Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
Experience the untold story of a special moment between Elvis Presley and Tom Jones, as we reveal who Elvis truly believed to be the real King of Rock and Roll. Dive into the 1960s when Elvis Presley and Tom Jones became close friends and mutual supporters, sharing the stage and inspiring each other’s legendary Las Vegas acts. This video captures an unforgettable confession Elvis made to Tom Jones, shedding light on his admiration for another rock and roll icon.
In the late 1960s, Elvis Presley and Tom Jones found themselves at the heart of the Las Vegas music scene. Their friendship blossomed as they supported each other’s performances and shared countless memorable moments. It was during this time that Elvis, after watching Tom Jones’ dynamic performances, found the confidence to undertake his own Vegas residency, a decision that would become a significant milestone in his career. The bond between these two music legends was not just professional but deeply personal, filled with mutual respect and admiration.
Over the years, Sir Tom Jones has shared many precious anecdotes about his times with Elvis, who tragically passed away in 1977 at the age of 42. These stories offer fans a glimpse into the private side of Elvis, the man behind the legend. One such story, which Tom shared during his Greenwich Summer Sounds concert, stands out for its profound insight into Elvis’s view on rock and roll royalty.
At this concert, Tom Jones, now 83, recounted an evening he spent with Elvis that left a lasting impression. As he told it, one night Elvis invited him to see Chuck Berry perform. Intrigued, Tom agreed, and the two legends went to watch Berry, a pioneering figure in rock and roll. As they watched Chuck Berry sing and play, Elvis turned to Tom and made a surprising confession: “There’s the real King of Rock and Roll up there right now.” This revelation from Elvis Presley himself about Chuck Berry speaks volumes about the respect and reverence Elvis had for his fellow rock and roll pioneers.
Tom Jones honored this memory by performing Berry’s iconic song “Johnny B. Goode” during his concert. This song, made famous again for a new generation by the movie “Back to the Future,” was a fitting tribute to the man Elvis acknowledged as the real King of Rock and Roll. The performance resonated deeply with the audience, capturing the timeless energy and spirit of Chuck Berry’s music.
But Tom Jones didn’t stop there. He concluded his set with another rock and roll classic, Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.” Introducing the song, Tom shared that it was his favorite rock and roll song, adding another layer of nostalgia and celebration to the evening. The energy and impact of this performance highlighted the enduring legacy of rock and roll and its founding figures.
Video