Benjamin Simon “Ben” Taylor, born January 22, 1977 IS their son and has toured with both of his parents. I have not heard Livingston perform.

What a great story, Vonnie! Brings back good memories!

I love all of the Elvis talk! I was born in the 60′s and was bottle fed Elvis. My Mom was so in love with that man! She would dress me and my younger sister in our pajamas and pack us is the car and go to “The all night Elvis” movies at the Drive-In theatre. I usually didn’t make it through the first movie and my sister less than that, we would wake up in the morning back in our beds. We watched anything that had Elvis in it. Me and my sister could sing all of the Elvis favorites, WOW! what a walk down memory lane, Thank You!

The Livingston Taylor I was referring to is James Taylor’s brother. I didn’t know that James Taylor and Carly Simon also have a son named Livingston or I would have clarified that when I mentioned him.

MCL has posted some live performances from Jason Castro and they were quite nice.

Thank you for your response, Mindy. I have my Grandbabes here and will be off for the rest of the day. I love your comments about Adam’s response to the Elvis comparisons. I did hear Livinston sing and he was good, but not quite like his parents. He has toured with his mom, Carly Simon.

MCL has posted some live performances from Jason Castro and they were quite nice.

Also, Dhani Harrison appeared on the TV special dedicated to his father. It featured Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Eric Clapton. He is an excellent guitarist and has a nice singing voice. He reminds me so much of George and the music was amazing. I felt such sadness knowing there will never be a reunion.

Because of the title of this thread, some may think we are still complaining. I have enjoyed the conversation here as well!

Also,

Elvis had his gorgeous voice right to the end. I have been listening to some of his songs tonight. They have stood the test of time. You can listen to him forever and still want more.

Did you happen to see the Slezak interview with Adam? He asked Adam if he had heard the comparisons of him to Elvis. He said that he did hear about it and thought it was the highest compliment to be compared to a legend. But he didn’t understand why people were comparing him to Elvis. He said that he thought it was when he combed his hair back. If only I could talk to him and tell him that it’s his star quality, his brilliance as a performer, that reminds us so much of Elvis. It’s that “it” quality, that intangible certain something that only the great singers have. He also mentioned that their voices
are very different. That’s true, but it’s the stage presence. That was the thing that struck me when I saw Adam on Idol for the first time. But he was quite flattered. That’s another reason why I love him. He understands the history of music. Without Elvis, there wouldn’t be today’s music.

As for James Taylor, I remember that he did just sit on a stool and sing his songs. I was lucky, because it was a small venue and there was a wonderful intimacy. I was sitting pretty close to him and it was quite an experience. I think his first album had just come out and he was on the verge of real stardom. He was very unassuming, modest, a little shy. But what a voice! The timbre and sound was almost indescribable.

I can most certainly see Kris or Jason performing exactly the same way. That’s their strength. It’s the emotional connection they have with their singing. I did like Jason last season. But he didn’t seem to be able to perform well at the end. I know this show can make these kids crazy, but when he forgot the lyrics to Mr. Tambourine Man, it was so unfortunate. I loved his version of Over the Rainbow and Hallelujah was probably my favorite performance. I am glad that he will have his chance for success. I think both of them are great when they perform with a simple setting.

Louise –

I haven’t had a chance to hear Livingston Taylor. I saw him some years ago on a TV interview with his mother, Carly Simon. He looked a lot like his father. I think he did sing one of his songs with his mother. I will have to check him out.

I must say that it has been a real pleasure to share these memories with you ladies. We kind of created our own little sub topic on this thread, but it’s been a joy to reminisce with you.

When I saw James Taylor in concert, he spent most of his time sitting on a stool. Very stripped down, something I can see Kris or Jason do in concert. What do you think?

A few years ago, I saw Carole King (in her Living Room) concert and she was at her piano during many segments. She had her favorite guitar player and some other instruments. Some artists are indeed timeless.

