Most people have no idea who p.j. proby is and if they do it's in regards to that terrible song niki hokey, this is one of the best songs I have heard him do voice wise,. He can be very annoying at times and this early stuff is good like the rockabilly cuts. Early is always better. Does a good Elvis type voice well. Impressed.
Why do some nit-wits think that Proby's demo is a big con trick that was done years after Elvis' version?? It's THE REAL DEAL & Elvis' version is an exact copy!!
Proby has a strong resemblance to both '69 Elvis and John Lennon mixed together in some of these pictures LOL, anyone notice that? Looks a bit like young Paul McCartney sometimes too. Very unique look, very beautiful voice. What a man!!!
@probyaffacionado I 'm a huge Elvis fan, yet I never had any of Elvis's records until I started working, nor a record player. I was born in 1944..I did not have parents, grandparents uncle's and aunts who buy CD's at will, for their children, grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews...Can you imagine the records Elvis didn't sell because of that??..If I, or most of my friends had the money to buy albums like people buy today, nobody would have ever surpassed Elvis record sales in his heyday.
@rontenn What anti P.J. rants? You've posted on this Proby|Presley video that Elvis "was absolutely wonderful" and then immediately turned around and called him a "yes" man. Are you for him or against him?
Who you knew and where you were in the '60s can remain your little secret. If you believe Elvis Presley was a yes man who worried that P.J. Proby would overtake him, it's obvious who you didn't know and where you weren't!
The book by the late great Sharon Sheeley sounds great. Anything in it about P.J. Proby has got to be 100% the truth. To all doubters...what possible reason would she have to not tell it exactly like it was?
@rontenn Are you channeling Elvis now? How else would you know he worried about Proby overtaking him? There's nothing about it in Sharon Sheeley's book. So, Elvis was worried about a singer who made the U.S. charts only once, and even then he didn't make the top 20. Why do you insist on rewriting history? Don't you think Proby's talents can stand on their own merits without you spreading ridiculous stories about what Elvis was thinking?
@merrysnotproud; Oh I see you have crawled out of the woodwork again! You know nothing about me & where I was living or working in the 60's so how can say I'm spreading stories when you do not know who I was working for or who my friends were in that wonderful decade. Glad to hear that you think Proby's got talent! Different to your usual anti P.J. rants!
@memphisnancy Vernon Presley once stated that his son had never known a P.J.Proby. This is true. Elvis did not know P.J.Proby. However he did know Proby by his real name of James(Jimmy) Smith & their paths crossed many times!!!
Elvis sold more records than anyone & he rightly has the title of "The King"He was absolutely wonderful! If things had stayed on track for P.J.Proby he would have been the new King. Elvis enjoyed P.J.'s music & in fact was for a time worried about P.J. overtaking him but P.J. was a wild man with opinions that got him into trouble.Sorry to say this but Elvis was a "yes" man. Both are fantastic vocalists tho'
Lindgren33 - my dad played Jim incessantly when I was growing up in England in the 60's and we were lucky enough to meet him personally several times - a generous and rich personality in my experience... my dad is going to see Jim again next week (Nov 2010) in Yorkshire (I'm abroad so I'll miss it). To call the man a lush is frankly feeble and laughable - he is exactly the type of charismatic, creative and free spirit this grey world needs and frankly we miss him.
@Lindgren33 Can you tell me the date and location PJ Proby's version was recorded and who was there when he laid down the voice track? Also who were the backup singers and who played the instrumentals? What identifying information is printed on the label of your demo disc?
@ITSTHETRUTHOK There are a lot of anti Proby people on You Tube like you. Almost all of them are Elvis fans. I love El but P.J. is my no. 1. I'm happy that both of them were & are around. Some Presley fans dislike P.J. out of pure jealousy,they can't take the fact that Proby is the equal (& more) of Elvis in everything except record sales.So they come on here talk all kinds of rubbish about P.J. without knowing any of the true facts. Peasants each & every one of them! Long live the real King!
@probyaffacionado Inflation. If someone was making a million dollars a movie back then, it would be greatly magnified now, because it was uncharted territory to be making that kind of money back then, and a million dollars was a LOT more than it is now.
Point is, that is the history of it. Understand that before you make statements of this kind.
@probyaffacionado And it hadn't really changed even up until the 80s, when Elvis was already dead, until MTV came out, which changed everything. And even then, no cell phones, mp3 or internet. So to use Spear Britney and her time period as an example really doesn't show an understanding of the whole picture.
@probyaffacionado When Elvis burst upon the scene, almost no one had done it, and he blew the charts wide open for years.An even more pertinent fact is that there weren't nearly the media outlets that we have now. In the 50s, you had to go to Sears or Penny's to buy records there were very few record stores. Television didn't push music, there was no internet, no mp3 players, no cell phones, it was almost like being on a desert island. It took a hell of a lot of work to make things happen then.
Where one CD now costs from $10-18 dollars, back then, an album sold for under $5 dollars, and if you go back to the early 60s, something like $2.98. You have to sell A LOT more units to achieve a million dollars in sales at those prices. But nobody considers this. You used to be able to buy a 45 rpm record (the format of the day) for something like 45 cents. So for that to go gold (a million $ in sales) was an achievement.
@probyaffacionado If people are going to make comments on historical events, they should understand historical context, for instance, if someone sells a million dollars worth of records now, even if records cost the same back then, (which they didn't) if you take inflation into account, it doesn't even come close to the achievement of selling a million records back then.
Wes Bryan here. I was friends with Elvis for 20 years and I still consider P.J. Probly a friend of mine from those days in the early sixties. He did some demo's for Elvis, trying as much as possible to sound like Elvis so that the songwriters could communicate to the singer their notions of how a song should best be sung. But he had and has his own great career! I'd love to post this one on my blog!
its a lot easier to purchase music now a days, back in the seventies and before we didn't have instant access like now....the internet has it easier for people to sell more music.
I still like elvis' version better, it voice seems more natural. PJ isn't bad, just sounds more like he's trying to hard, for Elvis it came out natural.
There is a simple reason why elvis' records sound a lot like the demos, they were recorded with him in mind, in his style, so that he could picture himself doing such crap offered to him in the movies! Every demo singer seems to claim elvis copied them, could it be they are just trying to claim some glory for themselves? I think so!
P.J. has never claimed Elvis copied HIM.He did say that when Elvis came to do the song(s) he & all the studio backing singers & musicians just did it the same as the demo. All the credit for this can be given to a songwriter like Ben Weisman who spared no expense getting his demo's just right! Incidentally a lot of P.J.'s demo songs were preferred by Ben than the version Elvis ended up doing. There were scores of Elvis demo singers but nobody like P.J.
