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Previewing a New Series: Elvis History Vault

Introducing the Elvis History Vault, an occasional series that will run parallel to our other Elvis related series, Elvis and the Press. Our leading contributor, Gary Wells, will be joining us as we learn about some perhaps lesser known people and events in Elvis’ professional life.

Some of the topics on our radar for future episodes include the fascinating artists who made a significant, albeit in some cases relatively brief, contribution to the TCB Band and Elvis’ onstage sound; drummers Bob Lanning, Jerome ‘Stump’ Monroe and Larrie Londin, bassists Duke Bardwell and Emory Gordy, and piano and clavinet players Larry Muhoberac, Shane Keister, David Briggs and Bobby Ogdin. We’ll also look behind the scenes to examine the role of Clair Brothers and innovative sound engineer Bruce Jackson, who also flew the Lisa Marie on tour, as well as Jerry Weintraub, Tom Hulett and Concerts West, Elvis’ concert promoters and touring partners from 1970 onwards.

Sound engineer and pilot Bruce Jackson worked with numerous artists other than Elvis, including Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Barbra Streisand, and on major global events including the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. He sadly died in a private plane crash in 2011.

Beyond the road, we’ll be investigating a wide range of subjects, including just how ethically and financially compromised Dr Nichopoulos was in terms of providing objective medical care to Elvis, a case in point being the short-lived Presley Center Courts business venture which went spectacularly awry, causing a severe if temporary rupture in Elvis’ inner circle.

Jumpsuit history, recording sessions and personnel, tour stats, schedules and anecdotes, some Las Vegas faces and events, and lots more, will all be featured over the coming months (and probably years). As usual, each episode will be accompanied by its own webpage, with shownotes, research sources and links to suggested further reference.

The ‘blue swirl’ was one item of stage wardrobe that enjoyed some longevity – it was worn 23 times between May 1974 and the end of 1976.

You can subscribe here (via WordPress) or on YouTube to keep up with the latest, or join us on your favourite podcast platform including Apple, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more. (We’re also available on Podbean, although we’re not quite sure how we got there!)

Bob Heis (1942-2012) was an accomplished photographer who captured many iconic closeups of Elvis on stage in the 1970s (Image credited to the Heis family at dignitymemorial.com)

As usual, we rely heavily on, and are extremely grateful for, the work of Francesc Lopez and his pioneering website, elvisconcerts.com, celebrating 30 years online this year (2026).

Our interview with Francesc Lopez, updated for the 30th anniversary

Very special thanks also to Gary Wells, and to all our readers and listeners.

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