Stoker, who was born in Gleason, Tenn., got his start playing the piano on WSM radio and its signature show, the Grand Ole Opry. Alan Stoker said his father was just 15 when he started playing professionally. He joined the Jordanaires as a piano player, but then became tenor vocalist. The group was already well known for their gospel singing when Elvis recruited them to perform on his recording of "Hound Dog," in 1956. They recorded and performed for years with Elvis, who was a huge gospel fan, Rumble said. In some of the early Elvis recordings, such as "It's Now or Never," and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" their vocals really stood out, he said.
The Jordanaires also performed with Patsy Cline on "Crazy," with Jim Reeves on "Four Walls," on George Jones' 1980 hit "He Stopped Loving Her Today," and on Kenny Rogers' "Lucille." They were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
Rainbow Variety
Rainbow Records will release the 10th (and final) volume in their Vegas Variety series April 4, 2013. From the press-release:
Rainbow Records proudly presents the final release in their series “Vegas Variety”. It will be presented in real good sound for an audience recording.
When Rainbow Records released their first volume in the „Vegas Variety“ series in 2007, they had the dream about presenting at least one Vegas-Show from each year. The goal was to not only share great music and concerts but they soon learned that each show has at least one special highlight that deserves to be heard by fans worldwide. Although the package of a vinyl album is more impressive and collectable they tried their best in presenting the fans a booklet with show reviews, newspaper articles, ticket stubs (yes, even Vegas had ticket sales for Elvis shows, see „Vegas Variety Vol.2“) etc.
During the research they found rare and never before seen photos of Elvis in Vegas and also had the chance to track down some nice memorabilia and unreleased shots of the International / Hilton Hotel.
During the production of Vol. 5 luck was definitely on their side when they were able to get the hands on a taped show that no-one had ever known to exist. Being fans and collectors themselves, their priority was always to give the fans something „nice & new“.
With this 10th release in the „Vegas Variety“ Rainbow Records presents an unreleased recording of the September 5, 1971 Dinner Show performance. “It‘s Impossible“, „Lawdy Miss Clawdy“, „Sweet Caroline“ - it‘s your choice which song you call your personal highlight this time. With the release of a show from 1971 Rainbow Records has accomplished their goal to cover each year from the Vegas Years 1969-1976.
So today, more than 5 years later after the initial release it‘s time to look back: 10 Volumes of „Vegas Variety“ means also a total of 10 unique shows on 12 silver factory pressed CDs. Both shows featured on Volume 1 + 2 had a running time that exceeded the capacity of a single disc, so these releases had to become a 2 disc-set. With the releases Rainbow Records was able to present you ultra rare versions of songs like „Until Then“, „You Better Run“, „Rock My Soul“, „Aubrey“, „Cryin‘ Time“ and „Just Pretend“.
Each release featured an extensive booklet of 16-20 pages with background information and great photos of our man in action. With a total of nearly 200 pages these ten booklets are all combined no longer a booklet, but can be called a book!
Rainbow Records likes to thank you for your loyalty and the support through the years.
Tracklisting:
Also Sprach Zarathustra - That's All Right, Mama - I Got A Woman / Amen - Proud Mary - Sweet Caroline - Polk Salad Annie - Johnny B. Goode - It's Impossible - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Heartbreak Hotel - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - Love Me Tender - Suspicious Minds - Band Introductions - I'm Leavin' - Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Can't Help Falling In Love
(Source: ElvisMatters / Elvis Telegraph)