I know pj didnt make that claim as far as i know, but his fans do like to make the claim on youtube. as far as i am concerned elvis ' style is on his very first recording in 1953, my happiness, its all there from day one.he did do many songs close to the demo's , mainly becuase if he liked it he didnt change it, he did however sometimes remove verses and lines. The stax recordings are a seperate issue, he simply lost interest and didnt always give 100%. but even those sessions have some gold.
JAARNO88 I love the music of Proby & Elvis is a very close second. As for the film music of Elvis....well it started off brilliantly but by the mid 60's he was fed up of the films he was making & had lost interest in most of the scores.I actually think that in his last batch of movies there were excellent songs,good songs & one or two dodgy ones but I would not go as far as calling them crap. Without those movies there would not be too much El footage to watch today. Ron
You folks are talking about chart position. Well chart fart, how's them apples??? You like that? Think thats a big dumb thing to say? Well chart fart. There I said it again. Elvis!!! PJ Proby!!!!! Now don't boar us with statistics about how a bunch of accountants can thieve their way into making Britney Spears and her ilk outsell the masters. Get a life. Chart Fart!!!
PJ was hired to do demos. The Idea was to be as close to the Elvis style as possible. This was so that Elvis could get the feel of the song before recording it. That is why there are similarities. Probably a mistake on PJ'S part, because he spent most of his career forever being linked with Elvis. PJ did have his own distinctive sound, which came to the fore in the UK.
what a complete and utter moron one nigger2another you either like or dislike song or singer but to say that pj couuldn't sing just shows your'e complete and utter ignorance pillock
That is nonsense - in a major country as UK Elvis had more weeks on top 40 than any other artist - and maybe even in the top 10. Most of his singles reached the top 10 mark in UK in the seventies.
Take a look at the chartpositions in his homeland USA, almost everything bombed completely, even to my surprise. Hurt could easily have been a no, 1 but peaked at 28th. Most surprisingly is that Way Down, a single that was in the charts at the time of his death, never peaked higher than no. 18!!! (King of Rock 'n Roll?)
In England? Well, I wrote LOW chartpositions. Until his death in the 70s there was one no.1! My Boy reached 5th and nothing else was close to a charttopper.
Elvis was a phenomenon both as a singer and as a persona. It's true though that he after the fifties didn't sell as many records as many people want to believe.
A good example is the difference in selling from 1963 to -70 between Elvis and the Beatles!
There was an ocean between their salesfigures...and not in Elvis's favour.
If their is one single person on this earth who thinks that Elvis was the king in that period I can say that they are just so wrong...
Billboard Usa charts 1960-69. Top artist Elvis1844 pts. Second beatles 1559 pts.
British hit singles most weeks on chart year.1961: Elvis 88.1963: beatles 67. 1970: Elvis 59 1971: Elvis 66.1977: Elvis 51. Not bad for an artist who never toured outside of his own country.
With the amount of singles that Elvis released in the sixties - way more than The Beatles - and with a week on 40th position being as valueable as a no. 1 record it's not the least strange that Elvis had more WEEKS in the brittish charts than Beatles. As written above Strawberry Fields Forever coupled with Penny Lane and Your Time Hasn't Come Yet Baby spent 12 weeks in the brittish chart each.
Evidence enough that it is completely useless counting in a way like that.
I was replying to the posters who claim Elvis didn't sell much after the fifties.I mentioned the Beatles as an illustration only, to show the nearest popular artists at the times mentioned. But if you want to count number one's UK: Elvis 21. The Beatles 17. Before this develops into Elvis Vs Beatles. I admit to having admired the Beatles since seeing them live on a number of occasions. This was just before, and just on the brink of them becoming famous.
OK, frankiehiyo, I decided a couple of months ago that I´m going to stop writing comments on the you tube because it only creates hate among musiclovers who would so gladly enjoy each others company in real life.
So, once and for all, everything I said about charts was only a toying with words and numbers. Nothing serious.
I like to compare chart positions between groups and artists, yes, but it´s only for fun, nothing else. If I upset someone, I'm sorry,
You certainly haven't upset me if that's what you are thinking. You are only defending what you feel is right, and others, myself included are doing the same.You are very welcome to add you opinion. It's good to read proper debate without the usual name calling and iffy language. You carry on commenting if you enjoy the banter.That's what it's all about freedom of speech and right of opinion.
Long Live ELVIS Presley The True Original King Of em All! Elvis sold MORE Vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs MORE than all the flashes in the pan ever put together!!! He sold More than 2 BILLIONs and is still selling!!! In the year 2002, A little Less Conversation & the 30 #1 Hits album was No.1 all over the world in 36 countries 25 years after his death.
ELVIS Presley remains the Undisputed King Of The Whole Wide World, all others pales by comparison.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Now wait a minute! I beg to differ. Elvis Presley's career was perfect from 54-77. Classic movies with beautiful soundtracks that many went to the Top Number One Spot in the US Charts and the Pop Charts around the world. Both his Christmas albums are pure delight! , Studio albums in the seventies features super rocking numbers like Promised Land, T.R.O.U.B.L.E, Raised On Rock, Way Down etc
Elvis was indeed without doubt an incredible top class super artist, the Original American Idol.
At some point in a singers career record sales slow. This is due partly because of the age group who purchase the music, and also the age factor has to come in to it. What then happens is the performer gets onto the concert tour treadmill. Many a top artist who can sell out a show do not often appear on the charts.Elvis sold out performances and also got on the charts. Right to the very end. Every film Elvis made brought in a profit. The film company laughed alright...All the way to the bank.
To me P.J. is a bit like Prince Charles (but much more handsome).He'll never make King but he's a very unique & different sort of Prince & everyone sits up & takes notice of him but perhaps not quite so much as in his younger days! Ron
It matters not who is the most bankable. P.J. Proby is "The Survivor". He's proved he has the staying power. What good is money without hapiness. In the end it didn't do Elvis any good?
I play this song first thing each morning when I'm on holidays at the beach. Both PJ's demo and Elvis's record. It makes a great start to a happy day.
In all honest...dear ONENIGGER2ANOTHER... you singing better than Proby?
I would like to hear that!
My band can accompany you singing "I Apologise", someone will film it and than we put it out on the tube so the rest of the world can check if there's anything behind all these words from you. OK?
