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Bill
Black

Inducted:

2009

Category:

Musical Excellence

Inducted By:

Garry Tallent (E Street Band)

Elvis auditioned for him. They started jamming on “That’s Alright,” and you know the rest. Much of Bill Black’s career was spent as Elvis Presley’s charismatic bass player, but Black also led a successful career as a bandleader, landing charting in the Hot 100 nearly twenty times.

Induction

"Jail House Rock"

Impact

Encouraged Elvis to learn the value of showmanship.

Gary Tallent

2009 Hall of Fame Essay

For a rocket to break free from the grip of Earth’s gravitational pull, it needs raw, crude thrust, a blast of primal power; the higher it ascends, the less potent combustion is needed...

Written By Robert Burke Warren

Check It Out

sealed with a signature

This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.

Bill Black

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