Zz Top covered Elvis Presley‘s “Viva Las Vegas” in the 1990s. One of the versions was a much bigger hit than the other. Despite this, the less popular version of the song might have had a greater impact on the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s image.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and Zz Top’s cover both appeared on hit albums
Elvis introduced “Viva Las Vegas” to the world in his musical film of the same name. The track was designed to promote the film, but, more than anything, it promotes the idea of Las Vegas. It captures the vivacious and eclectic spirit of the city more than any other song. Despite that, it wasn’t huge upon its release in 1964.
Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” became a modest hit. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for a total of seven weeks. The...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and Zz Top’s cover both appeared on hit albums
Elvis introduced “Viva Las Vegas” to the world in his musical film of the same name. The track was designed to promote the film, but, more than anything, it promotes the idea of Las Vegas. It captures the vivacious and eclectic spirit of the city more than any other song. Despite that, it wasn’t huge upon its release in 1964.
Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” became a modest hit. It reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for a total of seven weeks. The...
- 8/14/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jim Gordon, a drummer who played on Derek and the Dominos’ Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs and the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, died Monday at the age of 77. The musician, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was serving a prison sentence for killing his mother in 1983, died in a state-run medical facility in Vacaville, California. Publicist Bob Merlis confirmed Gordon’s death in a statement, adding that Gordon died of natural causes.
In addition to his incredible catalog of recordings, Gordon is also known for sharing a songwriting credit on “Layla” with Eric Clapton,...
In addition to his incredible catalog of recordings, Gordon is also known for sharing a songwriting credit on “Layla” with Eric Clapton,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Kory Grow and Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Jim Gordon, a prolific and in-demand session drummer for dozens of acts who joined Eric Clapton in writing “Layla” for their band Derek and the Dominos and later was convicted of murdering his mother, died Monday at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA. He was 77.
Publicist Bob Merlis said Gordon, who and had been in prison for 40 years and struggled with mental health issues, died of natural causes.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bill Pitman Dies: Wrecking Crew Guitarist Who Played On Countless Hits, TV & Film Soundtracks Was 102 Related Story Eric Clapton Has Covid, Cancels Shows; Guitarist Had Denounced Vaccine Protocols
Born in Los Angeles, Gordon was part of the Wrecking Crew, the core group of studio musicians who played on scads of hits records for dozens of acts. He was behind the kit for such memorable 1960s albums as the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Crosby,...
Publicist Bob Merlis said Gordon, who and had been in prison for 40 years and struggled with mental health issues, died of natural causes.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story Bill Pitman Dies: Wrecking Crew Guitarist Who Played On Countless Hits, TV & Film Soundtracks Was 102 Related Story Eric Clapton Has Covid, Cancels Shows; Guitarist Had Denounced Vaccine Protocols
Born in Los Angeles, Gordon was part of the Wrecking Crew, the core group of studio musicians who played on scads of hits records for dozens of acts. He was behind the kit for such memorable 1960s albums as the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Crosby,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Jim Bessman, a beloved journalist who freelanced for Billboard for more than 20 years, died Tuesday at age 68.
The cause of death was an aneurysm, according to publicist Bob Merlis, a longtime friend of Bessman’s. Bessman, who had gotten Covid-19 in December, had been in a Manhattan rehab facility for sacroiliitis but had been expected to recover.
Bessman was born in Milwaukee and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A lifelong music lover, he began writing as a freelancer for Variety while still in Wisconsin before relocating to New York and working with now-defunct music trade Cashbox. By the mid-’80s, he was writing ...
The cause of death was an aneurysm, according to publicist Bob Merlis, a longtime friend of Bessman’s. Bessman, who had gotten Covid-19 in December, had been in a Manhattan rehab facility for sacroiliitis but had been expected to recover.
Bessman was born in Milwaukee and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A lifelong music lover, he began writing as a freelancer for Variety while still in Wisconsin before relocating to New York and working with now-defunct music trade Cashbox. By the mid-’80s, he was writing ...
- 6/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Jim Bessman, a beloved journalist who freelanced for Billboard for more than 20 years, died Tuesday at age 68.
The cause of death was an aneurysm, according to publicist Bob Merlis, a longtime friend of Bessman’s. Bessman, who had gotten Covid-19 in December, had been in a Manhattan rehab facility for sacroiliitis but had been expected to recover.
Bessman was born in Milwaukee and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A lifelong music lover, he began writing as a freelancer for Variety while still in Wisconsin before relocating to New York and working with now-defunct music trade Cashbox. By the mid-’80s, he was writing ...
The cause of death was an aneurysm, according to publicist Bob Merlis, a longtime friend of Bessman’s. Bessman, who had gotten Covid-19 in December, had been in a Manhattan rehab facility for sacroiliitis but had been expected to recover.
Bessman was born in Milwaukee and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. A lifelong music lover, he began writing as a freelancer for Variety while still in Wisconsin before relocating to New York and working with now-defunct music trade Cashbox. By the mid-’80s, he was writing ...
- 6/22/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Long before the hipster hordes began their annual passage to the Palm Springs area for the Coachella festival 19 years ago, the area offered a swinging, closer alternative to Las Vegas. Home-away-from-home to the likes of vacationing Rat Packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as Elvis’ honeymoon house with Priscilla and Colonel Parker’s nearby digs, the desert enclave has been a haven from Hollywood for those seeking respite in the sun and heat. That legacy remains to this day in local streets named after the likes of former residents Bob Hope, Dinah Shore and Gene Autry.
Veteran industry publicist Bob Merlis, who bought the first of his three Palm Springs homes in 2003, explains the town first attracted vacationing celebrities with the so-called “two-hour rule,” the film studios’ requirement its stars stay that close to L.A. for any possible reshoots, which effectively eliminated Las Vegas or Hawaii as destinations.
Veteran industry publicist Bob Merlis, who bought the first of his three Palm Springs homes in 2003, explains the town first attracted vacationing celebrities with the so-called “two-hour rule,” the film studios’ requirement its stars stay that close to L.A. for any possible reshoots, which effectively eliminated Las Vegas or Hawaii as destinations.
- 4/12/2018
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
Rock legend Neil Young has left a New York hospital following brain surgery last week. The "Heart Of Gold" singer, 59, was admitted to hospital last Tuesday after suffering a "dangerous" brain aneurysm. Young was forced to cancel his appearance at Sunday's Juno Awards in his native Canada. His agent Bob Merlis says, "The doctors say his progress has been excellent and the expectation is that he will make a full recovery." Young's aneurysm was discovered last month after the singer's vision became blurry during his induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
- 4/6/2005
- WENN
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