I have never heard "I Apologize" but I am sure it is P.J Proby's musical attempt to repent to the earth for the auditory damages he has perpetrated on the ears of mankind.
It's not about who is better..It's great to hear the demo versions made for Elvis anyway. Pj Proby always sounded more dramatic to me, while Elvis's versions were more polished , that counts for the Hollywood Elvis. Later on Elvis's voice got more mature and deeper.
Yea agree with you Khoo Leong Fart, ElviS is definitely a Zillion times better that that who?is?he?PJ?Probe fella?? never mind..LONG LIVE THE TRUE KING ElViS
Elvis' version is a zillion times Better! who the fark is PJ Proby? Never heard of him, but then I'm fron the far east, so maybe I'm out of touch BUT cannot be for ELVIS Presley is so dam well known here.
Why all the fuss? Don't you see that poor Proby is far from having the good tones and Elvis's virile style! That doesn't mean that Proby is a bad singer. I situate him between the 550th and 600th among my favorite singers! Believe me that's not bad at all considering the hundreds of thousands who recorded songs since the record industry began!
Far superior version of the song by PJ. Elvis version sounds saccarine in comparison.
What a shame Elvis became a fat bloated and drugged up whale who died at 42. Thankfully PJ is alive and well and still performing tours annually for his fans.
I agree that PJ is also a great singer ...But you're just a fu**ing assh*le for saying that comment leonaofficial.Have some respect.You're just ignorant.
Proby is 70 living on welfare in a shitty shack of a house..because he wasted himself on booze and stupid career decisions. Elvis is still one of the biggest names in celebrity merchandising and the standard for performers.. What was your point again?
Now wait a minute! "Stupid career decisions"??? So Elvis's career was perfect from 54-77? Horrible movies with soundtracks so awful that at best you can laugh at them. Two christmas albums with pure dreadful songs, Studio albums in the seventies were he barley could find inspiration enough to open his mouth.
Elvis was an incredible artist but don't try to pretend that his career was all smoth.
At the time of his comeback 68 he was regarded by most as a relic from the past.
The difference is at his worst ELVIS was ALWAYS bankable. As far as the 70's ahell of a lot of great performers took a dive as the music culture completely changed. And from 1969-1975 was undoubtably the biggest draw in the concert arenas. Every show SOLD OUT
I repeat my question: WHY is it so difficult för Elvis-fans to admit that Proby was - is - a very, very good singer?
Do you see Proby as a threat to your picture of "Elvis - The King"?
To say that Elvis's version is the better is of course a question of taste and a point of view that I respect, but to say it is a billion times better is just being not serious.
The two versions are almost identical so how can one of them be one billion times better?
Pj Proby was hired to sing demo's in the way that Elvis would sing them himself. That's why both versions are so similar. It would be pointless singing demos sounding like Tiny Tim.
Pj was never a threat to Elvis, and probably never set out to be so. He himself almost had a good career well before he ventured to the Uk. But that's a tale in itself.
Proby's version is superior, but partly due to the fact that Elvis sounds not sooo thrilled at his day at the job that morning, he is more or less just going through it.
Honestly, those who believes that Elvis is the better singer here so badly WANTS him to always be the best. The negative part of a fan-cult.
Probyfans have that problem too, nothing new under the sun, but listening to this "duel" with open and objective ears Proby easily outsings Elvis on this track.
Yep! That's probably why PJ outsold Elvis. He's the better singer. How do you know how Elvis felt that morning where you there.? I like PJ proby myself. He has a very distinctive voice himself. But you'll have stop talking rubbish now. It's obvious where your loyalties lie.
P.J. Proby is also brilliant & in 1964-66 was outselling Elvis in the U.K. He never really cracked the USA which is a pity. P.J. is highly rated still but Elvis is the one that walks on water & gets all the plaudits. I think P.J. got a raw deal RON
UK top 20 Charts: Elvis: 12 top 20 hits. 3 Top ten.One number 1.
PJ Proby: 6 top 20 hits. 4 Top ten. Highest chart postion number 3. I am a PJ fan. PJ has his own distinctive sound. As for having a raw deal, it's simply that Elvis followed one path and P J another. Elvis got the plaudits that he earned and deserved.
There are defining moments in a person's carrer. With Elvis it was meeting Col Parker. With PJ it was splitting his trousers. The rest is history.
I love both versions & both are great singers.Only difference is that Elvis is recognised as a legend whereas P.J. gets nothing like that recognition even tho's it's fully deserved!! Ron
PJ Proby "is" PJ Proby......he NEVER even tried to copy elvis's voice its just his natural voice.And he sang the same in the elvis shows he's starred in.
The mans awesome and elvis learnt this song from PJs demo..
"he never tried to copy elvis' voice" hold on a minute, i seem to remember proby wearing a jumpsuit and singing elvis songs in an elvis musical! or did i just imagine that! There is a reason that proby isn't the great idol you claim he should be, its called reality!! deal with it!
Well, if a singer is offered a job as an actor to do the role of another artist I think it's only fair that he tries to emulate the style of that artist. Right?
That does of course NOT mean that the actor - here Proby - once built his career by copying the artist that he has to play on stage. Right?
PJ got the role because he was the best choice in the world to do it.
PJ PROBY " NEVER " .....copied elvis presleys voice, if anything elvis copied PJs voice.
WHO DID MANY ELVIS DEMO'S ??
PJ sang with his own voice in elvis & the johnny cash shows ok. You obviously dont dont anything about PJ so i suggest you go do lots of research then come back and we'll talk then !!!
also jack good once said PJ could sing the pants off anybody in the world.i have to agree..
ALSO PJ PROBY WAS VOTED THE WORLDS GREATEST SINGER IN 1965....NOW YOU DEAL WITH THAT..
I've listened to this song many times and as far as I'm concerned. I haver to say that P.J. Proby's demo is far better than Elvis's final release and I was once a 100% Elvis fan.
PJs voice has a somewhat nasal quality which I don't like. Otherwise he has Elvis' rapid vibrato but lacks Elvis' understanding of dynamics and mastery of the microphone. Much like Sinatra's. It's the accumulative effect on the listerner of those subtle, quirky, indelible effects as well as intangible personal qualities that make a star of the first magnitude like Elvis or Sinatra. They eclipse their imitators who should define themselves by doing something original.
I truly respect your comment, very well expressed and interesting BUT - and I stress that - Proby NEVER was an Elvis-imitator. If you were more familiar with PJ's music you would see my point.
If anyone followed the other it was Elvis. In the seventies he sounded so much like Proby did in the mid-sixties.Listen and you'll see what I mean.
