[6] Black slap played the double bass with Moore on lead guitar, while Presley played rhythm guitar and sang lead. You can hear him doing this during the unedited version of the Bob Neal', Texarkana Interview', recorded for the radio in Memphis during August 1955. Elvis and Priscilla later visited Evelyn and the girls at their home. Elvis said that. Having gone on to form the Bill Black Combo, the bassist became ill in the early 1960s. He could hit the bass like nobody in the world." Bill's contribution to Elvis' success went beyond the bass playing. growing bilberry in australia. On sax, Ace Cannon took over touring duties from Willis who remained in Memphis for the studio work and movie appearances. The Combo was driven by a strong mix of bass, sax and keyboards. The Beatles: Paul McCartney announces identity of Eleanor Rigby, Could UK finally escape Eurovision humiliation? Your daddy would come down through there and get everybody to laughing and loosen them up. Scotty recalled that Bill saved the session: Bill is the one who came up with Blue Moon of Kentucky. Bill will be played by Adam Dunn in next years Elvis biopic from director Baz Luhrmann. As was common at the time Bill was growing up, people entertained themselves by playing an instrument.
WH: DC Crime Bill That Biden Blocked Reduces Penalties for Murder Harry and Meghan were . River of Deceit, a forgotten rock album from the 1990s, is one of the best. Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times. 2. Other joys include a unique foreward by bassist Suzi Quatro we are the engine that drive the car- tributes to Blackie from other bass players and plenty of comments from Scotty Moore. John Entwistle was a rock bassist who had an enormous impact on the industry. Elvis takes great care to show the origins of the singer's musical stylings, putting the spotlight on the Black artists who inspired him. 'From Memphis, Tennessee, one of the best bassmen in the business'. How Should Artists Fund Their Career in Music? 'A Boy From Tupelo' 2017 In-depth Review: 'Strictly Elvis: 1973-74-75' Book Review: ELVIS: Studio Sessions 1956' In-Depth Review: (Book Review) 'Being Elvis - A Lonely Life': 'Prince From Another Planet In-Depth Review: Once Upon A Time: Elvis and Anita (Memories of My Mother) - Book Review: 'A Boy From Tupelo' special In-depth Review: 'Elvis: Live at the International' Book Review: 'Young Man with the Big Beat' In-Depth Review: 'Fashion For A King' FTD in-depth Review: "ReBooked At The International'- in-depth Review: The Music of Elvis Presley - Australian Radio Show, Elvis Presley In Concert "downunder" 2006, Graceland - The National Historic Landmark. Elvis was canceled after two weeks and wouldn't appear in the town before July 1969. Further friction developed within the camp when the group wasn't allowed to back other artists or appear in their own right without Elvis. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. 1. Elvis Presley lived most of his life and career in the limelight. The former David Jones first live set was recorded in the summer of 1974 and features a fascinating, futuristic, and funky blend of glam, soul, theater, and daring design. The band hadn't been used on 1956's 'Love Me Tender'. Knowing that you are a man of your word and faithfully devoted to us your complete silence has me worried. Along with two other guitarists and a fiddler, they performed country music tunes by Hank Williams and Red Foley in Doug Poindexter's band, the Starlight Wranglers. Always seeming to be in need of a good meal. It would be very fitting if the trio ofRonnie Wood,Nicky Hopkins, and Ian McLagan all contributed a single cut to the collection. When Elvis Presley first shot to fame in 1956 he had a trio called The Blue Moon Boys with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. With all that was building and happening behind the scenes, it's really no surprise that Scotty and Bill did eventually leave Elvis, around the middle of September '57. Following on from that number, it's said to have been Bill who jumped up and started to mess about on 'Blue Moon Of Kentucky', the eventual B-side to their first single. Black's main stand-up bass is today owned by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, who received the instrument as a birthday present from his wife Linda in the late 1970s. His friendship with rockabilly star Glen Glenn On entering the army in 1958, according to Scotty Moore, Elvis never said 'goodbye' but', So long. That was necessary for us because we played for a lot of country crowds that weren't used to people jumping up and down on stage."[20]. Don't pay him no mind'. Returning to Bill Black's character. Had he lived, it's quite possible that Bill Black too would have put in a guest appearance for old times sake on that '68 show.
