British guitarist analyses Scotty Moore, Elvis Presley's secret weapon! 

The sheer joy and admiration on Fil's face as he watches these legends perform makes me tear up. Love it

I met Scotty in Nashville some years ago at a book reading for his autobiography. I asked him how he came up with the solo in That's Allright, Mama. He just shrugged and said: "It was a mistake." He also acted as Elvis' manager in the early years and he kept a record of everything, including how much money he made. From 1956 to 1969, he made $40,000. Even if you went back year through year to adjust that for inflation (which I did) it came to $400,000, which comes out to a little more than $33,000 a year adjusted for inflation, nowhere near what he should have made for playing with Elvis and basically creating his instrumental sound.

Scotty Moore was a very humble man who was almost without ego. Scotty Moore's contribution to music will echo for countless millenia to come.

Seriously. BBC should being paying Phil a handsome fee for these incredibly well done documentaries on music and musicians.

For all those who don`t know this yet: It was exclusively the Colonel's fault that the musicians were treated so badly. Elvis was very distressed because of that. He would have loved to pay them more. He was very unhappy to see his friends go.

These guys were PURE RAW talent ...nothing added just their bodies and their instruments!!!!

Scott Moore was kick azz 🥴 And Elvis brought all the rest together in this one! 💗

Pretty wild stuff for 56’ 🤯 Scotty was a monster!! Great rhythm and chord changes, precise double note stops. Slap back delay; so rockabilly🤘🏻

I am just amazed at how much you know about all these musicians & artists. Since listening to you discuss each artist, I now have a whole new appreciation on how to observe an artist perform. You are so young & such a wealth of knowledge on these artists! I love listening to you. Thanks for what you do!.

Who could do all three simultaneously, dance, sing, and play a guitar? Only Elvis. What a unique talent.

And this is why no pyrotechnics were ever needed. These guys with their playing, rock’n roll attitude, stage performance, sound and of course Elvis WERE the pyrotechnics!!!!! Unreal!!!

Keith Richards once said, "I never thought of Elvis as a solo performer, when I really got into them in the early days, I always thought of them as a GREAT band with a GREAT lead singer (Elvis)".

Everybody’s forgetting the great Bill Black on upright bass .RIP Mr Black .

Alvin Lee said something to the effect that Scotty's playing on Hound Dog sounded like a whole load of scaffolding poles falling off a truck! Now this was meant as a compliment- it really is an incredible sound and quite unique, too. Great solo by Scotty on King Creole and so many other early Elvis recordings at Sun.

Really sorry to hear what happened to the band.They were such an integral part of the sound that propelled Elvis to stardom. As usual your analysis is spot on

WE MAY NEVER AGAIN SEE THE KIND OF THRILLS AND EXCITEMENT THAT ELVIS IN 1956 WAS CAPABLE OF CREATING ON STAGE. THE WHOLE BUILDING ROCKED.

This was a great recording of Elvis and early band. Scotty was a real talented guitarist. It is a shame the way the band got treated by management.

Those Sun recordings are a master class in accenting/serving the song. Scotty’s playing is just pure, simple beauty on those tracks. And to think he hardly ever bends a note!

RIP to all the "Blue Moon Boys!"

So this video led me to watching another video tracking down where Scotty Moore lived in Memphis (where he worked at a dry cleaner). Bill Black lived just a few doors down (he worked at a nearby Firestone plant). All three first met in Scotty's tiny living room on the Fourth of July -- a Sunday. His wife recalled Elvis performed a lot of ballads that didn't distinguish him. Scotty was impressed by how many songs he knew. From Scotty's book: ----------------------------------------- Finally, Elvis said goodbye and left... Bill came back to help critique the audition. "What did you think?" I asked. "Well, he didn't impress me too damned much," said Bill. "How about you?" "I thought he had good timing. A good voice. Nothing different jumped out from the material he was doing." "After Bill left, I called Sam to give him a report. I was upbeat but not gushing in my assessment of Elvis' talents. I mentioned that I was surprised that Elvis knew so many rhythm and blues songs. Sam asked if I thought it would be worthwhile to audition him in the studio. "Sure," I said. Sam called Elvis and set up an audition for Monday night at the studio. ----------------------------------------- Monday night is when they recorded, "That's Alright Momma." .