Something original?
What original did Elvis do?
When Elvis started he was, as any young artist, a mix of all he had heard in his youth!
Some people point out Elvis' version of Hurt as sounding like a PJ parody. But I stand on my opinion about Elvis' understanding of dynamics and how to use the microphone. He had a more phonogenic voice then Proby did. As for originality, B.B. King said that Elvis' '..approach to a song was as unique as Sinatra's.' True, Elvis displayed the influence of his predecessors - Johnny Raye, Billy Eckstine, Roy Hamilton, Arthur Pyrsock, Brook Benton and Dean Martin. Mostly Mario Lanza on pure technique
Of course I am a hardcore Elvis fan as well as a Probian. Truly Elvis was a pure genius. When he did his first single 19 years old he had NO experience at all, and it was worldclass from day one.
BUT, we all know that! Proby in my ears was in the midsixties THE greatest pop-singer ever. Just listen to Somewhere, Maria and I Apologise! He took standards and sang them in a completely different style compared to the originals. And way better!
I'm a newbie to the work of PJ Proby. For me comparing Elvis and Proby is like compare apples and oranges. Each has a specific calling. With that said I believe PJ Proby will get what he deserves, and I hope its not after his death. I think he has been eligible for induction into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame since 1989. If this is true its absolutely ridiculous! They should give the man his just due and from the little I know of his work he has definitely earned it!!
For me Probys version is better. Yet, Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Artists of All Time ranks Elvis #3, with the Legendary Beatles at #1. But where is the great Proby?
The great proby? To start with he is COMPLETELY unknown in his America.
Second he is more or less written off from the history of rock since somewhere around 1966. In Europe he is rarely mentioned even in magazines like Mojo and Uncut. If you look for him in a rock dictionary he is supposed to be inbetween Prince and Procol Harum...but often there is nothing at all there.
There is no one as versatile as Mr Presley. Any one with an ear for music could verify it. That is why he is in various halls of fame. Now stop being a irriut!
Most people have no idea who p.j. proby is and if they do it's in regards to that terrible song niki hokey, this is one of the best songs I have heard him do voice wise,. He can be very annoying at times and this early stuff is good like the rockabilly cuts. Early is always better. Does a good Elvis type voice well. Impressed.
20FlightBlues 7 months ago
Why do some nit-wits think that Proby's demo is a big con trick that was done years after Elvis' version?? It's THE REAL DEAL & Elvis' version is an exact copy!!
rontenn 7 months ago
Love the eeeeeyyy at 1.02 just magic.
MIGHTYJOEYOUNG62 9 months ago
Proby has a strong resemblance to both '69 Elvis and John Lennon mixed together in some of these pictures LOL, anyone notice that? Looks a bit like young Paul McCartney sometimes too. Very unique look, very beautiful voice. What a man!!!
Moseslawgiver 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado I 'm a huge Elvis fan, yet I never had any of Elvis's records until I started working, nor a record player. I was born in 1944..I did not have parents, grandparents uncle's and aunts who buy CD's at will, for their children, grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews...Can you imagine the records Elvis didn't sell because of that??..If I, or most of my friends had the money to buy albums like people buy today, nobody would have ever surpassed Elvis record sales in his heyday.
barrygioportmorien1 1 year ago
I love this song by Elvis, and I am knocked out by the PJ Proby version.
barrygioportmorien1 1 year ago
@rontenn What anti P.J. rants? You've posted on this Proby|Presley video that Elvis "was absolutely wonderful" and then immediately turned around and called him a "yes" man. Are you for him or against him?
Who you knew and where you were in the '60s can remain your little secret. If you believe Elvis Presley was a yes man who worried that P.J. Proby would overtake him, it's obvious who you didn't know and where you weren't!
merrysnotproud 1 year ago
The book by the late great Sharon Sheeley sounds great. Anything in it about P.J. Proby has got to be 100% the truth. To all doubters...what possible reason would she have to not tell it exactly like it was?
rontenn 1 year ago
@rontenn Are you channeling Elvis now? How else would you know he worried about Proby overtaking him? There's nothing about it in Sharon Sheeley's book. So, Elvis was worried about a singer who made the U.S. charts only once, and even then he didn't make the top 20. Why do you insist on rewriting history? Don't you think Proby's talents can stand on their own merits without you spreading ridiculous stories about what Elvis was thinking?
merrysnotproud 1 year ago
@merrysnotproud; Oh I see you have crawled out of the woodwork again! You know nothing about me & where I was living or working in the 60's so how can say I'm spreading stories when you do not know who I was working for or who my friends were in that wonderful decade. Glad to hear that you think Proby's got talent! Different to your usual anti P.J. rants!
rontenn 1 year ago
I know people that new,and worked with elvis,and no one knows who this man is.
memphisnancy 1 year ago
@memphisnancy Vernon Presley once stated that his son had never known a P.J.Proby. This is true. Elvis did not know P.J.Proby. However he did know Proby by his real name of James(Jimmy) Smith & their paths crossed many times!!!
rontenn 1 year ago
Elvis sold more records than anyone & he rightly has the title of "The King"He was absolutely wonderful! If things had stayed on track for P.J.Proby he would have been the new King. Elvis enjoyed P.J.'s music & in fact was for a time worried about P.J. overtaking him but P.J. was a wild man with opinions that got him into trouble.Sorry to say this but Elvis was a "yes" man. Both are fantastic vocalists tho'
rontenn 1 year ago
this man can lie for fun,he never met elvis,or eddie cochran,the man is a lush.........
ITSTHETRUTHOK 1 year ago
@ITSTHETRUTHOK Sharon Sheeley, songwriter and Eddies fiancee, writes in her newreleased book "Summertime Blues" (Ravenhawk books2010)on page 135:
-PJ Proby and Eddie used to sit around, play guitars, drink beer and chat. True friend PJ..."
And on page 81 about Elvis and PJ:
" He (Elvis) saw PJ perform,"My God, that boy can sing!" He later hired PJ to cut all of his demos".
I´d say, here´s the truth! OK?
Lindgren33 1 year ago
@Lindgren33
Lindgren33 - my dad played Jim incessantly when I was growing up in England in the 60's and we were lucky enough to meet him personally several times - a generous and rich personality in my experience... my dad is going to see Jim again next week (Nov 2010) in Yorkshire (I'm abroad so I'll miss it). To call the man a lush is frankly feeble and laughable - he is exactly the type of charismatic, creative and free spirit this grey world needs and frankly we miss him.
akindofblue3 1 year ago
@Lindgren33 Can you tell me the date and location PJ Proby's version was recorded and who was there when he laid down the voice track? Also who were the backup singers and who played the instrumentals? What identifying information is printed on the label of your demo disc?