why did bill black leave elvis - desenvolvimentopessoalaar.com.br Bill Black especially seemed to get more fed up during the making of the movie. Eight of the recordings by Bill Black's Combo placed in the Top 40 between 1959 and 1962. If you have any interest in Elvis early sound, American early sixties music, or always wanted to know more about Bill Black then this book is an essential purchase. In 2022, Adam Dunn portrayed Black in the movie Elvis, starring Austin Butler. The band released blues instrumental "Smokie" for Hi Records (Hi 2018) in December 1959. In that year it featured on 'Baby's Request', the closing number on the Wings album 'Back To The Egg'. The private letter from Bill Black to Tom Diskin says it all, Dear Tom, Bob Tucker replaced him on dates. Nashville Bassist Bob Moore stated, Bill Black is a legend, its easy as that. Despite this, the fact remains that John Entwistle may be best remembered for his contribution to country music. He very much wanted to be a part of whatever it was. Directly across the street from American Sound, Bill at one time ran Lynn-Lou, a small recording studio. He was only 39, and just weeks short of his 40th birthday. According to Louis Black, Elvis said, "If there's, anything that y'all need, you just let me know and it's yours.. Dirty Sticky Floors, Devils Roof, Geppetto, Wild and Free, Shallow Crystals, Justice of the Peace, and Golden Opportunity are all included. Another characteristic of the Combo was Reggie Young thwacking on the guitar with a pencil. Scotty left the band, The Blue Moon Boys (Elvis, Scotty, Bill Black and drummer D.J.
why did bill black leave elvis - atlanticohotelmaceio.com.br He would grow up to be a well-built man, standing around the six-foot mark. [14], Black and Moore became Presley's backup group and were paid 25% of his earnings. Thanks. They created a very fresh and lively sound that was destined to make a large impact on exposure. Not only was he white, but also he sang pop and country ballads, not the rhythm and blues Sam was used to hearing. When did Bill Black leave Elvis? Millie Kirkham - Bob Hayden Interview for EIN: "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide" 2017- Shane Brown Interview. Review by Piers Beagley. In 1961, the group even ventured onto the silver screen, appearing in the film 'Teen-Age Millionaire'. Regarding That's All Right Belard neatly explains, "Listening to "That's All Right" with the speakers turned up, one can revel in the gloriously rich colors this trio creates. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Elvis Presley. Hollywood's new leading man, 31, told . The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Finally, they were both interested in pursuing other musical projects. Bill was the friendliest guy in the world'. . The line-up included: Bill Black - bass.Carl McVoy - piano.Reggie 'Reg' - Young - guitar.Martin Wills - saxophone.Jerry Arnold - drums. The early part of the book also explains how Blackies joking antics on-stage often saved an Elvis performance from a difficult crowd. But its a great sound and as long as the part Im doing is simple, I can manage it., DON'T MISSElvis Presleys three non-negotiable rules for new girlfriends WATCH[VIDEO]Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii co-star Angela Lansbury on 'caring' King[BLUE HAWAII]Elvis ex Mindi Miller's first date with The King: Remarkable energy[MINDI MILLER]. "It makes me feel good when I make people happy, listening and dancing to my music". Despite this, Bill usually appears to have slits for eyes and a face A born joker in both image and nature. Scotty commented, in Scotland during October '93, that', If it hadn't been for Bill, we would have bombed so many times in the early days. The group was later billed as "Elvis Presley and the Blue Moon Boys. by Charlie Kerlinger | Nov 27, 2022 | Famous Musicians. Eventually they would have two daughters, Nancy, Leigh-Ann and a son Louis. He and Reggie Young would play on Elvis' classic Memphis '69 sessions, which would play such a major part in his late 60's comeback, producing the outstanding album From Elvis In Memphis. During 1956, when asked for his favorite tracks, Bill named 'That's All Right' and 'Hound Dog'. why did bill black leave elvisdiscovery turbo shows australia. [3] Black also developed a "stage clown" persona in the same way that Maddox entertained audiences. He (Elvis) was standing at the edge of the pool and me and Bill got behind him and pushed him in. In a temper, which was rare for him, he threw the guitar down and walked out. 