The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first teno… Read Full Bio ↴Members
The group formed in 1948, with members Bill Matthews (first tenor), Bob Hubbard (second tenor/lead), Bill's brother Monty Matthews (baritone), Culley Holt (bass), and pianist Bob Money. After three years, Money was replaced by new pianist Gordon Stoker. This lineup lasted until 1952; at that time, Bob Hubbard was drafted and was replaced by Hoyt Hawkins. Later that year, Monty and Bill Matthews left. Hawkins switched to baritone, and new lead Neal Matthews, Jr. was recruited. Don Bruce came in as a new first tenor; however, he was drafted the next year. The group narrowed to a quartet, with Stoker taking over as first tenor.
The lineup changed again in 1954, with Cully Holt leaving and new bass Hugh Jarrett (later a disc jockey) coming in. Jarrett remained until 1958; at that time, he was replaced by Ray Walker. This lineup, consisting of Gordon Stoker, first tenor and manager, Neal Matthews, Jr., second tenor and lead, Hoyt Hawkins, baritone, and Ray Walker, bass, would be the group's most stable lineup, lasting throughout the 1960s and 70s.
The group changed again in 1982, when Hoyt Hawkins died. His replacement was Duane West, formerly of Sonny James' backup group, the Southern Gentlemen. The lineup remained constant for another two decades, with West leaving due to illness in 1999 (he died in 2002). His replacement was Louis Nunley.
Neal Matthews died the next year. He was replaced by new lead Curtis Young.
Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March.
With Elvis Presley
One Sunday afternoon in 1955, the Jordanaires played a show in Memphis with Eddy Arnold to publicize their new syndicated TV series Eddy Arnold Time (on the program the group used the name Gordonaires). They sang "Peace In The Valley," and when the show was over, a young man, blond, quiet and courteous, with plenty of combed-back hair, came backstage to meet them. He was Elvis Presley, a practically unheard of singer just getting his start in the area. There were a few polite exchanges, then Presley said, "If I ever get a recording contract with a major company, I want you guys to back me up." [1] He was on Sun Records at that time.
On January 10, 1956, Elvis recorded his first session for RCA with Scotty, Bill and D. J.. That day, "I Got A Woman", "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Money Honey" were recorded. True to his word, Elvis asked his new label RCA Victor if The Jordanaires could appear on the recordings. The next day Gordon Stoker was called by Chet Atkins to do a session with a new kid, named Elvis. RCA had also just signed "The Speer Family". Chet asked Gordon to sing with Ben and Brock Speer so he could use them. On that day, "I'm Counting On You" and "I Was The One" made history by being the first recording session that Elvis did with vocal background. By April 1956, "Heartbreak Hotel" was No. 1.
After having done several more recording sessions in New York with Scotty, Bill and D. J., Elvis flew to Nashville on April 14, 1956, to record "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You". Gordon was called again, to sing a vocal trio with Ben and Brock. After the session, Elvis took Gordon aside and told him (not knowing, at the time, why all the Jordanaires were not there) that he had wanted "The Jordanaires." This time, Stoker saw to it - and Elvis used the Jordanaires on nearly every one of his recording sessions for the next 14 years. At a time when no backing musicians, producers, or engineers received a name recognition on any records, Elvis insisted[citation needed] that he have "with the Jordanaires" on the label of his records. The reflected glory was enough to earn the Jordanaires "Group of the Year" awards well into the Beatles era.
They also appeared in Elvis' movies, and on many of his landmark television appearances.
Musical influence
The Jordanaires have been one of country music's premier backup vocal groups, working with artists such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Horton, Ferlin Husky, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dolly Parton, Red Foley, Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, and George Jones. They also served as backup vocalists for pop music artists such as Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Connie Francis and Julie Andrews.
They are best known across the world as the backup vocalists for a number of Elvis Presley's hit singles, with whom they performed for more than fifteen years and backed up on well over 100 different songs (singles and album cuts, on television and in a number of films). In addition to singing backup for other musicians, the group toured extensively around the world plus they recorded a number of music albums on their own, They continue to record: "On The Jericho Road", A Friend We Have in Jesus and others.
Special Guests
The Jordainaires have been appreciated by a whole new generation and performed with many modern recording artists as well as recent sessions with Country music legends.
Appear on multiple tracks of Johnny Cash's 1978 album I Would Like To See You Again.
They sang the harmonies on Ringo Starr's second album, Beaucoups of Blues.
The Jordanaires also provided vocal support for Ricky Nelson on "Poor Little Fool," "Lonesome Town," "It's Late," and other hit recordings.
The Jordanaires appear on the second album by The Grascals, on the song "Did You Forget God Today?"
Sung with The Tractors (of Steve Ripley)
In 1996. they lent their vocal talents to the Ween album, 12 Golden Country Greats.