Scotty Moore was a badass on guitar!

It blows my mind that Scotty was self taught! Thank you for doing this reaction on Scott Moore! He was quite a gentleman! 😇.

People look at this, but don't realize just how radical it was for 1956. This was the very beginning of a sound that defined an entire generation. Scotty was there when it happened, just when the dam was about to break. What a story to tell. Great stuff Fil, and as always, great commentary.

Thank you for bringing to light the hard times that Scotty went through.

So many great 60s/70s guitarists idolized him. Keith Richards, Jimmy Page and others all said Scotty was a huge influence. Thanks for the great history lesson. I learn something new every video. Love your enthusiasm.

Thanks Fil..Scotty such an innovator with his sound..no wonder Joe Perry and Keith Richards loved him and so many others.

I saw Elvis Presley perform live at the National Theatre in Greensboro, N.C. on Feb. 6, 1956. A lot of great things were happening to Elvis that year. He was already getting National Attention by performing on the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey "Stage Show" He had just signed on with RCA-Records and his new LP self titled was released the same year. Scotty Moore and Bill Black were great in that 1956 show. "Mystery Train" and all his Sun hits they played and played well! Scotty Moore is why I got my first Guitar and started learning to play like him! Thank you Scotty Moore! I am still playing my friend. May you RIP.

The Blue Moon Boys. Most influential rock and roll band ever.

What can I say Fil.. you are the man! Sent this to my 73 yr old dad... he loved Elvis 🕺🏻 beautiful work man

I absolutely love Wings of Pegasus and his in-depth and intelligent analysis. I am seriously addicted to these videos. Keep up the great work Sir. I take my hat off to you!

My Dad was a session drummer at Sun Records in the mid 50s. He recorded some stuff with Scotty Moore (before) Elvis came to Sun. I never really found out from my Dad what he and Scotty recorded. I think it was mostly demo stuff. Sam Philips tried to get my Dad and Scotty to back Elvis. Neither my Dad or Scotty liked Elvis or his style of music. My Dad and Scotty were more interested in playing Jazz. Scotty also liked Country music, but in the same style as Chet Atkins. My Dad refused to play with Elvis, however, Scotty agreed to play with him and see what they could do. I have thought all my life what it would have been like for my Dad to have been Elvis’s drummer. But he wasn’t. Scotty did become Elvis’s guitarist and the rest is history. My Dad always stayed loyal to playing Jazz music until he could no longer play, a few years before he passed away in 2015 at 83 yrs old. RIP Pop!

That's probably why on tour after 68 Elvis always would introduce his band individually and what they were playing.

Man the things you learn listening to you. Now I wish I would have saved some more braincels. Thanks again Fil you always make it interesting. Hats off to Scotty Rock on

Elvis was the motor and the Blue Moon Boys were the supercharger of that motor. Back in the 50´s Scotty´s sound was mindblowing, people just haven´t heard anything like it before. The sound he got out of that Gibson will never be duplicated.

One of the things I really like about your videos is the way you watch them yourself. I can see you genuinely enjoying the artists in the video. Your smile and eyes are showing the fascination and appreciation of the talent you are watching . It's so great to see one artist admiring another. Keep up the great work here.

Fil, I just love your smile when you're watching these guys play their guitars. 💖

Scotty was too nice of a guy to tell Elvis to "shove it" for the comeback special. But money is always needed, I get it.

You never cease to amaze, Fil. Thanks for the info and analysis.

He still makes me smile this is what 70 years or so ago still gets me

Scotty was marvelous!!!! Love💋for Elvis. I wished I had the opportunity to have seen them perform!!!! Now in my era I can only see the videos. Amazingly I feel the same way people felt back then. ELVIS 💋💋💋💋💋

Scotty was a huge influence on so many guitarists including one of my favorites the great Brian Setzer. Great job Fil!