'Elvis: Murfreesboro '74'' FTD In-Depth Review: Book Review: Elvis Presley Concert At Madison Square Avenue In 1977 (Walter Twin): 'Elvis: The Bicentennial Show' 1976' FTD In-Depth Review: ELVIS ON TOUR - 45th Anniversary Deluxe IN-DEPTH REVIEW: 'Elvis:The Last Movies' FTD in-depth Review: 'Elvis: Lake Tahoe '74' FTD In-Depth Review: Book Review "Reconsider Baby: Elvis: A Listener's Guide". They were introduced by Frank Page and performed both sides of that first release (SUN 209). .. Of one thing Bill is certain - he won't leave the road again except to rest and visit friends from time to time. The miserable life Elvis leads Bill Blacks interview from 1962. There were two reasons for exhuming Elvis' body and relocate it to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. snow white parrot fish; beowulf's last words to wiglaf; anatomy and physiology of sensory system ppt; examples of wave interference in everyday life According to Louis Black, Elvis said, here to Memphis Mansion website to purchase. Fontana, with various star guest artists, was released. "[3], In 1952, Black began playing in clubs and on radio shows with the guitarist Scotty Moore. The Combo appeared in the 1961 film Teenage Millionaire[24] and on The Ed Sullivan Show, where they performed a medley of "Don't Be Cruel," "Cherry Pink," and "Hearts of Stone", and were voted Billboard's number one instrumental group of 1961. Moore said, "Bill is the one who came up with "Blue Moon of Kentucky." He played in Elvis Presley's early trio. He's living just as clean and religious a life as any entertainer. [citation needed]. William P. Black', Blackie', was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, 17th September 1926. No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission. Following this, Elvis then purchased the '54 Cadillac which gained its place in his legend by burning up on the road when the wheel bearings locked with Elvis and a girlfriend out alone, near Texarkana, Arkansas. In 1997, the album 'All The King's Men', featuring Scotty and D.J. Yours truly Bill Black. It is easy to forget that, in the beginning, Elvis was only one part of a trio put together by Sam Phillips, which included Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar. At the time Doug Poindexter was the featured vocalist. You hear a competent unit before a largely unresponsive audience of older gamblers.
Bill Black | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (These three were million sellers)Don't Be Cruel - #11 - 1960.Blue Tango - #16 - 1960.Hearts Of Stone - #20 - 1961.Ole Buttermilk Sky - #25 - 1961. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. Bell's version, meanwhile, came out on a single in 1955 (TEEN 101), backed by 'Move Me Baby'. 03 Jun. Interview with guitarist Reggie Young(Member Bill Black Combo) Bass links rock and roll royalty Interview with D.J. As Elvis did everything to the extreme womanizing, pill-taking, gunning, eating he also dieted with little to no concern for his personal well-being. Speaking at the British Fan Club 'Party', at Mablethorpe, on Wednesday, 3rd November 1999, longtime Elvis pal Red West commented, when talking about fun and games on the road, simply', Bill Black was one of the craziest guys I ever met'. The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. EIN Website content Copyright the Elvis Information Network. Fontana Interview with Scotty Moore Scotty Moore Way Ahead Of The Gang (1973) The Bosses' Men Induct The King's Men- 2009, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/article-blackie.shtml. All of this was sometimes done while he was wearing an oversized pair of bloomers! The Warner Bros movie stars Austin Butler as The King and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker. For Scotty and Bill, the first show on departing from Elvis in '58 was back in Memphis. Contact the author to order: pbelard@hotmail.com, Elvis Firearm & Weapon Collector An
'Elvis' Fact or Fiction: What's Real and What's Not in - Variety Bobby Vee and The Shadows had out a cover of the latter in March 1960. Apart from the fact that he'd just completed 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style' in Hawaii, he'd told Evelyn that he wouldn't go because he didn't want to turn a private affair into a circus by being present. Scotty and Bill paying D.J. Elvis: How did Elvis bassist Bill Black die and whats his connection to Paul McCartney?