I envy you for being able to see the Beatles, even if you couldn’t exactly hear them! Here’s is the latest news regarding, Beatles: Rock Band. I never thought I’d see this happen!

http://www.examiner.com/x-2082-Beatles-Examiner~y2009m6d1-Beatles-announce-Beatles-Rock-Band-debut-details-song-downloads

Yes, I do consider myself one very lucky woman. I think as I have gotten older it’s made me realize just how special those experiences really were. The other person I mentioned seeing in person was James Taylor. It was fairly early on, just before he really hit it big. I feel so privileged to have seen such great artists. They were all unforgettable. The Beatles concert was especially poignant in light of John Lennon’s assassination in 1980. I always hoped the Beatles would reunite, but that effectively was the end of that. George Harrison was my favorite Beatle and I was terribly sad when he died about seven or eight years ago of cancer. The fact that I got to see them on their very first trip to this country, at the height of Beatlemania has always made me feel blessed.

To Kariann -

I think Elvis’s 1968 TV special and his 1973 Honolulu concert special should be put in a time capsule so that future generations will know that such a legendary singer ever lived. I also must add that “Now or Never” is absolutely one of my favorite Elvis songs. Sheer perfection!

I did meet the band members of Blood, Sweat & Tears which was cool. Concert wise, I have seen Neil Diamond, Phil Collins, Little Richard, Beach Boys, etc. I saw Peter, Paul & Mary right after their children’s album came out. They still had great voices. One of the most exciting concerts I attended was Journey! The crowd went wild.

After listening to several CDs of Elvis, I recall that a music writer wrote that, “It’s Now Or Never” was the closest Elvis came to opera. If I were to compare Elvis’ voice to Adam’s, this is the song I would choose (in my dreams).

Kariann, I never would have pegged you for being such a huge Elvis fan!!! I’d say anyone who has seen 22 Elvis impersonators ranks right up there as one of his biggest fans ever!!!

I have seen three Beatles tribute artists groups. Since I am making this confession, I had my first really passionate kiss while we were listening to the Beatles.

The fact is that the man was incredibly talented and probably one of the greatest performers that ever lived.

Elvis is my favorite singer going back to the Ed Sullivan days. I also believe he is one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century. I was a member of an Elvis Presley fan club for 30 years, and still receive their newsletter. Oh, there’s more:

Although I have never seen him perform live, I did attend the 2002 ELVIS TRIBUTE Concert. On stage were members of his band, his back-up singers, instrumentalists, and other vocalists. Today, several have passed on. I may sound a bit silly, but you could almost feel he was in the concert arena, and not a 90′ screen image. This was an incredible experience!

I have been to Graceland twice and we stayed in the Heartbreak Hotel. Also, attended fan activities in Hawaii, Memphis, Las Vegas, and Tupelo, We attended the Elvis O’Rama Museum four times. Also, went to the Country Museum Hall of Fame (new) when he was inducted.

I have seen 22 Elvis tribute artists and impersonators in various cities.

I have seen almost all his films and have more than 30 albums/CDs, eight books, the 1968 Special and 1973 Honolulu concert films, collector cards, Christmas bulbs, photographs etc.

My oldest Granddaughter (6 yrs.) already has claims on the 1968 Special edition Elvis doll. My Grandchildren know who Elvis was, and his voice by the age of two. The baby will pick him out in photos. LOL.

There’s more, but I think you know how special he is, and yes, I did cry the day he died.

I also must agree that Adam is smart enough to avoid the pitfalls of Elvis. I think it’s a shame that Elvis was never able to have a chance to really prove himself as an actor. Adam would be a natural for movies at some point in his career. I know he is set on making an album, but hopefully he will explore other possibilities in the future.

Adam mentioned that no one gets discovered anymore in his interview with Slezak. He also knew that he was running out of time. At the age of 27, he realized that there was precious little time to make a big career move. I am glad that he took the risk and decided to go on Idol. It paid off big time and now the sky’s the limit.

I hope Adam gives serious consideration to making films. I rather think his talents reach beyond music. That’s why I mentioned Elvis in the first place. Had Elvis continued in the direction his early films promised – his impact on popular culture would have been even more encompassing. Such a pity he allowed another person to run his life and career. Adam seems a stronger personality. I rather doubt he’d allow anyone other than himself to be in charge. I heard him address this subject recently. He said that no one is ‘discovered’ any more – that each artist has to be their own manager and promoter. So he took charge of his destiny – and look where it landed him!

I feel sorry for people who are missing out because their ears just don’t hear things the way ours do … 8-(