Many years ago, when I was a young lass in the 1990’s, I worked with a lady who I’d say was probably hovering around 60 then. One day in casual conversation the topic of Elvis came up (it was a retail job - probably inspired by the store music?) She told me the following story: when she was a young teenager she’d gone to a county fair. (Context: this was in north Alabama) She and her friends were excited to see the musical acts. They were anticipating some of the known names in the line up, but, as she said, she didn’t even remember who that was because the opening act was a young good looking guy with a funny name. She’d never heard of him, but once he got started she knew she’d never forget him. That young man was Elvis Presley and the way she described seeing a young Elvis perform was “It was like somebody spilled lightning on that stage. After that you didn’t CARE who came next.”

I really respect you. Your love for your craft and the respect you have for musicians and artists is amazing to watch. When u watch and start smiling at what you reacting to is so authentic and full of love u have for talent I totally respect and believe your anaylases 100 percent

I discovered years ago that learning Scotty's licks can really benefit one's rock and roll guitar playing.

Yes sir, that was pure revolution. Blue Moon Boys rocked the world so hard, and it’s still shaking! Miss you always..

FIL, ONCE AGAIN, A GREAT VIDEO, AND YOUR COMMENTS, KEEP THE MUSIC AND INFO ON THE PEOPLE COMMING, YOU ROCK, COUSIN FIGEL

Fil....thank you for all your great uploads. Very enjoyable.

Fil, love your story about Scotty and Elvis and the bandI never knew this . Great information! God bless!

Fil, the fact that you are highlighting these amazing unsung heroes, decades later, to give them the respect they deserve, gives me the warm fuzzies inside! They certainly didn't deserve to be relegated to oblivion, unremarked, uncelebrated. Thank you for giving us a chance to appreciate them once more! I'm sure Col. Tom Parker had many more misdeeds to his credit. Love this video!

I'm a heavy metal guy, but I absolutely love watching Elvis!

I just had to come back to listen to your excellent analysis and fantastic summary of what was going on back then. I`ve always loved Scotty because although he and Bill were so important in Elvis`s career, he was a very quiet and humble man/musician. The Colonel said that without him there would be no Elvis. Well, that`s debatable, but I personally believe that without Sam Philips, Scotty and Bill, there wouldn`t be an Elvis like we know him today. In the end, it was Sam who singled him out, and Scotty Moore was the one who gave Elvis his approval, although, in the beginning when he met Elvis, he wasn`t really "enchanted" by him. Scotty just said that he guessed, Elvis was "alright". After all, Elvis was a teenager and Scotty was 4 years older than him and more experienced at that time. Four years is a lot when you are so young. I`ve always felt sorry that Elvis, Scotty, Bill, and DJ Fontana weren`t able to stay together till the end.

Love Scotty but im more impressed with your research and back story great post Fil

Boy! that's going way back! Seems like yesterday!

Scotty Moore was James Burton of the 50s. He really made Elvis shine, worked as a team. Thanks for the info about the evolution of their relationship, didn't know that. I'm happy they reunited in 68. It is sad, Parker was a terrible manager, he should have paid Moore and DJ and Black well, kept Elvis skills sharp, they all shared a special bond. Elvis lost his confidence during his movie years, his guys should have been with him, Parker was a disgrace. I think, Scotty, DJ and Black knew Parker tied Presley's hands. They, I think, always loved Elvis for what he did for them.

I wish your analysis was out years ago.We didn’t have U tube.Your music analysis has rounded out my music education.The secrets are finally revealed.

Elvis Presley was Something Else

Great video Fil, you hit right on everything... Scotty Moore was under rated as guitar player and his importance in rock history and his design in Elvis's sound. As incredible as Sam Phillips was sometimes I think he gets too much credit for that original sound. BTW the Gibson ES-295 Scotty was playin is still around and on display at Graceland... I saw it last year and have to say I never thought I would be that awe-struck in the presence of a guitar!