These three men had bonded in a way Sam Phillips could only have dreamed of. Shepard, Billy Swan and others.
It wasn't until Elvis sought to officially change it to the more traditional spelling that he learnt that, despite the document, state records did indeed already have him registered as Elvis Aaron. Canadian tour of 157 - Elvis' only performances outside the U.S. This features a fine section on all the key players, the protagonists being Bill Black, Scotty Moore, Sam Phillips, DJ Fontana, Elvis Presley - plus The Starlight Wranglers - all of whom are neatly encapsulated. Her singer/songwriter/actor son, Hoyt, would compose another track known to Elvis fans', Never Been To Spain', covered in the '70s. This caused a lot of bitterness at the time, including threats to quit.
[1] This song feels just as fresh today as it was close to seventy years ago.. [16] Their recordings at Sun were released with the credits as "Elvis Presley, Scotty and Bill." 'Blackie' with John 'Ace' Cannon and Hank Hankins, The Bill Black Combo - with 'Ace' Cannon, Hank Hawkins and a very young Bobby Emmons (later included on Chips Moman's Elvis Memphis Sessions) playing keyboards. Elvis sat in as a guest around October 1954, playing with them about ten times (some sources say just once). In the documentary film In the World Tonight, McCartney can be seen playing it and singing his version of "Heartbreak Hotel". Both it and American are now long gone.
The Inside Story of Elvis Presley's Iconic 1968 Comeback Special Ace Cannon took over the group on Black's death, though the name remained the Bill Black Combo. Elvis: Did Lisa Marie really work in a British fish and chip shop. But for a white artist at that time it was easier . It has since become a catchphrase and punchline. Elvis didn't attend the funeral. In 1954 it fast became a battered-looking object, resembling, according to author Peter Guralnick, something', held together with baling wire'. Smokie Pt.2 - #17 - 1959.White Silver Sands - #9 - 1960.Josephine - #18-1960. The King was criticised for not attending Bills funeral as he thought his presence would turn the ceremony into a media frenzy focused on him and not the bassist. and Jerry 'Satch' Arnold on drums. The song ends with Elvis' rhythm guitar and a waning bass, without any contribution from Scotty. Nothings going to happen with it.. Bassman Bill Black finally gets the biography he deserves with Paul Belard's 260 page book. As the story goes, he (Bill Black) couldn't get the bass part right on the electric bass so he got frustrated and walked out. 1 albums ('56-'59). William Patton Black Jr. was born on September 17, 1926, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a motorman for the Memphis Street Railway Co.
Their version being recorded at the Norman Petty Studio, Clovis, New Mexico, where Vee's idol Buddy Holly cut his hits. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. app state football camps 2022; crocodilian species by size; music yahoo google With Elvis receiving 50% of the fees, and Scotty and Bill splitting the other 50%, paying D.J. String of hit singles and popular LP releases. why did bill black leave elvis why did bill black leave elvis Tillman Franks, bassist and Johnny Hortons manager, praised Bill in making Elvis a success: Bill Black, the way he hit his bass fiddle, he sounded like a band all by himself. Want to listen to your favourite artists and the latest songs? Elvis Australia was founded in 1996 www.elvis.com.au was literally born from the concept of wanting to represent 'Elvis in Australia', so www.elvis.com.au Read more. It is unfortunate that Elvis fans have never had a chance to truly hear Bill Black's version of events through a long, in-depth interview or autobiography but Paul Belard has tracked down some very interesting band interviews - along with post-Elvis newspaper articles - which do provide a good look at Bill Black's side of the story. Some of his vocal horsing around can be heard at the start of a 'Hayride' version of 'That's All Right', which is widely available these days. Elvis was on a 12, 500 dollar fee, per week. how did the british take over fort duquesne?
why did bill black leave elvis - maingila.com In May of 1955, Elvis gave both Scotty and Bill due credit. Bill believed, and rightly so, that he and Scotty were important and should have no problem talking with Elvis, more so than all the females and hangers-on who contributed little or nothing to the act.
