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"**
Love Letters
The Jordanaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep us so near while apart
I'm not alone in the night
When I can have all the love you write
I memorize every line
And I kiss the name that you sign
And, darling, then I read again right from the start
I memorize every line
And I kiss the name that you sign
And, darlin', then I read again right from the start
Love letters straight from your heart
In these poignant lyrics from The Jordanaires' song "Love Letters," the singer is expressing the profound impact that receiving love letters has on their emotional well-being. The opening lines, "Love letters straight from your heart, keep us so near while apart," suggest that despite physical distance, the emotional connection facilitated by these personal notes allows the singer to feel close to their beloved. The idea that love letters can bridge the gap created by separation underscores the enduring power of written expressions of affection.
The singer's declaration, "I'm not alone in the night when I can have all the love you write," conveys a sense of solace and comfort derived from reading these intimate correspondences. The love letters serve as a source of emotional support and companionship, providing a sense of reassurance and connection during lonely moments. Through these letters, the singer finds solace in the enduring presence of their partner's love, even when physically apart.
The act of memorizing every line and kissing the name signed at the end of each letter emphasizes the significance the singer places on these written declarations of love. By committing the words to memory and physically acknowledging the signature, the singer not only internalizes the sentiments expressed but also imbues the act of reading these letters with a ritualistic and reverent quality. The repetition of these actions suggests a deep reverence for the emotional impact of the love letters and the enduring connection they represent.
The final repetition of the refrain, "Love letters straight from your heart," serves as a poignant and evocative conclusion to the song, reinforcing the central theme of the transformative power of written expressions of love. By reiterating the notion of love letters as direct conduits of the heart, the lyrics underscore the authenticity and depth of the emotions conveyed through these personal missives. The cyclical nature of the refrain reflects the perpetual cycle of receiving and rereading these love letters, highlighting the enduring nature of the emotional bond they represent. In sum, these lyrics poignantly capture the enduring power of written expressions of love and the profound impact they can have on fostering connection and emotional intimacy.
Line by Line Meaning
Love letters straight from your heart
Expressing feelings and emotions through written words, bringing us close even when physically apart
Keep us so near while apart
Maintaining a strong emotional connection despite physical distance
I'm not alone in the night
Feeling comforted and loved, even in moments of solitude
When I can have all the love you write
Fully receiving and cherishing the affection and care conveyed in the letters
I memorize every line
Committing each word to memory, treasuring the sentiment behind them
And I kiss the name that you sign
Showing reverence and affection for the sender by kissing their signature
And, darling, then I read again right from the start
Repeatedly revisiting the letters, finding comfort and joy in their content
Love letters straight from your heart
Continuing to appreciate and value the heartfelt expressions of love conveyed in the letters
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Y, AIRELLE BESSON, JOSEPH PATRICK MOUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sondra Smith
Never heard her sing this one before, and as usual, Patsy aced it! She was and always be my favorite female singer. She sung with such emotion, rather than just mouthing words. The control she had over her voice was unmatched to this day.
David
So well said.
BigB
Absolutely hypnotic voice! The kind that you stop what you are doing and just listen to that amazing voice and let it take you to a different place and time and by the end of the song you’re smiling!
steelmanK
Well stated BB :)
Polixenia Graf
Love You're music, Patsy Cline! ❤💐👏👏👏
Wayne Decarlo
PATSY is the best, love her music and videos ❤❤❤ .
DAILY DOSE OF RANDOM
I LOVE PATSY'S CONTRALTO VOICE AND I'M A KID FAR AFTER HER DECADE!!!!!!!! ❤️RIP 💔
Jim Steele
As great as Patsy was, I cant forget another tragic figure of our musical past who was equally as good and is almost forgotten to day....Connie Francis
B Deluso
Awe how I cry hearing my mom sing it with Patsy💗😥
David
Fixin' to cry. What an amazing song.