Best version of MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

What is the best version of that Rock'n'Roll song?

I'd probably give the nod to Berry's original master. A more recent reading that was pretty cool was Izzy Stradlin's rendition back in '98 with the Ju Ju Hounds.

Lonnie Mack did a terrific guitar instrumental of it in 1963, under the title "Memphis."

http://www.ilike.com/artist/Lonnie+Mack/track/Memphis

That year, "Memphis" went to #5 on Billboard's Pop chart and #4 on the R&B chart.

Johnny Rivers incorporated some of what Mack did -- guitar lines, uptempo arrangement -- for his hit single a year later. Yes, "Inspired" by Elvis' January 1964 acetate of a revved-up vocal version, Lonnie Mack's musicality also played a part as well in the creation and release of the Rivers single.

This collection is a cool place to hear more of Lonnie Mack's incredible guitar playing (and some soulful vocals):



Lonnie Mack - The Wham of That Memphis Man (Fraternity, 1963)

Side 1
Wham
Where There's A Will
The Bounce
I'll Keep You Happy
Memphis

Side 2
Baby, What's Wrong
Down And Out
Satisfied
Suzie-Q
Why
Down In The Dumps

---

You can hear Elvis playing a bit of "Baby, What's Wrong" during his June 24, 1968 dressing room rehearsal.

Last edited by drjohncarpenter on Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

Doc, I LOVE Mack's version!

This is a nice little collection on ACE:

What do you think about the 1963 version. IIRC, Guralnick said that it was much "earthier" than the 1964 Master. Do you agree with that?

PS: Thanks for the info, Doc!

many J Lee Lewis' versions are outstanding

Of Elvis' versions I prefer '63. "64 master is too "polished."

Johnny rivers.

Johnny rivers.

Traitor !

LOL Colin. Ity IS though!

Of all the versions listed I prefer the Johnny Rivers version also. Would have been interesting to hear Elvis take the song a little slower pace (way too fast). Maybe even in a different (lower key). So add my name to the list of traitors.

Yeah Jerry, I'm with ya there. The Elvis master is too tight. The rejected master is looser and better. But the drums are too much. Sounds kinda like a 1970 opening vamp for a show! Maybe could have made a nice show opener?

But Johnny's version is terrific and the guitar intro is so cool. Even James replicates it on the rare 6th Aug 1973 vegas version with Elvis!

I don't know what Elvis' problem was with this song because he could never get it right.

If he completed a satisfactory take on the song in 1963 then Rivers never would have been able to scoop him.

Elvis did a fantastic job on ''Too much monkey business'' and ''Promised land'' but ''Memphis'' is average.

I gotta admit Johnny Rivers did the song better.

I'll take Elvis' 63 outtake.