RAB Hall of Fame: Bill Black He played in Elvis Presley 's early trio. This is in the strictest confidence. . This includes 45 pages about the second part of his career plus 70 pages of tributes, a look at his legacy, lots of rare photographs plus his vinyl releases. Bill was trying to come to grips with his first Fender electric bass. Johnny Black can be seen in Alan Freed's rock exploitation movie', Rock, Rock, Rock', made in Hollywood during 1957. It also shows how Presley felt about these musicians. Hancock, at the Naval Station, San Diego, on Tuesday, 3rd April 1956. There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presley's band. Combo winning Billboard instrumental award three times.3. During 1955, for a short time, the boys went under the united name of the 'Blue Moon Boys'. I suspect the reason why he hadn't adopted it is because he was known for his on-stage . D.J. . James Burton Interview - Rick Nelson & Elvis: Elvis Drummer Jerome "Stump" Monroe EIN Interview: Ernst Jorgensen interview about 'On Stage' and Elvis' Legacy in 2010: 'What was Elvis searching for?'
Elvis: What Did Black Artists of the Era Really Think of Presley Later, Buddy Emmons joined the Combo on organ.
r/Elvis - Did Bill Black play a standup acoustic bass behind Elvis Around the mid-SO's, Elvis' family moved opposite Ruby Black. In 2007, Black was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Johnny Black, Bill's brother and also upright bass player, who knew Elvis at Lauderdale Courts before Bill, recalls visiting Bill at the studio and reported that Bill would be totally absorbed mixing and playing back tracks.
why did bill black leave elvis - teppeifc.com He was a member of some of the most famous groups of all time, including The Who, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who, the Red Hot Chili Peppers Flea, and Atoms For Peaces James Jamerson. There is some film footage from the period too. Sam Phillips remembers that he one time warned Elvis that Bill was this way, and would be likely to get in his face from time to time, tell him he was no good or couldn't sing', But that was just Bill's way. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. John Entwistles influence on bass playing was undeniable, and his death at the age of 66 leaves a huge void in the music world. In reading all I can find that has been written over the years, it appears that the friendship between Elvis, Scotty, Bill and D.J. The unique sound that emerged from their early sessions was the result of a close collaboration of like-minded musicians and an engineer who wanted to generate something as yet unheard. What you don't realize is that some of the crowds had not seen Elvis. Interestingly, today Bills double bass is owned by Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney, who played the instrument on his latest solo album McCartney III. It includes.. "Elvis is fun to have around, always got some jazz going, likes to keep up chatter and joking,' says Bill. "But we've only played 14 personal appearances this year," said Black. While I knew of the success of the 45rpm single 'Smokie, Part 2' - an R&B number 1 and Billboard #17 - it is a surprise to learn just how successful his Bill Black Combo instrumental Albums were at the time and interesting to see other future players from Elvis' legacy featuring in The Bill Black Combo such as Reggie Young, Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman. Elvis joins in with him, starts playing and singing along with him "[3] They ended up with a fast version of the song in 4/4 time. It seems to have been an idea of his that the band go on a fixed salary. Black himself had been ill for the past year and a half and unable to travel. Fontana. [3][27], After two surgeries and lengthy hospital stays, Black died of a brain tumor on October 21, 1965, at age 39. Rumors of instrumental releases came and went.
