Elvis Presley - Bridge Over Troubled Water - TTWII Versions - The Live Comparison Series - Vol. 108

By August 1970 Elvis was back on top, not just the king of rock 'n' roll, but now arguably the King of entertainment. The six shows filmed by MGM for That's The Way It Is show Elvis at the height of his powers. He had managed to combine the theatrics and bombast of Vegas and incorporate them in his show, which resulted in a performance that was almost as much Broadway as Las Vegas. Now Elvis had finally found a way in which to integrate all of his musical influences, and country music for example, finally had a place within the Elvis repertoire.
Probably the biggest influence on Elvis, and that closest to his heart was gospel music, and in 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' he found a song in which that influence could shine through. Whereas the original recording by Simon (the song's composer) and Garfunkel is somewhat subdued, Elvis turns it into a powerful showpiece.
It was widely written around this time that after after witnessing an August 70 rendition of the song in Vegas that Paul Simon said 'That's it we might as well all give up now' although he has since denied saying those exact words. However in Rolling Stone magazine interview: Paul Simon later noted that Presley's rendition of his song was a "touch on the dramatic side." "But so was the song," he added. "When I first heard Elvis perform 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' it was unbelievable. I thought to myself, 'How the hell can I compete with that?'"
Many fans point to the performance at Greensboro Coliseum almost two years later, the rendition included in the 'On Tour' movie as their favourite. Whilst acknowledging that it is a fabulous performance it seems to lack the freshness of those from August 1970 and now by this time, three Vegas seasons, one Tahoe Season and three tours later, as wonderful a version as it is, having taken it on tour it now almost has the feel of a routine performance. The renditions from Elvis’ April 1972 tour will form a future compilation in the series.

All Versions Recorded August 1970 at The International Hotel, Las Vegas
00:00 Version One – 10 August, Opening Show
This was the very first time that Elvis had performed the song and as incredible a rendition as it is, hindsight suggests that is purely a dress rehearsal for the next rendition!

04:20 Version Two – 11 August, Dinner Show
This performance from 11 August 1970 Dinner Show, only the second time that he had sung it live, is Elvis Presley at his absolute peak, and anyone who hears this cannot possibly have any doubts as to his vocal prowess or to the magnificent entertainer that he had become. This is therefore considered by many as being the Elvis “Gold Standard” rendition of the song.

08:28 Version Three – 11 August, Midnight Show
This was the third time Elvis performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the second time that it had been filmed by the MGM crew whilst in production of "That's The Way It Is". This version came just hours after performing the version that would be included in the final edit of the 1970 theatrical version. Unfortunately there is no video during the first verse, (a photo has been inserted to prevent blank screen) but returns just after the beginning of verse two.

12:37 Version Four – 12 August, Dinner Show
Just twenty four hours after performing probably the greatest version of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water, Elvis performed the song for the fourth time in as many shows. Wearing the same Concha suit that he had the at the previous dinner show, Elvis gave yet another show stopping rendition of the song, just reinforcing how he was peerless in his interpretation of this magnificent song.

17:25 Version Five – 12 August, Midnight Show
If you haven't heard this particular version of "Bridge" before then your ears then this really is a treat. Some of the footage is a bit grainy, and the angles are not always desirable, but Elvis' performance more than makes up for all that!!
Having provided one of the most dynamic and entertaining thirty minutes of stage performance during this show that he ever gave, culminating in the remarkable sit down section, Elvis may have dropped the pace by going into a rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water, but evidently, not the quality of the show.
If any further evidence of how immersed in the music Elvis had become during this show was needed, then listen out for the amazing off mic "Get it on baby", just losing himself in the moment, as the songs finale reaches it's crescendo.

22:21 Version Six – 13 August, Dinner Show
This rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water is typical of his August 1970 engagement, with Elvis giving a quite sterling performance. Unfortunately, the MGM cameras were turned off during principal photography for the final time, just as Glen Hardin began the piano intro and so this rendition is audio only.

As with all of these videos, to get the most out of the re-edited audio, I highly recommend you use ear /headphones and turn the volume up as much as you dare!

Видео Elvis Presley - Bridge Over Troubled Water - TTWII Versions - The Live Comparison Series - Vol. 108 канала The Ultimate Elvis Channel by Leon