BackinMemphis

Even if you’ve never heard Big Mama Thornton, born 84 years ago today, you’re probably familiar with some of her best-known songs. She was the first to record “Hound Dog”, written for her by Lieber and Stoller and later a big hit for Elvis Presley, and her song “Ball and Chain” later became a chart-topper for Janice Joplin. Born on the outskirts of Montgomery, Alabama as one of seven siblings in 1926, like many entertainers of her generation, Willie Mae Thorton got her start singing in church. Her father was a Baptist minister and her mother sang in the choir. After winning a local singing contest at the age of 14, Thornton came to the attention of promoter Sammy Green and soon began her professional career by landing a spot on Green’s Georgia-based “Hot Harlem Review.” Billed as “The New Bessie Smith” she would tour the southeast with the group for 7 years. Thornton relocated to Houston to get of the road and take advantage of their burgeoning club scene. There she met bandleader ...

Ticketmaster has opened the ticket sales for Elvis Presley In Concert @ Radio City Music Hall in NYC on February 15, 2011 to the general public a few minutes ago. If you have the chance to come to the big apple and see the show, be sure to order your tickets now! You won't regret it, New York loves Elvis! Buy Tickets Now P.S. The handicapped seating issue has been resolved! Be sure to arrive at least an hour before the show because they will be searching bags. See you at the show!

The following email came in from Donnie Sumner: I regret to inform you that MY FRIEND Sherrill (Shaun) Nielsen passed away this morning at about 11:00 A.M. Sherrill fought a good fight and has now received his new body I will miss MY FRIEND. Remember Brenda in your prayers I haven't heard about the funeral arrangments yet But Sherrill and Brenda have a home in Cullman AL and I assume the memorial service will be in Cullman I'll let all of my friends know as soon as I am informed God bless you all Your friend Donnie

Actor who played James Dean in 2001 movie could write and direct the new project. James Franco is returning to Rebel Without a Cause. Franco, who won a Golden Globe for playing James Dean in a 2001 TV movie, has optioned film rights to a just-released biography of Sal Mineo, the enigmatic actor who shared memorable scenes with Dean in the 1955 classic. Mineo led a freewheeling lifestyle and became the youngest performer nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar (for Rebel) before being murdered at age 37. Franco optioned the property himself for his Rabbit Bandini shingle as a potential writing-and-directing vehicle. He currently does not plan to star but that could change. Sal Mineo: A Biography, by artist and photographer Michael Gregg Michaud, was published in November by Random House. It details Mineo’s rise to fame in such films as Rebel and 1960’s Exodus, his conflicted sexuality and friendships with Dean and Natalie Wood, as well as his 1976 death in West Hollywood after...

Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul" has cancer. A close relative of Aretha Franklin Al Allen says that they are very concerned. At this time Franklin's family says she is doing "OK", but they are asking for the continued prayers and thoughts from the community. A report by The National Enquirer that Franklin has incurable pancreatic cancer. It is not confirmed the type of cancer that Franklin has. Last week she underwent surgery for a mystery illness. The surgery was deemed a success, but it came under mysterious circumstances. A few weeks ago Franklin canceled all concerts through May 2011 due to "medical reasons." This is a statement released by Franklin following her surgery last Thursday (December 2nd): The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country. God bless you all for your prayers! -- The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin ...

Felton Jarvis (Elvis’ producer) wrote, “Sherrill was Elvis’ favorite singer. Elvis brought such happiness to so many of us with his music. Sherrill brought such happiness to Elvis with his music. I have spent many, many hours sitting with Elvis at Graceland, on the road, and in recording studios, listening to Sherrill sing for him. I believe this to be some of his happiest times.” It’s not a secret that EP loved the voice of Sherrill Nielsen. During a Las Vegas show, Elvis introduced him as “the greatest tenor in gospel music.” In Elvis’ final years, Sherrill became an integral part of his music both on stage and in the recording studio. For instance, you can hear Sherrill singing harmony with Elvis on “Blue Spanish Eyes,” “Help Me” and the high falsetto ending on “Unchained Melody.” Sherrill is well known to fans for singing “O Solo Mio” as an intro to “It’s Now Or Never” during Elvis’ concerts, and for the unusual “Softly, As I Leave You,” where Sherrill sings and Elvis recites the...