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The Jordanaires

The Jordanaires
Elvis Presley and the Jordanaires 1957.jpg
The Jordanaires with Elvis, 1957
Background information
Origin Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Genres Gospel, country, rock & roll, folk
Years active 1948 (1948)–2013 (2013)
Associated acts Foggy River Boys, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Ricky Nelson
Website jordanaires.net
Past members
  • Ray Walker
  • Curtis Young
  • Gordon Stoker
  • Bill Matthews
  • Bob Hubbard
  • Warren (Monty) Matthews
  • Culley Holt
  • Hoyt Hawkins
  • Neal Matthews, Jr.
  • Don Bruce
  • Hugh Jarrett
  • Duane West
  • Louis Nunley

The Jordanaires were an American vocal quartet that formed as a gospel group in 1948. They are known for providing background vocals for Elvis Presley, in live appearances and recordings from 1956 to 1972. The group has also worked in the recording studio, on stage, and on television with many other country and rock and roll artists.

The history of the Jordanaires can be traced back to the early 1940s, and the original Foggy River Boys, which were made up of the Matthews brothers, all ordained ministers: Bill (b. LaFollette, Tennessee, 1923), Monty (b. Pulaski, Kentucky, 1927), Jack, and Matt. In 1948, Matt and Jack left to become full-time preachers and were replaced by Bob Hubbard (b. Chaffee, Missouri, 1928), also a minister, and bass singer Culley Holt (b. McAlester, Oklahoma, 1925), and pianist Bob Money. After three years Money was replaced as pianist by Gordon Stoker. At that time, they formed the new group as the Melodizing Matthews, in Springfield, Missouri, but soon changed the name to the Jordanaires, after Jordan Creek in Missouri.

This starting lineup lasted until 1949; 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 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. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 1949. They recorded for Capitol Records in the early 1950s, and began providing vocal accompaniment behind solo singers in Nashville, Tennessee.

The lineup changed again in 1954, with Culley Holt leaving and new bass Hugh Jarrett coming in.


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Wikipedia

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