A new book, entitled "My Life Before, During and After Elvis Presley" by John Wilkinson and Nick Moretti has been released. Elvis Presley's TCB Band rhythm guitarist, John Wilkinson, tells his story. This is a second book by this TCB Band member on his life and time with Elvis Presley.
Synopsis:
It describes him meeting Elvis Presley twice as a boy and a young man, who left a lasting impression on the King of Rock and Roll. So much so that when Elvis decided to form a band, quit the movies and return to live performance, he tapped John (who was also recommended by Presley's lead guitarist, the legendary James Burton) to join.
From the first concert in 1969 until the final in 1977, John played more than 1,100 performances with Elvis, never missing a show. For fans curious about what Elvis was really like during these years, Wilkinson's wonderful story will reassure them that Elvis never lost it and always had it. A must for any Elvis fan's book collection and a great story for anyone who enjoys musician biographies.
From the Author
John's life story is entertaining and amazing. I came away from the experience (and the reader will, too) feeling I knew Elvis Presley and that he was a really nice man who would have been very nice to me and (hopefully!) liked me. When I approached John for the idea of this book, one of my personal missions, in addition to telling John's own story, was to show Elvis Presley as a human being during the 1970s, when he's most often misrepresented. John clears up everything and reminds us that even on an off night, Elvis Presley never failed his fans. Enjoy!
My Life Before, During And After Elvis Presley
May 17, 2006 | Book
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My boy, my boy wrote on
May 18, 2006
I look forward to read the book. John was a TCB member (and still is), but even if he was not necessarily a part of the inner circle, I mean the Memphis mafia, I`m sure he has several interesting topics to reveal regarding the live performances. But I must say that John got lucky mostly because of his friend James Burton who took him into the band. I don`t think Elvis would have selected him otherwise. After all, as far as I know, E and John never really got to work together prior to the opening in 69. John was certainly a professionnal but Elvis occasionnaly reffered to him as quote "a guitar player that I can take or leave"....no offense !
Sean Ryan wrote on
May 18, 2006
You obviously havent heard about the first time JW met elvis in 55 or 56 when Elvis played in JW hometown.JW went backstage and actually showed elvis some cords.Elvis remembers the band JW played him and i think met him again in the 60's.im pretty sure that JW is the only musican to have played every single show with elvis from 69-77.all this info will be in his book....and more.
bray1977 wrote on
May 18, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting John Wilkinson last year. He's a really wonderful guy, very sincere and very loyal to Elvis' memory. I will be buying this book especially as his own life is really interesting.
Jth wrote on
May 18, 2006
Somehow he has never struck me as interesting in any way. I've never met him, but I understand that he didn't socialize with Elvis a lot - he just disappeared into his hotel room with a bucket full of ice. Even Elvis made a slight joke about it onstage. I will not be buying that book just to find out what the heck it was that he did with that bucket of ice - I'm not even sure I want to know
Sean Ryan wrote on
May 19, 2006
Jth: If you had met him you would definitely want to buy this book.He is a very interesting man who has got some great stories to tell of his friendship with elvis and if you think the only story is about the bucketful of ice then your gonna miss out on a great book.
Gladyslove wrote on
May 21, 2006
I just liked the book that has been released one or two years ago with the bonus Cd. you can read and feel that he liked Elvis and like him today, too. I am looking forward to this book of the TCB member. As Elvis said "...and also my friend, John Wilkinson ".
My boy, my boy wrote on
May 21, 2006
Geez...regarding Colonel Parker, I can`t get over the fact that Charlie Hodge once quoted that "Colonel was the best thing that has ever happened to Elvis ". I`m pretty sure that since Charlie is now up there in heaven with Elvis, our man must be saying to him : "What the hell were you thinking ?"
Sean Ryan wrote on
May 21, 2006
Im pretty sure that elvis is giving the colonel a grilling and saying 'why didnt you tell me you cant leave the US' whilst Charlie is holding elvis's drinking cup, bless him.