The Bill Black Story: How The Bass Player For Elvis Presley Helped To After Bill's death, there were a few more minor hits for the Combo, and they continued to tour and be a popular draw. According to his son, Black said his goal was always to give his audience "a few moments of entertainment and maybe a little bit of humor that'll tickle 'em for a while. William Patton Black Jr. (September 17, 1926 October 21, 1965)[1] was an American musician and bandleader who is noted as one of the pioneers of rock and roll. The final show surfaced on 'Elvis Aron Presley' in 1980. Long live Bill Black - what a character.. Formatted as a large A4 size book, this is an extremely impressive volume. But Bill would never play with him again. They married in 1946 and returned to Memphis. 4. Bill Black had two distinct phases of his career in which he made a notable mark on early rock & roll music: first as the rockabilly bass player for Elvis Presley and then as a bandleader of Bill Black's Combo, which scored numerous instrumental hits in the early '60s. There are a number of reasons why Scotty Moore and Bill Black left Elvis Presleys band. These would include Liverpool teenagers John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Fontana called Evelyn, but the funeral was over and done by then. Colonel Tom also told Bill to cut back on the clowning around on stage. His place in rock 'n' roll history is beyond question: 'One of the best bassmen in the business'. They deduced (correctly) the Colonel was working against them. Again this was over money. This was while talking with Mae B. Axton', I really am lucky to have those two boys', cause they really are good. Black later formed Bill Black's Combo. But less than 10 years later and Bill was dead. And I'll have about four or five million of them. Elvis offered then another 50 dollars and, for a short time, the rift was healed. Indeed, Scotty and D.J. Express. Elvis joined him. Nine years older than Elvis, Bill did appear to be further down life's highway, with his hair receding at the sides, even in early photos. Even Sam Phillips has been quoted as saying that', Bill was one of the worst bass players in the world, technically, but man, could he slap that thing!'. They were receiving just 100 dollars a week while at home, and 200 when on the road. Elvis Don't Be Cruel is featured along with The Bill Black combo version of the same song. That material being recorded at American Sound Studios. By 1956, the friendship was already pulling apart, with Bill, Scotty and D.J. He plucked like crazy at the strings of his 'dog house', and sang the lyrics in a high falsetto voice, bringing both amusement and inspiration to those present. 1. Black and Moore said they got $100 a week when they are not on the road, and $200 a week when they are on tour. Until Now! Elvis certainly capitalized on this through his choice of material and performance stylehis sexualized scandalousness was linked in large part to the fact that he was imitating, or referencing,. The Bill Black Combo was formed soon after the parting with Elvis. Actor Elliott Street portrayed Black in the TV movie Elvis, starring Kurt Russell. It was during one of these hectic tours, during 1954, that Bill is credited with totaling Elvis' 1951 Lincoln Continental. Filming took place in Queensland, Australia and the first stills and trailer are still yet to be unveiled by the studio. Bob Tucker worked for the University of Memphis as Professor of Music Business while leading the combo. was strong enough to last through the money problems and the influence of the Colonel. The line was being drawn. By late 1955, the three had added drummer D.J. Written by Reggie Young and Bobby Emmons. Interview with Dick Grob, Elvis' Head Of Security: Hollywood veteran Michael Hoey talks to EIN: Interview with 'Elvis Films FAQ' author Paul Simpson: "My Fast Life" Rare Elvis Presley 1964 Interview: Allyson Adams 'The Rebel and The King' Interview: Elvis Paradise Hawaiian Interview - with Peter Noone, Sam Thompson, Elvis' bodyguard, 2011 Interview. As can be imagined, this caused quite a bit of hardship cashwise when there were families to feed. [22] "Smokie, Part 2" became a No. "He was a comedian who could warm up a crowd. Elvis has a personal appearance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fairat Tupelo Sept. 27. This was during the making of the classic 'Jailhouse Rock' movie, Elvis' third. [21] Carl McVoy replaced Hall in the studio, while Bobby Emmons replaced him on tour. Yet when the session was over, they were told to pack up and leave. This includes a lengthy Memphis Press-Scimitar interview from December 1956. Taken on December 31, 1977, is was rumoured that a photo taken by Mike Joseph (who was visiting Graceland with his family) showed Elvis sitting in his pool house. Elvis Presley, Bill Black, Scotty Moore and Sam Phillips - Sun Records 1954. Bill himself stopped road work in the early '60s, when ill health started to take its toll. Fontana. Indeed, Ruby and Gladys are said to have been on friendly terms (I have found no reference to Ruby's husband and the children's father). A born joker in both image and nature. Posted on . We never rehearse outside of record sessions. Bruce Thomas (born August 14, 1948) is a rock bassist from England who is best known for his work with the Attractions, a band that performed and recorded alongside Elvis Costello in 1977.