DESCRIPTION:
2005/1977/1982
Dame Shirley Bassey first discusses meeting Elvis Presley for the first time in Las Vegas, going back 43+ years ago. I've prepared this clip as Shirley's tribute to the King of Rock N Roll. Hope everyone enjoys!

The next portion of this clip includes Shirley's upbeat rendition/cover of Elvis' song, 'I Can't Help Falling In Love'. She recorded and released this track on her 1977 LP titled, 'You Take My Heart Away'. Shirley recorded this song 1977, which was the year that Elvis passed on. I believe this was her personal tribute to him, and thus there are pictures of Elvis throughout this entire clip. Bassey has made it very clear on many occasions, including in this clip, how much she adored and admired the king of Rock N' Roll.

Shirley's second recording is the Neil Sedaka/Phil Cody tune, 'Solitaire,' which Elvis, The Carpenters, Neil Sedaka and many other POP artists of the time have recorded. Shirley recorded this track and released it on her 1982 CD titled, 'Shirley Bassey - All By Myself'

On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of attending both Elvis Presley and Shirley Bassey concerts. They share more than the same birthdate (Bassey younger by two years). For one, they are both excellent vocalists with near perfect pitch (Neither too high or too low), coming from an era when the singer's ability to sing a song was/is more important than today when so many now depend on electronic enhancements and bom blasting sound to mask their inadequate vocal abilities. Older generation artists had to perform grueling vocal excercises to keep their voices strong to be able to sing night after night in different towns, and in the early years both these artists did this. Second, both voices are unmistakable; you hear one bar from either artist and you know who they are. But, it's their magnetic personalities and entertainment professionalism that drew/draw people to their live performances. I can't imagine a Shirley fan not liking Elvis, and visa versa. I hope anyone who enjoys good music will like this clip.

ABOUT the song, 'I Can't Help Falling In Love:
"Can't Help Falling in Love" is a pop song originally recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The melody was based on "Plaisir d'Amour"[2] but with a different time signature. It was featured in Elvis Presley's 1961 film, Blue Hawaii. During the following four decades, it went on to be covered by numerous artists, like the British reggae group UB40, whose 1993 version topped the U.S. and UK charts, and Swedish pop group A-Teens and tenor Javier Fontana who has included the song in his album Appassionato.

ABOUT the song, 'Solitaire'
"Solitaire" is a ballad written by Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody. Cody employs playing the card game of solitaire as a metaphor for a man "who lost his love through his indifference" - "while life goes on around him everywhere he's playing solitaire". The song is best known via its rendition by the Carpenters.

Special Thanks to Pieter and Astrid from the Shirley Bassey blog and all those who have provided wonderful pictures of Shirley!