him the bass as a present during the 1970s. 03 Jun. Elvis grew up in a segregated version of America, spending time at black music clubs, reportedly inspired by blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. Fontana called Evelyn, but the funeral was over and done by then. It was Elvis' show. In the album credits, Bruce Thomas mentions his electric Wal bass guitar as part of Declan McManus Punch The Clock. Despite this, Bill usually appears to have slits for eyes and a face split in half by a huge grin. What you don't realize is that some of the crowds had not seen Elvis. Early in 1963, Black sent from two to five different versions of the Combo to different regions of the country at the same time, while staying off the road himself, wanting to concentrate on his business, family and his health.[3]. why did bill black leave elvishow many tanks were lost in vietnam why did bill black leave elvis. It wasn't nothing dirty'. "I find I need excitement", he says. [11] Black remarked, "Damn. Holifield, April 1955. Gary Tallent and Max Weinberg of the E Street Band Induct Bill Black [15] Moore and Black left the Starlite Wranglers after the success of "That's All Right," jealousy within the group forcing them to split. Fontana, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and Elvis Presley - Las Vegas 1956. He also looked a little 'chubby'. Legend has it that Bill just couldn't get the bass line right on the smaller instrument, and the bass track was everything to the number. Express. "I don't think anyone should criticize him until they try to put themselves in his shoes and figure out what they would do. John Entwistles influence on bass playing was undeniable, and his death at the age of 66 leaves a huge void in the music world. Black and Moore said they got $100 a week when they are not on the road, and $200 a week when they are on tour. Nashville Bassist Bob Moore stated, Bill Black is a legend, its easy as that. Indeed, Ruby and Gladys are said to have been on friendly terms (I have found no reference to Ruby's husband and the children's father). There then followed a long period of rehearsals before any actual recording started. He decided instead to visit the family privately after the service to express his condolences. Scotty and Bill paying D.J. While Elvis would claim in 1956 that he'd never met Scotty or Bill before Sun Records, he was friendly with Johnny Black, so must have at least been aware of older brother Bill. Eventually they would have two daughters, Nancy, Leigh-Ann and a son Louis. Black was an important part of the early Presley sound with his slap stand-up bass and ebullient onstage manner. nc high school coaching jobs; why did bill black leave elvis. According to Black's son Louis, Moore said, "Elvis used to just stand up there and not move, and Bill would jump around on the bass. 5 of the Best Finnish Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Bands. Apart from Bill, there were younger brothers Johnny', Jack' (who would also become a musician), and Kenny, and sister Mary-Ann. It was truly the end of an era. I cant play it very well because Im an electric bass guy. It is also essential to realise that the all-important flip-side Blue Moon of Kentucky might not have happened without Bill Blacks input.. "A few days after the taping of "That's All Right" the trio was back in the studio to record a B-side for a single release. After Elvis had left, Scotty asked Bill what he thought. why did bill black leave elvis. He's playing bass with the Johnny Burnette Rock 'N' Roll Trio, where he replaced Dorsey. You realize how important this matter is. As the story goes, he (Bill Black) couldn't get the bass part right on the electric bass so he got frustrated and walked out. Scotty Moore and Bill Black - Ellis Auditorium 1955. After Bill's death, there were a few more minor hits for the Combo, and they continued to tour and be a popular draw. .. Of one thing Bill is certain - he won't leave the road again except to rest and visit friends from time to time. Fontana. He started playing his guitar and sang along with him". With Elvis receiving 50% of the fees, and Scotty and Bill splitting the other 50%, paying D.J. He was a member of Elvis band, the Blue Moon Boys, from 1954 to 1958. This was while talking with Mae B. Axton', I really am lucky to have those two boys', cause they really are good. At age 6, his uncle gave him a Duane Eddy record and forever changed his life. Tillman Franks, bassist and Johnny Horton's manager, praised Bill in making Elvis a success: "Bill Black, the way he hit his bass fiddle, he sounded like a band all by himself. In that year it featured on 'Baby's Request', the closing number on the Wings album 'Back To The Egg'. