At the prompt of guitarist James Burton, Elvis decided to try out Jerry Scheff as an unorthodox bass player candidate, despite his unconventional punk and drug-influenced style.
Jerry Scheff's Impact on Elvis Presley's TCB Band
In August 1969, Jerry Scheff, a bass player with diverse musical tastes, joined Elvis Presley's TCB Band, marking a significant turning point in the King of Rock 'n' Roll's career.
Scheff's audition on August 18th, 1969, showcased a blend of Memphis soul and dynamic intensity, impressing Presley with his independent style. This independent approach would prove to be exactly what Presley was looking for in a new band member.
The TCB Band, with Scheff and drummer Ronnie Tutt, formed a dynamic rhythm section. This newfound energy was especially evident in live performances of "Suspicious Minds," where Scheff's digging bass lines and Tutt's drums propelled the band, matching Elvis's energized and passionate stage presence.
Scheff's style freed him to play more aggressively and creatively than previous bassists with Elvis, contributing to what many consider the definitive sound of the TCB Band. Elvis appreciated this strong rhythmic foundation and often encouraged the band to push harder.
On August 24, 1969, the TCB Band, including Jerry Scheff on bass, recorded a live version of "Suspicious Minds" at the International Hotel. This live recording, with its breakneck speed tempo, showcased the raw power and emotional intensity that Scheff's bass playing brought to the band.
Presley's popularity in the music world had waned by the Summer of Love in the late 1960s. However, the new lineup, including Scheff, revitalized his live shows, starting with the 1969 Las Vegas engagement at the International Hotel.
In his memoir, Jerry Scheff expressed his initial dislike for Presley's music. However, it was clear that his impact on the TCB Band was profound. Scheff's approach to bass playing involved listening to the music and composing a part that complemented the vocalist or instrumental melody. This approach, combined with his independent style, provided a new raw energy and drive that Elvis greatly fed on during performances.
Jerry Scheff, James Burton, and Ronnie Tutt formed the core of Elvis Presley's TCB - Taking Care of Business - Band. The trio's powerful and creative performances boosted Presley's energy during performances and helped define his late-career sound. Elvis's 1968 television special, Elvis, had revitalized his career, and with Scheff in the TCB Band, he continued to captivate audiences with his live performances for years to come.
[1] Scheff, Jerry. Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business. Backbeat Books, 2004. [2] Guralnick, Peter. Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley. Little, Brown and Company, 1994.
- Jerry Scheff's distinctive bass guitar technique, especially evident during live performances of songs like "Suspicious Minds," played a significant role in the revitalization of Elvis Presley's music entertainment.
- The TCB Band, with Jerry Scheff on bass, was equipped with a variety of guitars, amplifiers, and other musical instruments to deliver dynamic and powerful live shows, elevating the king of rock 'n' roll's performances.
- During rehearsals and recordings with Presley, Scheff would often focus on composing bass lines that complemented the guitar melody, establishing a strong rhythmic foundation for the TCB Band.
- Following the addition of Jerry Scheff to the TCB Band, the group became known for their energetic and creative performances, which significantly influenced the definitive sound and style of Elvis Presley's music in his later career.
