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"**
Witchcraft
The Jordanaires Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That sly come hither stare
That strips my conscience bare
It's witchcraft
And I've got no defense for it
The heat is too intense for it
What good would common sense for it do
Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
When you arouse the need in my
My heart says yes indeed in me
Proceed with what your leading me to
It's such an ancient pitch
But one I wouldn't switch
Cause there's no nicer witch than you
The lyrics to The Jordanaires's song "Witchcraft" describe the irresistible power of attraction and desire, likening it to the mystical and enchanting nature of witchcraft. The song opens with the singer feeling the touch of someone's fingers in their hair, accompanied by a sly and seductive look that strips their conscience bare. This evokes a sense of vulnerability and surrender to the allure of this person.
The singer admits to having no defense against this witchcraft, as the heat of the desire becomes too intense to resist. They question the usefulness of common sense in such a situation, acknowledging that although they know it is considered taboo, they cannot help but succumb to its spell. The song captures the internal struggle between reason and desire, implying that the power of attraction can override rationality.
The lyrics also express the singer's willingness to follow this enchanting force, emphasizing that there is no one they would rather be under the spell of. They describe it as an ancient pitch, suggesting that the power of attraction has existed since time immemorial, captivating individuals throughout history. Despite the risks and social taboos involved, the singer embraces the idea of being led by this irresistible force, considering this witch to be the most captivating and desirable.
Overall, "Witchcraft" explores the intoxicating power of attraction and desire, acknowledging its potentially dangerous nature while also celebrating the allure and enchantment it brings into one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Those fingers in my hair
The touch of your fingers in my hair
That sly come hither stare
The alluring and mischievous look in your eyes
That strips my conscience bare
That exposes my innermost thoughts and desires
It's witchcraft
Our connection and attraction is like magic
And I've got no defense for it
I cannot resist or protect myself against it
The heat is too intense for it
The passion and desire is overwhelming
What good would common sense for it do
Using logic and reason wouldn't help in this situation
Cause it's witchcraft, wicked witchcraft
The love we share feels enchanting and forbidden
And although, I know, it's strictly taboo
Even though I am aware that it's considered wrong or forbidden
When you arouse the need in my
When you awaken a strong desire within me
My heart says yes indeed in me
My heart signals that I should embrace this feeling
Proceed with what your leading me to
Continue guiding me in the direction of our connection
It's such an ancient pitch
This seductive allure has been present since ancient times
But one I wouldn't switch
Yet, I wouldn't trade it for anything else
Cause there's no nicer witch than you
Because you are the most captivating and irresistible enchantress
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, PEARL KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Detelinka68
Love it, so addictive, thank you so much for sharing!!! :)
Sean Fitzpatrick
This song was sung with cool finesse by Elvis in the early sixties part of his prime years with the golden voice this was R&B Jazz mixed outstanding the song should have been bigger for Elvis is about 30 or 40 songs that should have been closed the number one in the Presley career how sad is career was badly managed but he still number one witchcraft of standing song fouur 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Andrew Demetrius
This is the awesome mix that was on Elvis' gold records Volume 4 on GOLD coloured vinyl back in 1979. It has a more dynamic sound and an overdubbed / enhanced flickering bassline similar to take 2 ;-) What was the source for your video please?
Johhny Apollo
Pic is from the 45 cover
WMIAMS CHANNEL
Hello Andrew,
I myself realized this new mastering
Thank you