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Very happy to welcome to our BRUCE JACKSON ON THE ROAD WITH ELVIS Facebook page a new friend Noel Shine in Ireland. Thanks Noel for these comments: "Bruce was an innovator in the live sound experience at the highest level (no pun intended). Sound engineers don't get the kudos they deserve from the general public, much like photographers or technical people in general. From what I've read on the internet, Bruce was central to many developments in sound engineering. I never saw Elvis in concert, but I did see Bruce Springsteen's Tunnel of Love tour when it came to Dublin. It was one of the best concerts I was ever at and Bruce Jackson was still working with The Boss at that time. If only I had known, I would have made a bee-line to the sound desk and shook the hand that rocked the world. The great era of Rock'n'Roll would not have sounded the same without men like Bruce Jackson. I think your website and book is a wonderful testimony to an unsung hero and will go along way to keeping his legacy alive.
Best wishes to you and I pray Bruce will inspire me from on high at my sound production module. Well done Gary, it is a fine thing you are doing." |
Excellent review from Bernie Howitt in the September 2019 TEACHING HISTORY journal. Thanks Bernie.
"Bruce Jackson may not be the first name you think of when you think about rock’n’roll, but if you’ve ever been to a live show, you have become part of his enduring legacy. He is one of the most significant but least heralded Australian contributors to the success of rock’n’roll as a popular culture. His technical wizardry helped revolutionise the sound you hear every time you go to a concert.
Bruce Jackson’s historical legacy now sits a little firmer thanks to this stunningly beautiful book produced by his brother Gary. At one, simple level it is the story of a boy with an interest in electronics and music who defied the conventional path of becoming an electrician, dropped out of uni, established a sound production company in Australia, joined an American sound company, and ended up working with Elvis. As this gloriously illustrated book reveals however, the full story is much more complex, and emerges as a unique source book for understanding Australian social and cultural history.
The Jacksons grew up in a sandstone Rose Bay castle their parents bought in 1954. Fernleigh Castle was restored and became a functioning hotel in 1956. Amongst the celebrity guests are those moments that helped shape the 1950s and 1960s here: sitting on a roof watching Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin, observing a Soviet spy and his regular ASIO tail, and the emergence of teenagers. Through it all, Elvis Presley’s presence, despite never touring here, shows the significance of American popular culture to a new generation.
For students trying to make sense of their own education, Bruce Jackson’s years at Vaucluse Boys’ High will provide fascinating reading. Bruce Jackson arrived with a headmaster who wanted to upgrade the school’s communication facilities, a perfect synchronicity for the emerging electronics whizz. A group of boys convinced the headmaster to purchase a PA system that would also allow broadcasting, and soon a secret student radio station was operating.
That crucial period of social change in the late sixties is captured here through young eyes. The step from Vaucluse Boys’ High to front of house for Elvis is detailed as Bruce Jackson’s electronic skills and original approach led him to the US. Bruce Jackson quickly gained Elvis’ confidence as he produced new, innovative approaches to presenting live sound. Jackson’s letters home provide an invaluable primary source as he tours the US with Elvis between 1971 and 1977. There were other tours, other innovations as concerts got larger and larger throughout the 1970s. It’s these years that provide the heart of the book. It’s gold dust for a music fan, but a rich vein of primary sources for anyone teaching the popular culture unit.
Rock music fans will know that Bruce Jackson went on to work for Bruce Springsteen as he claimed Elvis' live music throne as the epitome of American rock’n’roll. Jackson’s skill was pivotal in that ascendency, and shows that this unsung Australian was a crucial figure in providing the pulse for rock’n’roll to emerge as a behemoth of popular culture by the 1980s. It was Jackson who provided the sound for the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sydney Olympics. If you ever marvel at the hanging speakers that provide the crystal sound in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, thank Bruce Jackson. His premature death piloting a single engine plane in Death Valley in 2011 robbed the world of one of Australia’s brightest talents.
This is not a cheap, buy a set for class book. This is a beautiful primary source that should grace the libraries of all schools that still put books in them. For teachers it will provide insights and sources that will make lessons more enriching. For students it will allow them to dream that all things are possible, and that is a most precious gift."
Bernie Howitt
NSW History Teachers' Association
"Bruce Jackson may not be the first name you think of when you think about rock’n’roll, but if you’ve ever been to a live show, you have become part of his enduring legacy. He is one of the most significant but least heralded Australian contributors to the success of rock’n’roll as a popular culture. His technical wizardry helped revolutionise the sound you hear every time you go to a concert.
Bruce Jackson’s historical legacy now sits a little firmer thanks to this stunningly beautiful book produced by his brother Gary. At one, simple level it is the story of a boy with an interest in electronics and music who defied the conventional path of becoming an electrician, dropped out of uni, established a sound production company in Australia, joined an American sound company, and ended up working with Elvis. As this gloriously illustrated book reveals however, the full story is much more complex, and emerges as a unique source book for understanding Australian social and cultural history.
The Jacksons grew up in a sandstone Rose Bay castle their parents bought in 1954. Fernleigh Castle was restored and became a functioning hotel in 1956. Amongst the celebrity guests are those moments that helped shape the 1950s and 1960s here: sitting on a roof watching Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin, observing a Soviet spy and his regular ASIO tail, and the emergence of teenagers. Through it all, Elvis Presley’s presence, despite never touring here, shows the significance of American popular culture to a new generation.