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world., Bills contribution to Elvis success went beyond the bass playing. [1] Black and Moore continued to work with Presley until 1958 . And they'll be sellin' the same ol' price of only a quarter. Don't pay him no mind'. Combo's lasting influence on bands in Memphis and beyond. Nothings going to happen with it.. And Bill would start riding the bass and clowning, and get the crowd loosened up. . They received rave reviews in Rolling Stone and People magazine and video airplay on MTV. Bill was with the group for almost three years before Elvis came on the scene. rob stafford daughter chicago fire. He played in Elvis Presley's early trio. Johnny Black, Bill's brother and also upright bass player, who knew Elvis at Lauderdale Courts before Bill, recalls visiting Bill at the studio and reported that Bill would be totally absorbed mixing and playing back tracks. Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips - Sun Records 1954. By late 1955, the three had added drummer D.J. [17], In 1955, Black went to RCA Victor along with Presley and Moore when Presley's contract was sold to that company. As Elvis did everything to the extreme womanizing, pill-taking, gunning, eating he also dieted with little to no concern for his personal well-being. This is an excellent release no fan should be without it. 1 albums ('56-'59). [3], In 1962, Bill Black opened a recording studio called "Lyn-Lou Studios" (a shortened nickname "Linda-Lou" he had for his daughter Nancy), and a record label named "Louis" after his son,[25] on Chelsea Street in Memphis, Tennessee, with Larry Rogers (Studio 19, Nashville) as his engineer and producer. Until Now! Jerry Scheffs Memo From Turner could be the greatest concert recording ever by a major rock artist, or it could be the worst. Ironically, twelve years later, Elvis Presley himself would be pronounced dead at the same hospital. D.J. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. Bill Black/Combo Post-Elvis Peaks: 1. Later outfits, like the Mar-Keys and Booker T. and The MG's, would owe much to the music made by the Combo in its heyday. Not only was he white, but also he sang pop and country ballads, not the rhythm and blues Sam was used to hearing. D.J. During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. This includes a lengthy Memphis Press-Scimitar interview from December 1956. Starting back in 2017 author Paul Belard has published multiple books looking back at Elvis' legacy often examining a specific time period, but never an in depth biography. wasn't at the funeral either. At the start of Bill's musical career, his choice was known as a 'dog house' bass. The group also played the Bon Air Club. He plucked like crazy at the strings of his 'dog house', and sang the lyrics in a high falsetto voice, bringing both amusement and inspiration to those present. If you have any interest in Elvis early sound, American early sixties music, or always wanted to know more about Bill Black then this book is an essential purchase. He and Scotty left again in 1958. Between the 23rd April and 6th May 1956, Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. Taken on December 31, 1977, is was rumoured that a photo taken by Mike Joseph (who was visiting Graceland with his family) showed Elvis sitting in his pool house. They deduced (correctly) the Colonel was working against them. William Patton Black Jr. (September 17, 1926 - October 21, 1965) [1] was an American musician and bandleader who is noted as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Fontana. Bill Black looked for a future elsewhere, he went after his dream, and a more permanent career within music. An example of off-stage fooling around was described by D.J. Returning to Bill Black's character. James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'On Stage' and Elvis' Legacy in 2010: 'What was Elvis searching for?' But its a great sound and as long as the part Im doing is simple, I can manage it., DON'T MISSElvis Presleys three non-negotiable rules for new girlfriends WATCH[VIDEO]Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii co-star Angela Lansbury on 'caring' King[BLUE HAWAII]Elvis ex Mindi Miller's first date with The King: Remarkable energy[MINDI MILLER]. Beautifully matching Scotty Moore's biography That's All Right, Elvis at last we have a fascinating exploration of Paul Belards Don't Be Cruel, Elvis - The Bill Black Story. Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. Bill Black was one of the key players at the start of the rock 'n' roll explosion yet there has never been a good biography about his personal story and involvement in Elvis's incredible journey until now. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. They married in 1946 and returned to Memphis. Even Sam Phillips has been quoted as saying that', Bill was one of the worst bass players in the world, technically, but man, could he slap that thing!'