MesaUnderground 8 months ago
@ITSTHETRUTHOK There are a lot of anti Proby people on You Tube like you. Almost all of them are Elvis fans. I love El but P.J. is my no. 1. I'm happy that both of them were & are around. Some Presley fans dislike P.J. out of pure jealousy,they can't take the fact that Proby is the equal (& more) of Elvis in everything except record sales.So they come on here talk all kinds of rubbish about P.J. without knowing any of the true facts. Peasants each & every one of them! Long live the real King!
rontenn 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado
I think PJ was great though. There are a few great singers like him who really didn't receive their due, unfortunately.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado Inflation. If someone was making a million dollars a movie back then, it would be greatly magnified now, because it was uncharted territory to be making that kind of money back then, and a million dollars was a LOT more than it is now.
Point is, that is the history of it. Understand that before you make statements of this kind.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado And it hadn't really changed even up until the 80s, when Elvis was already dead, until MTV came out, which changed everything. And even then, no cell phones, mp3 or internet. So to use Spear Britney and her time period as an example really doesn't show an understanding of the whole picture.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado When Elvis burst upon the scene, almost no one had done it, and he blew the charts wide open for years.An even more pertinent fact is that there weren't nearly the media outlets that we have now. In the 50s, you had to go to Sears or Penny's to buy records there were very few record stores. Television didn't push music, there was no internet, no mp3 players, no cell phones, it was almost like being on a desert island. It took a hell of a lot of work to make things happen then.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado
Where one CD now costs from $10-18 dollars, back then, an album sold for under $5 dollars, and if you go back to the early 60s, something like $2.98. You have to sell A LOT more units to achieve a million dollars in sales at those prices. But nobody considers this. You used to be able to buy a 45 rpm record (the format of the day) for something like 45 cents. So for that to go gold (a million $ in sales) was an achievement.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado If people are going to make comments on historical events, they should understand historical context, for instance, if someone sells a million dollars worth of records now, even if records cost the same back then, (which they didn't) if you take inflation into account, it doesn't even come close to the achievement of selling a million records back then.
screamingpirhana 1 year ago
Face the facts, Britney Spears will never sell over 1 billion recordings like Elvis has.
donn409 1 year ago
Wes Bryan here. I was friends with Elvis for 20 years and I still consider P.J. Probly a friend of mine from those days in the early sixties. He did some demo's for Elvis, trying as much as possible to sound like Elvis so that the songwriters could communicate to the singer their notions of how a song should best be sung. But he had and has his own great career! I'd love to post this one on my blog!
Please stop by! Wes
CTNWB 1 year ago
love elvis of course but pjs version is not bad at all.
spinout3 1 year ago
its a lot easier to purchase music now a days, back in the seventies and before we didn't have instant access like now....the internet has it easier for people to sell more music.
I still like elvis' version better, it voice seems more natural. PJ isn't bad, just sounds more like he's trying to hard, for Elvis it came out natural.
crashbug 1 year ago
@probyaffacionado Elvis is the highest paid entertainer in the world and he isnt even alive. How do you like those apples? Lol Britney Spears.
BLACKSUEDEBOOTZ 1 year ago
There is a simple reason why elvis' records sound a lot like the demos, they were recorded with him in mind, in his style, so that he could picture himself doing such crap offered to him in the movies! Every demo singer seems to claim elvis copied them, could it be they are just trying to claim some glory for themselves? I think so!
JAARNO88 1 year ago
P.J. has never claimed Elvis copied HIM.He did say that when Elvis came to do the song(s) he & all the studio backing singers & musicians just did it the same as the demo. All the credit for this can be given to a songwriter like Ben Weisman who spared no expense getting his demo's just right! Incidentally a lot of P.J.'s demo songs were preferred by Ben than the version Elvis ended up doing. There were scores of Elvis demo singers but nobody like P.J.
rontenn 1 year ago
I know pj didnt make that claim as far as i know, but his fans do like to make the claim on youtube. as far as i am concerned elvis ' style is on his very first recording in 1953, my happiness, its all there from day one.he did do many songs close to the demo's , mainly becuase if he liked it he didnt change it, he did however sometimes remove verses and lines. The stax recordings are a seperate issue, he simply lost interest and didnt always give 100%. but even those sessions have some gold.
JAARNO88 1 year ago
JAARNO88 I love the music of Proby & Elvis is a very close second. As for the film music of Elvis....well it started off brilliantly but by the mid 60's he was fed up of the films he was making & had lost interest in most of the scores.I actually think that in his last batch of movies there were excellent songs,good songs & one or two dodgy ones but I would not go as far as calling them crap. Without those movies there would not be too much El footage to watch today. Ron
rontenn 1 year ago
I would have preferred it if PJ had run off with the song and burnt it altogether before it was even dumped on Elvis.
iangordoncraig 2 years ago
Comment removed
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
iangordoncraig.
Well said that man. This has to be the definitive post. Close the store and put up the shut sign.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
PJ was is great singer, he did an outstanding job with this demo. plus he and elvis were friends, so he can't be all that bad.
carsonstudio 2 years ago
Who cares about Britney Spears ?
She won`t be remembered 100 years
from now,despite record sales.
Elvis will.
Chimbo65 2 years ago
You folks are talking about chart position. Well chart fart, how's them apples??? You like that? Think thats a big dumb thing to say? Well chart fart. There I said it again. Elvis!!! PJ Proby!!!!! Now don't boar us with statistics about how a bunch of accountants can thieve their way into making Britney Spears and her ilk outsell the masters. Get a life. Chart Fart!!!
chuckdee121 2 years ago
I think pj copied Elvis and Elvis copied Pj but in away Pj sangd the demos and Elvis sangd like pj.Great artists.
elvisjimpa100 2 years ago
PJ was hired to do demos. The Idea was to be as close to the Elvis style as possible. This was so that Elvis could get the feel of the song before recording it. That is why there are similarities. Probably a mistake on PJ'S part, because he spent most of his career forever being linked with Elvis. PJ did have his own distinctive sound, which came to the fore in the UK.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
what a complete and utter moron one nigger2another you either like or dislike song or singer but to say that pj couuldn't sing just shows your'e complete and utter ignorance pillock
garybrown57 2 years ago
Low chart positions in the seventies?
