Mood:
coolTopic: "Mohair Sam" (5)
All of Middle Earth is looking back tonight, in hopes of moving forward in days to come. Sad it is that some events are overshadowed when eras collide, and choices are made, that are much bigger than whatever channel one watches on the black-and-white. Frodo planned, as a result, to walk away from his gallant Braves in order to listen to the impossible dream, then to take note, dear reader, of something you probably never knew, but now may never forget.
The Beach Boys, not unlike many performers, were constantly approached by total strangers who just happened to be aspiring songwriters, having composed, coincidentally, the next major chart-buster for the chroniclers of the little deuce coupe. One of those actual approaching aspirants went on to ignominy, rather than songwriting, his name was Charles Manson.
For reasons such as the above, it is understandingly very difficult for performers to meet each other in a casual setting. After many attempts, and a long period of time, 44 years ago this evening, the most influential artists in all the world met, for the first time, informally, in the Los Angeles suburb of Bel Air.
The young men from Liverpool ducked down so that their motorcar could pass safely through the throng of young ladies gathered outside the gates of the rented California mansion. When the group entered the room where he was, they noticed the musical instruments scattered all about, and after greetings were shared they sat down and mutually wondered what would come next. Elvis finally said to John, "Well, if all you're going to do is stare at me, I think I'll go to bed."
After George returned from a little smoke around the pool, Elvis picked up a guitar, perched upon a bar stool, and started to strum a song making its round of poular radio of the day. Paul remarked, "Hey, he's one of my favorites."
"Mine too," said Elvis, and after randomly securing scattered instruments, the Beatles joined in a jam session commencing with a rendition of "Mohair Sam," recorded by Charlie Rich.
"Charlie Rich? You mean the guy who sang 'The Most Beautiful Girl,' 'Behind Closed Doors,' and had that bizzaro hair-do," queried Frodo?
Elvis Presley and the Beatles, perhaps the greatest assemblage of performing artists in the Post-War World, gathered together in friendship for the first time 44 years ago this evening, and they played and sang a Charlie Rich song together.
If that don't beat all.
Just a damn good thing they didn't watch Hee-Haw.
"Well-who is the hippie that's happenin' all over our town? Tearin' up chicks with the message that he lays down. Who is the coolest guy, what is, what am? That's fast-talkin'-slow walkin'-good lookin' Mohair Sam. . ."
(1975 performance available on YouTube)
