The Jordanaires facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Jordanaires
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The Jordanaires with Elvis, 1957
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Springfield, Missouri, United States |
| Genres | Gospel, country, rock & roll, folk |
| Years active | 1948–2013 |
| Associated acts | Foggy River Boys, Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, Ricky Nelson, Ringo Starr |
| Past members |
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The Jordanaires were a famous American singing group. They started as a gospel group in 1948. They became very well known for singing background vocals.
They often sang for the legendary singer Elvis Presley. They worked with him from 1956 to 1972. This included live shows and recordings. The group also worked with many other country and rock and roll artists. They performed in studios, on stage, and on TV.
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The Jordanaires: A Famous Vocal Group
The Jordanaires were a quartet, meaning they had four singers. They helped shape the sound of many popular songs. Their smooth harmonies made them very popular. They were known for their unique blend of voices.
Working with Elvis Presley
One of their most famous jobs was singing with Elvis Presley. They were a big part of his sound. They sang on many of his hit songs. These included "Don't Be Cruel" and "Jailhouse Rock."
The group traveled with Elvis. They performed with him in concerts. They also recorded many albums together. Their voices added a rich, full sound to his music. This partnership lasted for many years.
Other Famous Collaborations
Besides Elvis, The Jordanaires worked with many other stars. They sang with Patsy Cline, a famous country singer. They also worked with Eddy Arnold and Jim Reeves.
Later, they even sang with Ringo Starr from The Beatles. This shows how versatile they were. They could sing many different styles of music. Their talent was recognized by artists across different genres.
Key Members of the Group
Over the years, some members changed. But some singers were with the group for a very long time.
- Hoyt Hawkins sang baritone and lead vocals. He also played piano and organ. He was with the group from 1949 until he passed away in 1980.
- Neal Matthews Jr. sang second tenor and lead vocals. He played guitar and bass. He was a member from 1949 until his death in 2000.
- Gordon Stoker sang tenor vocals. He also played piano and organ. He joined in 1951 and was with the group until he passed away in 2013.
- Ray Walker sang bass vocals. He joined in 1958 and was with the group until 2013.
The Jordanaires continued to perform and record for many decades. They left a lasting mark on music history. They are remembered for their amazing harmonies.