. The combination made for the classic rock and roll sounds, which paved the way and still effects listeners like a million volts all these years later'.Blackie' was every bit as important within that unit as any of the other three, even if he's not as well written up as them. Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: Hollywood veteran Michael Hoey talks to EIN: Interview with 'Elvis Films FAQ' author Paul Simpson: "My Fast Life" Rare Elvis Presley 1964 Interview: Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone, Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview. Tillman Franks, bassist and Johnny Hortons manager, praised Bill in making Elvis a success: Bill Black, the way he hit his bass fiddle, he sounded like a band all by himself. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. 'From Memphis, Tennessee, one of the best bassmen in the business'. [3] At the age of sixteen, Black was performing "honky-tonk" music on acoustic guitar in local bars. And if that isn't a great recommendation for an Elvis book, then what is? Recording for their new company of RCA went well though, despite all of this background 'noise', and Bill contributed a simple but very effective 'plodding' bass line to 'Heartbreak Hotel', the song which would introduce Elvis Presley to the world stage, and young musicians in so many other countries. Gladys and later Elvis was also buried there, prior to their being moved to Graceland on Sunday, 2nd October 1977. 6. Other tracks have him screaming and shouting in the background. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. Fontana was Elvis drummer from 1957 to 1968 and was a key member of the Memphis Mafia. Other notable Elvis drummers include Ronnie Tutt, who played on many of Elvis most famous recordings, and Karl Perazzo, who currently plays with the Elvis tribute band Elvis Lives. They tried a few songs, but nothing clicked. His son Louis would frequently visit Graceland. why did bill black leave elvis why did bill black leave elvis Shepard, Billy Swan and others. He was an important part of the Elvis Presley band, and he helped to create the unique sound that was associated with Elvis Presleys music. The miserable life Elvis leads Bill Blacks interview from 1962. William Patton Black Jr. (September 17, 1926 October 21, 1965)[1] was an American musician and bandleader who is noted as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. Using this key source of photos and newspaper clippings plus the investigative power of author Paul Belard, together with the fine design by Soren Karstensen, Elvis fans finally have a stunning biography of this all-important musician. Contact the author to order: pbelard@hotmail.com, Elvis Firearm & Weapon Collector An The line-up for the reformed group included Reggie and Scotty on electric guitars, Michael Leech on bass, Bobby Wood on piano, Ace Cannon on saxophone, Bobby Emmons on organ, D.J. Louisiana Hayride appearances - establishing the new sound.4. He would grow up to be a well-built man, standing around the six-foot mark. But that wasn't destined to be the way history would remember them. Sidenote: I never realised Starlight Wranglers lead-singer Doug Poindexter had quit the music business as early as 1954. It's all too easy to forget the importance of Bill Black in the early Elvis sound, such as the essential back-beat he supplied before the arrival of D.J. According to Louis Black, Elvis said, here to Memphis Mansion website to purchase. (Theres a delightful photograph of Henrik with Bill Blacks daughter on page 14). Elvis Presleys first bass player was Bill Black. Bill's final recordings with Elvis came on Sunday, 1st February 1958, when they cut 'My Wish Came True', Doncha' Think It's Time', Your Cheatin' Heart', and 'Wear My Ring Around Your Neck'. [9] During the break, Presley began "acting the fool" with Arthur Crudup's "That's All Right (Mama)," a blues song. Reggie reunited the group at Scotty's suggestion, just for the one track. Elvis would chat with him, tell him about his father, Bill. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo. appeared in the Venus Room of the New Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo . in October '93, when talking about a mid-SO's trip to San Antonio, Texas'.We all went down to (Scotty's) aunt's and ate food there. Black himself had been ill for the past year and a half and unable to travel. The attention inspired Marshall Crenshaw to record Bens Im Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee) for his Downtown album. "But we've only played 14 personal appearances this year," said Black. He's just an all-American boy, and all the American girls like him. It was during one of these hectic tours, during 1954, that Bill is credited with totaling Elvis' 1951 Lincoln Continental.