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Jerry Scheff's Biography Is Ready

January 30, 2012 | Book

It was a long labour of love, but Jerry Scheff has just finished his autobiography. In this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career, the well known TCB bassist takes us onto Elvis's private jet, on tour with Bob Dylan, and into the studio with the Doors.

From the press release: "A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music, Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, the Association, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, and Nancy Sinatra, to name just a few.

Eschewing hype, Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective, from having worked sleeves rolled up, side by side, with the great artists in their factories. The book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date, a pivotal moment for him, the rest of the band, and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection, from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world.

This is a tale of a man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument, proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll - a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general."

Available: March 1st 

Source:ElvisMatters
ttwiise wrote on January 31, 2012
looking forward to this. anyone know if there is a hardback version?
SuziB wrote on January 31, 2012
Not even remotely interested. Elvis had many bass players throughout his career and other than Bill Black (who apparently was hopeless at bass guitar) and Duke Bardwell, I rate Jerry Scheff as possibly the most average bass player Elvis had. Not fit to be compared to the likes of Tommy Cogbill, Bob Moore etc. Also wish Emory Gordy had replaced Scheff permanently. Would be far more interested in a Bob Moore book!
Martin DJ wrote on January 31, 2012
Whether or not Jerry was/is a fantastic bass player says nothing about the quality of the book he wrote. (It is unwise to judge a book by its cover, they could have used a more flattering photo of Elvis though.) I'm sure Jerry will be devastated to learn that JeanMarie will never forgive him for at one point being an addict. With his remark that the piano was as important to Elvis's succes as the guitar was, JeanMarie outdid himself. Where, pray, is the piano on the Sun records?
Natha wrote on January 31, 2012
As I am not interested to read the endless stream of books about 'my/our time with Elvis', fiction or true, I skip this one. Yet it's indeed a pity that (t)he(y) used such an unflattering photo of the King. Is this how he remembers his time with Elvis?
Alant15 wrote on January 31, 2012
As a bass player myself, let me tell you that Jerry was and is a very good bass guitar player AND stand up bass player. He brought that unique Fender bass sound to Elvis' live concert tours. Try turning down the bass (or if you have a graphic equaliser turn it off) and then listen to the thin sound that remains. Listen also to Burning Love and the live Big Hunk 'O Love again. He almost gives those somgs a hard rock edge. However there's no one more critical of Jerry's bass playing during those Elvis concert years. If you look at his website you'll see that he felt he had done too much during those years and should have kept it simpler. I think he was being real hard on himself. I had the pleasure of shaking his hand after an Elvis in Concert show in Manchester England a few years back and he was nothing but a gentleman. I will buy his book and read it with interest.
Orion wrote on January 31, 2012
Natha - I think you summed it up well by saying "the endless stream of books about 'my/our time with Elvis', fiction or true." I couldn't agree more. It's the fiction part that bothers me. Let me explain - I'm nearly fifty, and if I were to write MY autobiography, I'd have a hard time recalling events with the clarity that some of these in Elvis' "inner circle" recall events. Even if I had played with Elvis in Vegas in '69, I doubt I'd remember what his cologne smelled like before he hit the stage. After 40 + years, who the hell remembers things like that. I'm beginning to think these guys pepetuate things to fit what they think fans want to hear. True - I've not read the book, but I don't see how Jerry could recall what Elvis said on stage to a fan in Dallas in 1971. Is anyone's memory that good ? For some reason, a majority of Elvis' "inner circle" have amazing almost photographic memories of their time with Elvis. Just my thoughts...
Troubleman wrote on January 31, 2012
I dont see anything wrong with this biography, since he did play with many artists (what a lists)! I prefer these kinds of biographies than those by former 'lovers' who knew Elvis, had his child, etc... Orion - there are some people who keep diaries, notes, so it is possible to describe events clearly (or as accurately as possible) from years ago. He must have been a 'decent' player to have played with so many great singers. TCB
Rob Wanders wrote on January 31, 2012
as a professional musician myself I can say that Jerry Sheff is an outstanding bass-player!
Steve V wrote on February 01, 2012
Always thought he was talented. He played with the best there was. LA Woman is a classic LP. I would love to read his stories, but that picture on the cover is very unflattering.
benny scott wrote on February 01, 2012
Steve, just a question : " I would love to read.... but that picture..." Will that picture stop you to read the book ? Can hardly imagine ! Always El.
Steve V wrote on February 01, 2012
No Benny, it would not stop me. Just wish the cover pic was different. I would not only buy this for the Elvis insights but also The Doors, one of my favorite groups and all the other stories. I'm sure it's a good read.
benny scott wrote on February 01, 2012
Steve, I have to admit the pic with our man is not one of the best ! But it's what's IN the book that's the most important, so I'll read it for sure. Think, like you, it'll be an interesting read. Always El.
Wiebe wrote on February 02, 2012
I like that photo, because it shows Elvis as one of the guys more than a super star, which is how Jerry experienced his time with Elvis.
Delores wrote on February 02, 2012
Bad taste (picture) !! Will buy & read his book but with Scheff ... you never know.....(?)
dgirl wrote on February 02, 2012
I will buy this book because I respect musicians stories of ELvis more than ex-girlfriends or bodyguards. But the picture? Ghastly. One of the guys and not a superstar who just happens to be wearing a gold sundial jumpsuit? They could have used any stage photo from 1969 or 70 showing them playing music on stage. I can hear people snickering now if this hits bookstore shelves.
Charo wrote on February 07, 2012
I was at Elvis' last two concerts, and none of us present there were criitical of Elvis' weight or image. We were too busy loving him and enjoying his singing, and his enduring humour and humility. Such a shame that so many people here and on other sites, are stuck in the early years, and want to obliterate the last years of Elvis' life. We had him for such a short time. I treasure the few years and I want every picture possible of him. I take it that every other person in the world is sylph-like and considered beautiful all the time? (No, I'm not overweight: for the record.) But I can appreciate beauty when I see it, and Elvis was beautiful right to the core. Don't destroy the last few years of his career: the enterprises already do that. Elvis lived until 1977, and I am glad of those extra years. He gave his all to us.