In 1997, they sang Who'll Be The One If Not Me for the off-Broadway musical Violet.
In 2007, they recorded "Save Your Dreams" by Americana artist Shark (Wild Colonials)
In 2006 & 2007 they are featured on Park Lane Drive Records. Friends of Henry Golis Wish You A Merry Christmas with The Jordanaires & Henry Golis Presents Good Music With Friends featuring The Jordanaires.
Awards
Grammy Award in the category of Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Album.
Special awards from RCA for contributions Elvis Presley's Recordings
Nashville Music Association Masters Award
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences award for having sung on more, top-ten recordings than any other group.
Members of world famous Grand Ole Opry for 13 years.
Recognized for eight years, by readers of England's Record Mirror and New Musical Express magazines as one of the world's top ten vocal groups.
inducted, in 1998, into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1998, into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
inducted, in 1999, into the NACMAI Hall Of Fame (North America Country Music Associations International).
inducted, in 2000, into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame.
inducted, in 2004, into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
inducted,in 2007 into the Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame
inducted in 2007 into the "Christian Music Hall Of Fame"
Gordon Stoker-inducted in 2006 into the "SOUTHERN GOSPEL PIANO ROLL OF HONOR"**
I Was the One
The Jordanaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I gave my love
Oh ho, my darling
I am true
Doin' the best
The best I can
But it's not good enough for you
So hard to please
Oh ho, my darling
What more can I do
Doin' the best
The best I can
But it's not good enough for you
You know I was the kind who'd run
Any time you'd call
I guess I was the only one
Who didn't mind at all
I'll be a dreamer
I'll be a fool
Oh ho, my darling
My whole life through
Doin' the best
The best I can
But it's not good enough for you
You know I was the kind who'd run
Any time you'd call
I guess I was the only one
Who didn't mind at all
I'll be a dreamer
I'll be a fool
Oh ho, my darling
My whole life through
Doin' the best
The best I can
But it's not good enough for you
But it's not good enough for you
The lyrics of "Can" by The Jordanaires convey the feelings of a lover who has tried everything to please their partner but still feels that their efforts are not enough. The singer has given their heart and love to their partner and is willing to do anything to make them happy, yet their efforts are in vain. Despite being the kind of person who always answers their partner's call and never minds being there for them, the singer feels inadequate.
The chorus is a repetition of the same lines, "Doin' the best, the best I can, but it's not good enough for you." These lines show the desperation and frustration of the singer, who has given their all to the relationship but still feels like they're falling short. The song also hints at the possibility that the singer is willing to keep trying, even though they know that their best won't be enough.
One interpretation could be that the song is about the insecurities and doubts that arise in relationships. Despite giving everything they have, the singer feels like they are not enough for their partner. It's a universal feeling and an accurate representation of how love can be challenging, and sometimes despite our best efforts, things don't go according to plan.
Line by Line Meaning
I gave my heart
I gave you all of my love and affection.
I gave my love
I gave you my heart and my devotion.
Oh ho, my darling
A term of endearment used for you.
I am true
I am faithful and committed to you.
Doin' the best
I am trying my hardest.
The best I can
I am doing everything I am capable of doing.
But it's not good enough for you
My efforts to please you are falling short of your expectations.
You know I was the kind who'd run
I was always there for you and ready to help.
Any time you'd call
I was available at your beck and call.
I guess I was the only one
I was the only one who was willing to be there for you unconditionally.
Who didn't mind at all
I was happy to be there for you when you needed me most.
I'll be a dreamer
I will continue to dream of a life with you.
I'll be a fool
I will continue to act foolishly for love's sake.
My whole life through
For the duration of my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOC POMUS, MORT SHUMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
stevegunk
God Bless you Elvis for blessing us with all these greats.
OtisFan1
This remains one of my favorite songs of all time. I've always felt that having this on one side and Heartbreak Hotel on the other side, combined to make one of the greatest records ever.
feargal75
Elvis's voice .... the best ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bexfantazia
Can honestly say, I've been a HUGE Elvis fan all my life (literally!) And I've never heard this before! Love it, thank you for the upload :) x
jillkristin
fabulous, oh Elvis!
Thomas Manfredi
I really lo the early Elvis stuff. Thanks for posting.
jillkristin
My all time, all time favourite Elvis song, if it hadn't been the B side of Heartbreak Hotel it would most certainly have gone to #1, and deserved to. Not many people have heard of it though. The BEST!
Sylvia Hawton
I heard Elvis say this was his favourite recording also in one of his interviews. It certainly was my favourite.
David Allbright
I have this song I was the one on indie country records. Com it is at 24 on the charts check it out. This is a great song. It did not get the credit that it deserved I hope that it does now. Thank you.
Samuel Nunez
I miss this pure raw voice of Elvis..