You are all over the chart! Love it Fil, I posted the Holy Grail on Facebook

Rosie and the Originals, Angel Baby. That has a fantastic back story. Elvis and Scotty made her dream possible to realize.

Once again I have to say how much I enjoy your enjoyment. It's delightful. There's a video I'd love to see a reaction to, as far as I can see nobody else is doing it. Not Elvis, but The HU Shireg Shireg live @SiriusXM

It's amazing how lead guitar has changed over the years ...Elvis steals the show what an entertainer.

I've never understood... Elvis being the kind of person he was, why he didn't "take care" of Scotty, Bill and D.J. after the party was over (so to speak). I wonder if the Colonel had anything to do with all of that, too? Story has it that that crook ended up making 10 times the money Elvis did... And Elvis was LOADED.

Phil, your smile could light up a run way. I love watching your reactions as much as the video's. Thank you for making these. They are awesome!!

Thank you for remembering Legendary guitarist Scotty Moore; amazing video 🥰

thank you for telling the story of how and with who, Elvis started. I know the story well n you were spot on. love your reviews n watch you appreciate music from my generation...

I remember the first time Elvis was on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956 (yes I am that old). They only showed Elvis from the waist up, because his dancing (swiveling his hips) was considered too "dirty" to show on TV. Yes, times have changed.

The background information and analysis of this time period of music is so complete. Your breakdown of these performances are the absolute best on You Tube!!! Keep them coming.

Glad to hear you know the history. On reaction videos very few know much about the artists they are reacting too.

Is there anyone else who could sing, play rhythm guitar and dance like that...ever in all of history

I couldn't have put it any better, about Scotty Moore, even though James Burton is brilliant, Scotty had his own style, which was essential to Elvis, being a star, Scotty guitar playing, was what made Elvis, and what a tragic mistake, to part ways, with Scotty .

Your smile makes me smile!

I met Scotty in 2002 I told him, "when I get the blues, I listen to some of your solos" He shook my hand and signed my guitar.

Exceptional, Phil! You always hit the right notes. But, this well researched backstory overview and analysis is right off the charts brilliant and registered massively with music lovers everywhere!

In the end. I think Scotty was one of the very few persons that he really missed.

And this is why EP is 👑Of 🎼 .. scotty was amazing but hey nothing without elvis' remarkable voice n his showmanship !! Scotty never had a bad word to say about EP !

Wonderful presentation. Great video, Phil.....thank you for posting.

Scotty and Bill got shafted big time. It's too bad Elvis didn't stick up for them so that they would get the pay that they deserved. Great analysis Fil. Cheers

Once again Brother Fil does a TOP NOTCH JOB!!! You Absolutely Amaze me sometimes Fil! Scotty was an influential axe man on many peers & posterity. His chops on "Good Rocking Tonight " were noticed by S.R.V.'s rhythm guitar! Love Struck, Pride & Joy have Scotty's bag stamped on them. Incredible job Fil! What would we do without you?!!! You're the Greatest! ROCK!!!

So awesome!! Whoo hoo!! Elvis and Scotty were pure magic!!! 🔥 Quite unique to have both of these talents to have found each other!!!!💙💙👏👏👏

Thanks for this, Fil. You do a great job here and with all your videos. I look forward to every one of them.

I watched this again 😀 I have to admit...kept trying to watch Scotty, but..it's very hard with Elvis singing & dancing around 😂 I keep wondering how he was able to sing, play the guitar & keep dancing around the whole time. I haven't seen many of the very old videos, but..they're great. Elvis was an awesome entertainer/artist. Thanks, for all of the information you give us 💙 Btw..this was supposed to be about Scotty, and here I go focusing on Elvis, so..I can kind of understand why the musicians weren't getting enough attention 😂 They most certainly should have been paid more!

This is the Elvis I love!

I got to see Scotty play at the Gibson guitar lounge here in Memphis a few yers ago. He was playing with DJ Fontana and Greg Perkins. They did Heartbreak Hotel and I must say when Scotty played those big licks it sent chills down my spine. A wonderful moment.