That is nonsense - in a major country as UK Elvis had more weeks on top 40 than any other artist - and maybe even in the top 10. Most of his singles reached the top 10 mark in UK in the seventies.
stromme49 2 years ago
Nonsense?
Nope.
Take a look at the chartpositions in his homeland USA, almost everything bombed completely, even to my surprise. Hurt could easily have been a no, 1 but peaked at 28th. Most surprisingly is that Way Down, a single that was in the charts at the time of his death, never peaked higher than no. 18!!! (King of Rock 'n Roll?)
In England? Well, I wrote LOW chartpositions. Until his death in the 70s there was one no.1! My Boy reached 5th and nothing else was close to a charttopper.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
stromme49, it's not my intention to fight but to count the number of weeks in top forty is to really prove that statistics can tell you just anything.
In 1967 Strawberry Fields Forever coupled with Penny Lane spent 11 weeks on top 40.
The year after Elvis's Your Time Hasn't Come Yet Baby - a single that peaked on 22th position - stayed also in 12 weeks.
To then say that these two singles was equally strong in the charts because they spent equally long time there would be just a big lie.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
Well, let's not exaggerate!
Elvis was a phenomenon both as a singer and as a persona. It's true though that he after the fifties didn't sell as many records as many people want to believe.
A good example is the difference in selling from 1963 to -70 between Elvis and the Beatles!
There was an ocean between their salesfigures...and not in Elvis's favour.
If their is one single person on this earth who thinks that Elvis was the king in that period I can say that they are just so wrong...
Mickeslina 2 years ago
/Mickeslina. SIngles.
Billboard Usa charts 1960-69. Top artist Elvis1844 pts. Second beatles 1559 pts.
British hit singles most weeks on chart year.1961: Elvis 88.1963: beatles 67. 1970: Elvis 59 1971: Elvis 66.1977: Elvis 51. Not bad for an artist who never toured outside of his own country.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
With the amount of singles that Elvis released in the sixties - way more than The Beatles - and with a week on 40th position being as valueable as a no. 1 record it's not the least strange that Elvis had more WEEKS in the brittish charts than Beatles. As written above Strawberry Fields Forever coupled with Penny Lane and Your Time Hasn't Come Yet Baby spent 12 weeks in the brittish chart each.
Evidence enough that it is completely useless counting in a way like that.
Count no. 1 hits instead!
TheRamyth 2 years ago
The Ramyth.
I was replying to the posters who claim Elvis didn't sell much after the fifties.I mentioned the Beatles as an illustration only, to show the nearest popular artists at the times mentioned. But if you want to count number one's UK: Elvis 21. The Beatles 17. Before this develops into Elvis Vs Beatles. I admit to having admired the Beatles since seeing them live on a number of occasions. This was just before, and just on the brink of them becoming famous.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
OK, frankiehiyo, I decided a couple of months ago that I´m going to stop writing comments on the you tube because it only creates hate among musiclovers who would so gladly enjoy each others company in real life.
So, once and for all, everything I said about charts was only a toying with words and numbers. Nothing serious.
I like to compare chart positions between groups and artists, yes, but it´s only for fun, nothing else. If I upset someone, I'm sorry,
it was not my intention.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
Mickeslina.
You don't have to aplogise.
You certainly haven't upset me if that's what you are thinking. You are only defending what you feel is right, and others, myself included are doing the same.You are very welcome to add you opinion. It's good to read proper debate without the usual name calling and iffy language. You carry on commenting if you enjoy the banter.That's what it's all about freedom of speech and right of opinion.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
Thank you. I just felt that I needed to throw water instead of fuel on the fire.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
Long Live ELVIS Presley The True Original King Of em All! Elvis sold MORE Vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs MORE than all the flashes in the pan ever put together!!! He sold More than 2 BILLIONs and is still selling!!! In the year 2002, A little Less Conversation & the 30 #1 Hits album was No.1 all over the world in 36 countries 25 years after his death.
ELVIS Presley remains the Undisputed King Of The Whole Wide World, all others pales by comparison.
NormanLim1 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Now wait a minute! I beg to differ. Elvis Presley's career was perfect from 54-77. Classic movies with beautiful soundtracks that many went to the Top Number One Spot in the US Charts and the Pop Charts around the world. Both his Christmas albums are pure delight! , Studio albums in the seventies features super rocking numbers like Promised Land, T.R.O.U.B.L.E, Raised On Rock, Way Down etc
Elvis was indeed without doubt an incredible top class super artist, the Original American Idol.
TambiMuthuSamy 2 years ago
The point is that you are not right!
Take a look at his chart positions!
From -62 he had ONE number one hit - Suspicious Minds - in the Billboard charts.
Classic movies? Well, some in the fifties but the sixties movies are even to most hardcore fans only to laugh at.
In the seventies his records sold with some exeptions close to zero. Just check the Billboard charts!!! American Trilogy peaked on 66:th position!
Yes, I agree, Elvis was a fantastic artist, but his career was up AND down.
Mickeslina 2 years ago 4
At some point in a singers career record sales slow. This is due partly because of the age group who purchase the music, and also the age factor has to come in to it. What then happens is the performer gets onto the concert tour treadmill. Many a top artist who can sell out a show do not often appear on the charts.Elvis sold out performances and also got on the charts. Right to the very end. Every film Elvis made brought in a profit. The film company laughed alright...All the way to the bank.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
I love Elvis & he is The King.....no denying!
I think The Beatles were the best group ever.
To me P.J. is a bit like Prince Charles (but much more handsome).He'll never make King but he's a very unique & different sort of Prince & everyone sits up & takes notice of him but perhaps not quite so much as in his younger days! Ron
rontenn 2 years ago
rontenn.
You are spot on there.
When Elvis was asked who do you sound like, his reply was "I don't sound like anyone". The same can be said of PJ Proby.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
It matters not who is the most bankable. P.J. Proby is "The Survivor". He's proved he has the staying power. What good is money without hapiness. In the end it didn't do Elvis any good?
sherilyn1977 2 years ago
P.J. Proby & Elvis Presely, both of them Top Singers.
God blessed them both with wonderful voices and God has blessed PJ with a long life.
Peace be with you Elvis.
sherilyn1977 2 years ago 2
I play this song first thing each morning when I'm on holidays at the beach. Both PJ's demo and Elvis's record. It makes a great start to a happy day.
sherilyn1977 2 years ago
In all honest I sing better than PJ Proby ever thought about.
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER
YOU ARE SO FULL OF YOURSELF.
