Having mentioned Elvis Presley's ballad singing yesterday, I thought I would find an example for you today, and "Love Me Tender" is as good as any. What's immediately striking to me, whenever I listen to Elvis now, is the control he had over his instrument, seemingly from the very beginning, and the astonishing resonance that it was capable of producing. It was no doubt largely informed by his knowledge of gospel singing (another example of taste being the most important attribute for a musician). Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZBUb0ElnNY.

And now have a listen to the same song (in a medley with "Witchcraft") sung by Presley and Frank Sinatra: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfXCYk0xSA. How many rock and roll singers could have done that? I think Frank speaks for all of us with his final comment in the clip: "Thank you, Elvis".