Fil, I am surprised you did not bring up the type of guitar Scotty played on most of the Elvis hits. It was his secret weapon, the Gibson ES-295, the so--called Scotty Moore guitar. My mom bought me a 1954 Gibson ES-295 Goldtone with Bigsby in 1965. She paid $500 dollars for it and an amp. It was the first guitar I ever owned. I was taking guitar lessons at the time. Up until then we had rented an acoustic guitar. When I took my new prize guitar to my lesson for the first time the teacher was so disappointed that it was not an acoustic. He asked to play it and he did. The hollow-body guitar does not need an amp to play. The guitar was kind of too big for me at the time but I loved it and still have it in the original case with all the original parts. It came with an old style tweed tube amp but that disappeared many years ago. I miss that old amp.

Fil, I know you are an artist in your own right, but could it be that your best gig is as an archivist or some such for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame? With your skill in seeing, describing, putting into perspective artists contributions to music... This is fascinating. How you describe the contributions of different artists toward forwarding music, as an element of the whole. It's amazing. This guitarist adds this, without which this front man is perhaps, never going to make it...but, he is there, and it makes the world of difference. I realize it's your point of view, but you seem to be able to see all this from an external point of view and make it so...understandable... That you see the skill and articulate it and how it adds to the whole is so refreshing. So many want to judge: he is great, he sucks, blah, blah, blah. You seem to have none of that. You see and report the contribution made and how it adds to the whole. This is so refreshing! Thanks, man. This is why I always check out what you upload. Maybe you could market your skill as an informed observer of musicianship.. Anyways, Here's me, wishing you: All the best!

Have you seen the movie "Hired Gun"? It's on Netflix and is about musicians who were important for certain bands but were not treated all that well. It's a good watch.

I always enjoy learning these random miscellaneous things that you seem to know about everyone that was, or is, a musician. The history, the detail, the backstory, and the music. I appreciate the work and dedication you have to bring us these videos (like every day).

What a dynamic grouping that changed music and the world... Elvis was truly amazing and unique but here we see the focus shift to a guitar hero Scotty Moore, revolutionary time in music, scotty certainly deserves credit with shaping guitar playing style, sadly we lost Scotty last year.. Great review and analysis..

Excellent analysis Fil...so much history. It was so disgraceful how Scotty, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana were treated, and weren't adequately compensated. Buddy Holly and the Crickets became popular during that same time period. I wonder if the Crickets (Joe B. Mauldin, Jerry Allison, et al.) were compensated in a similar manner?

Fabulous and incisive review. A curious fact, this recording was done live on the deck of a US aircraft carrier in harbour as part of a TV show

Never disappointing, thank you Fil for another video presentation sharing with us. Cheers.

Beautiful to listen to this! Thanks a lot! So very well done!

Digging into the next layer would be Travis picking, such an influence on Scotty and many rock and country pickers. This style also goes back to The Everly Brothers uncle Mose, a coal miner in Kentucky. Another great video Fil!

"When Elvis went to Hollywood, ...that's when everything went wrong" - Adam Duritz

Awesome history lesson. You were right on. Scotty in my opinion is was the creator of the rock and roll sound.

Phil, Thank you for all of your fantastic work! You are not only a very talented performer in your own right, but such a knowledgeable and articulate teacher of technique and music history. I just got myself a guitar and am trying to teach myself how to play--wish you could give me lessons. You are amazing!

$100.00 a week in 1956 was making a good living , My mom bought a 2 family home in 1969 , her monthly payment was $90.00 a month .

Wonderful synopsis. I enjoy all you videos. Sad how the band was treated, but maybe that’s just the music business. Don’t know how true the stories are, but I’ve heard the same thing about Chuck Berry. Keep up the brilliant work!

This brought a smule to my face thanks fil doing a great job mate

exceptional, as usual Phil, I truly admire the work and feel you put into 'your work‘, thank you very much.