What nationality are you?
Your first sentance reads like you can't speak English.
sherilyn1977 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
And yet: you seem to be a bit challenged with spelling simple English words like "SENTENCE".
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
In all honest...dear ONENIGGER2ANOTHER... you singing better than Proby?
I would like to hear that!
My band can accompany you singing "I Apologise", someone will film it and than we put it out on the tube so the rest of the world can check if there's anything behind all these words from you. OK?
When can we start the initial arrangements?
Mickeslina 2 years ago 5
I have never heard "I Apologize" but I am sure it is P.J Proby's musical attempt to repent to the earth for the auditory damages he has perpetrated on the ears of mankind.
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
You talk about me mispelling Acapulco? At least I can spell BENEFITS. "benmifits"
I can also spell B-I-T-C-H
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
It's not about who is better..It's great to hear the demo versions made for Elvis anyway. Pj Proby always sounded more dramatic to me, while Elvis's versions were more polished , that counts for the Hollywood Elvis. Later on Elvis's voice got more mature and deeper.
Elvos2008 2 years ago
Wealth can be very transient as many celebrities are just beginning to find out.
Tragically Elvis lost his life due to the many bad decissions he made. He'd also lost a lot of money by the time he reached 42.
I would much rather have seen Elvis poor, happy and alive, than rich, sad and dead.
sherilyn1977 2 years ago
Yea agree with you Khoo Leong Fart, ElviS is definitely a Zillion times better that that who?is?he?PJ?Probe fella?? never mind..LONG LIVE THE TRUE KING ElViS
JaneSutherland321 2 years ago
Definitely a zillion times better?
Well, can you point out one moment in the song when Elvis is doing his imitation of Probys original so extremely much better?
The fact that Proby is unknown to you, is that a proof that Elvis is better? Ehhh???
Mickeslina 2 years ago 2
Elvis' version is a zillion times Better! who the fark is PJ Proby? Never heard of him, but then I'm fron the far east, so maybe I'm out of touch BUT cannot be for ELVIS Presley is so dam well known here.
KhooLeongFatt 2 years ago
Why all the fuss? Don't you see that poor Proby is far from having the good tones and Elvis's virile style! That doesn't mean that Proby is a bad singer. I situate him between the 550th and 600th among my favorite singers! Believe me that's not bad at all considering the hundreds of thousands who recorded songs since the record industry began!
ENACODNOM 2 years ago
Far superior version of the song by PJ. Elvis version sounds saccarine in comparison.
What a shame Elvis became a fat bloated and drugged up whale who died at 42. Thankfully PJ is alive and well and still performing tours annually for his fans.
leonaofficial 2 years ago
Comment removed
Stealth877 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I agree that PJ is also a great singer ...But you're just a fu**ing assh*le for saying that comment leonaofficial.Have some respect.You're just ignorant.
Stealth877 2 years ago
Proby is 70 living on welfare in a shitty shack of a house..because he wasted himself on booze and stupid career decisions. Elvis is still one of the biggest names in celebrity merchandising and the standard for performers.. What was your point again?
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
Comment removed
sherilyn1977 2 years ago
Now wait a minute! "Stupid career decisions"??? So Elvis's career was perfect from 54-77? Horrible movies with soundtracks so awful that at best you can laugh at them. Two christmas albums with pure dreadful songs, Studio albums in the seventies were he barley could find inspiration enough to open his mouth.
Elvis was an incredible artist but don't try to pretend that his career was all smoth.
At the time of his comeback 68 he was regarded by most as a relic from the past.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
The difference is at his worst ELVIS was ALWAYS bankable. As far as the 70's ahell of a lot of great performers took a dive as the music culture completely changed. And from 1969-1975 was undoubtably the biggest draw in the concert arenas. Every show SOLD OUT
ONENIGGER2ANOTHER 2 years ago
Amen, you're telling like it is! Wooooooo
FistingStar 2 years ago
Yes! But what about after his comeback? A whole new career. Sell out shows. More UK number 1 hits than the beatles.
More records sold than anyone else.etc.
Are you another of those jealous Elvis haters?
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
Elvis' version is a billion times Better! LONG LIVE Zi True KING!!!
KingCat77 2 years ago
I repeat my question: WHY is it so difficult för Elvis-fans to admit that Proby was - is - a very, very good singer?
Do you see Proby as a threat to your picture of "Elvis - The King"?
To say that Elvis's version is the better is of course a question of taste and a point of view that I respect, but to say it is a billion times better is just being not serious.
The two versions are almost identical so how can one of them be one billion times better?
I never heard a PJ-fan ridicule Elvis.
Mickeslina 2 years ago
Pj Proby was hired to sing demo's in the way that Elvis would sing them himself. That's why both versions are so similar. It would be pointless singing demos sounding like Tiny Tim.
Pj was never a threat to Elvis, and probably never set out to be so. He himself almost had a good career well before he ventured to the Uk. But that's a tale in itself.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
Not too much to discuss:
Proby's version is superior, but partly due to the fact that Elvis sounds not sooo thrilled at his day at the job that morning, he is more or less just going through it.
Honestly, those who believes that Elvis is the better singer here so badly WANTS him to always be the best. The negative part of a fan-cult.
Probyfans have that problem too, nothing new under the sun, but listening to this "duel" with open and objective ears Proby easily outsings Elvis on this track.
Mickeslina 3 years ago
Yep! That's probably why PJ outsold Elvis. He's the better singer. How do you know how Elvis felt that morning where you there.? I like PJ proby myself. He has a very distinctive voice himself. But you'll have stop talking rubbish now. It's obvious where your loyalties lie.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
frankiehiyo Elvis was brilliant! I love the guy!
P.J. Proby is also brilliant & in 1964-66 was outselling Elvis in the U.K. He never really cracked the USA which is a pity. P.J. is highly rated still but Elvis is the one that walks on water & gets all the plaudits. I think P.J. got a raw deal RON
rontenn 2 years ago
Comment removed
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
rontenn.
UK top 20 Charts: Elvis: 12 top 20 hits. 3 Top ten.One number 1.
PJ Proby: 6 top 20 hits. 4 Top ten. Highest chart postion number 3. I am a PJ fan. PJ has his own distinctive sound. As for having a raw deal, it's simply that Elvis followed one path and P J another. Elvis got the plaudits that he earned and deserved.
There are defining moments in a person's carrer. With Elvis it was meeting Col Parker. With PJ it was splitting his trousers. The rest is history.
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
Sorry! Blooper time.
Make that a person's career. :-)
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
r.i.p elvis
ninapica44 3 years ago
I love both versions & both are great singers.Only difference is that Elvis is recognised as a legend whereas P.J. gets nothing like that recognition even tho's it's fully deserved!! Ron
rontenn 3 years ago
Elvis' take is miles better, the warmth in his voice is special. No one compares.
shakeahand1 3 years ago
PJ Probys version is THE BEST...
He sings it with more feeling.
theBESTelvis 3 years ago
PJ Proby's version is actually annoying, he's just a wannabe Elvis.
shakeahand1 3 years ago
absolute rubbish shake1.
PJ Proby "is" PJ Proby......he NEVER even tried to copy elvis's voice its just his natural voice.And he sang the same in the elvis shows he's starred in.
The mans awesome and elvis learnt this song from PJs demo..
theBESTelvis 3 years ago 2
"he never tried to copy elvis' voice" hold on a minute, i seem to remember proby wearing a jumpsuit and singing elvis songs in an elvis musical! or did i just imagine that! There is a reason that proby isn't the great idol you claim he should be, its called reality!! deal with it!
JAARNO88 3 years ago
Dear JAARN088! Who are you citing?
I never wrote that but here is a comment:
Well, if a singer is offered a job as an actor to do the role of another artist I think it's only fair that he tries to emulate the style of that artist. Right?
That does of course NOT mean that the actor - here Proby - once built his career by copying the artist that he has to play on stage. Right?
PJ got the role because he was the best choice in the world to do it.
Ask the producer Jack Good and he will agree.
Mickeslina 3 years ago
Hey JAARN...
PJ PROBY " NEVER " .....copied elvis presleys voice, if anything elvis copied PJs voice.
WHO DID MANY ELVIS DEMO'S ??
PJ sang with his own voice in elvis & the johnny cash shows ok. You obviously dont dont anything about PJ so i suggest you go do lots of research then come back and we'll talk then !!!
also jack good once said PJ could sing the pants off anybody in the world.i have to agree..
ALSO PJ PROBY WAS VOTED THE WORLDS GREATEST SINGER IN 1965....NOW YOU DEAL WITH THAT..
theBESTelvis 3 years ago
Comment removed
Mickeslina 3 years ago
I've listened to this song many times and as far as I'm concerned. I haver to say that P.J. Proby's demo is far better than Elvis's final release and I was once a 100% Elvis fan.
sherilyn1977 3 years ago
PJs voice has a somewhat nasal quality which I don't like. Otherwise he has Elvis' rapid vibrato but lacks Elvis' understanding of dynamics and mastery of the microphone. Much like Sinatra's. It's the accumulative effect on the listerner of those subtle, quirky, indelible effects as well as intangible personal qualities that make a star of the first magnitude like Elvis or Sinatra. They eclipse their imitators who should define themselves by doing something original.
1915fas 3 years ago
Mister 1915fas!
I truly respect your comment, very well expressed and interesting BUT - and I stress that - Proby NEVER was an Elvis-imitator. If you were more familiar with PJ's music you would see my point.
If anyone followed the other it was Elvis. In the seventies he sounded so much like Proby did in the mid-sixties.Listen and you'll see what I mean.
Something original?
What original did Elvis do?
When Elvis started he was, as any young artist, a mix of all he had heard in his youth!
Mickeslina 3 years ago
Some people point out Elvis' version of Hurt as sounding like a PJ parody. But I stand on my opinion about Elvis' understanding of dynamics and how to use the microphone. He had a more phonogenic voice then Proby did. As for originality, B.B. King said that Elvis' '..approach to a song was as unique as Sinatra's.' True, Elvis displayed the influence of his predecessors - Johnny Raye, Billy Eckstine, Roy Hamilton, Arthur Pyrsock, Brook Benton and Dean Martin. Mostly Mario Lanza on pure technique
1915fas 3 years ago
1915fas!
Thank you for another interesting comment!
Of course I am a hardcore Elvis fan as well as a Probian. Truly Elvis was a pure genius. When he did his first single 19 years old he had NO experience at all, and it was worldclass from day one.
BUT, we all know that! Proby in my ears was in the midsixties THE greatest pop-singer ever. Just listen to Somewhere, Maria and I Apologise! He took standards and sang them in a completely different style compared to the originals. And way better!
Mickeslina 3 years ago
Well said Micke...
I STRONGLY AGREE WITH YOU...
Somewhere, Maria and I apologise amongst others do prove it.
theBESTelvis 3 years ago
Great version. Is this from the Elvis show?
bennie0009 3 years ago
No PJ Proby did the Demo versions to most of Elvis's film songs.
davekm43 3 years ago
like this version better than Elvis never thought i would say that
serpico56 3 years ago
I'm a newbie to the work of PJ Proby. For me comparing Elvis and Proby is like compare apples and oranges. Each has a specific calling. With that said I believe PJ Proby will get what he deserves, and I hope its not after his death. I think he has been eligible for induction into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame since 1989. If this is true its absolutely ridiculous! They should give the man his just due and from the little I know of his work he has definitely earned it!!
chios1761 3 years ago
For me Probys version is better. Yet, Rolling Stones 100 Greatest Artists of All Time ranks Elvis #3, with the Legendary Beatles at #1. But where is the great Proby?
IamDaveWayne 3 years ago
The great proby? To start with he is COMPLETELY unknown in his America.
Second he is more or less written off from the history of rock since somewhere around 1966. In Europe he is rarely mentioned even in magazines like Mojo and Uncut. If you look for him in a rock dictionary he is supposed to be inbetween Prince and Procol Harum...but often there is nothing at all there.
Why?
That's the 100 billion dollar question.
I can't for the life of me understand why.
He is simply THE best ever.
Mickeslina 3 years ago
I Love Listening To Jim & Elvis Of Cause Brill
hollehop 3 years ago
PJ sings this with more feeling for me. then again i will always rate PJs voice over elvis because is a more versatile singer than elvis.
it will be very interesting to read folks comments on both there versions. thnx for posting.
theBESTelvis 3 years ago
OK pj,crap......elvis.well what can you say,He is simply THE best ever.
grabar20 3 years ago
more versatile than elvis? get a grip you moron!
JAARNO88 3 years ago
PJ more versatile than Elvis?
Deary me.
There is no one as versatile as Mr Presley. Any one with an ear for music could verify it. That is why he is in various halls of fame. Now stop being a irriut!
frankiehiyo 2 years ago
think PJs version the best,thanks for both versions peter
pj123fan 3 years ago 3