For students trying to make sense of their own education, Bruce Jackson’s years at Vaucluse Boys’ High will provide fascinating reading. Bruce Jackson arrived with a headmaster who wanted to upgrade the school’s communication facilities, a perfect synchronicity for the emerging electronics whizz. A group of boys convinced the headmaster to purchase a PA system that would also allow broadcasting, and soon a secret student radio station was operating.
That crucial period of social change in the late sixties is captured here through young eyes. The step from Vaucluse Boys’ High to front of house for Elvis is detailed as Bruce Jackson’s electronic skills and original approach led him to the US. Bruce Jackson quickly gained Elvis’ confidence as he produced new, innovative approaches to presenting live sound. Jackson’s letters home provide an invaluable primary source as he tours the US with Elvis between 1971 and 1977. There were other tours, other innovations as concerts got larger and larger throughout the 1970s. It’s these years that provide the heart of the book. It’s gold dust for a music fan, but a rich vein of primary sources for anyone teaching the popular culture unit.
Rock music fans will know that Bruce Jackson went on to work for Bruce Springsteen as he claimed Elvis' live music throne as the epitome of American rock’n’roll. Jackson’s skill was pivotal in that ascendency, and shows that this unsung Australian was a crucial figure in providing the pulse for rock’n’roll to emerge as a behemoth of popular culture by the 1980s. It was Jackson who provided the sound for the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sydney Olympics. If you ever marvel at the hanging speakers that provide the crystal sound in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House, thank Bruce Jackson. His premature death piloting a single engine plane in Death Valley in 2011 robbed the world of one of Australia’s brightest talents.
This is not a cheap, buy a set for class book. This is a beautiful primary source that should grace the libraries of all schools that still put books in them. For teachers it will provide insights and sources that will make lessons more enriching. For students it will allow them to dream that all things are possible, and that is a most precious gift."
Bernie Howitt
NSW History Teachers' Association
These are a few of the many unsolicited reviews and comments we have received from readers ...
What a magnificent book ... beautifully done ... far beyond my expectations ... I am so very proud to be in it ... for my small contribution to the life of such a clever gentle man xxx (From Roger Foley, alias Ellis D. Fogg)
Guillermo Reinoso H
4:23 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
HI GARY
GOOD AFTERNOON
I'M VERY HAPPY
TODAY I GET THE BOOK
IT IS WONDERFUL
INFINITAS THANK YOU
WHEN YOU HAVE NEW PRODUCTS YOU INFORM ME.
BEST REGARDS
GUILLERMO FROM CHILE
4:23 AM (1 hour ago)
to me
HI GARY
GOOD AFTERNOON
I'M VERY HAPPY
TODAY I GET THE BOOK
IT IS WONDERFUL
INFINITAS THANK YOU
WHEN YOU HAVE NEW PRODUCTS YOU INFORM ME.
BEST REGARDS
GUILLERMO FROM CHILE
HELLO
GARY
VERY GOOD DAYS
I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR NEW PROJECTS
YOU HAVE MATERIAL WITH ELVIS PRESLEY
BEST REGARDS
GUILLERMO
GARY
VERY GOOD DAYS
I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR NEW PROJECTS
YOU HAVE MATERIAL WITH ELVIS PRESLEY
BEST REGARDS
GUILLERMO
Loving the book!! Fab reviews for a fab book, again very well done to you both
... Maxine x
... Maxine x
Hi , Gary
Just finished reading the book and I must say, your love for Bruce and your family really comes through. I thoroughly loved the read. Ironically, I most recently acquired a super 8 film of the June 3rd, 1976 show in Fort Worth, Texas. Happy Birthday to Bruce complete with handshake is on celluloid forever!
Thanks again for the marvelous production.
Steve Barile
Bronx
Just finished reading the book and I must say, your love for Bruce and your family really comes through. I thoroughly loved the read. Ironically, I most recently acquired a super 8 film of the June 3rd, 1976 show in Fort Worth, Texas. Happy Birthday to Bruce complete with handshake is on celluloid forever!
Thanks again for the marvelous production.
Steve Barile
Bronx
"Hi Gary,
I'm loving the book and thank you so much for all the lovely comments about our family. You're a very good author, very easy to read it just flows and because I knew you all it has so much more meaning for me. I'm reading it slowly because I want to stretch it out, don't want to rush it. I'm so happy it's doing so well and such great, positive feedback. It was like opening a Christmas present that I couldn't wait to get inside. The packaging and presentation is absolutely fabulous. When I turned the first few pages and saw the first picture of Bruce I burst out crying! I can't wait to read it all. This biker guy who bought the other book is going be totally impressed.
Thanks so much,"
Maxine Bygraves, X, Marbella, Spain
I'm loving the book and thank you so much for all the lovely comments about our family. You're a very good author, very easy to read it just flows and because I knew you all it has so much more meaning for me. I'm reading it slowly because I want to stretch it out, don't want to rush it. I'm so happy it's doing so well and such great, positive feedback. It was like opening a Christmas present that I couldn't wait to get inside. The packaging and presentation is absolutely fabulous. When I turned the first few pages and saw the first picture of Bruce I burst out crying! I can't wait to read it all. This biker guy who bought the other book is going be totally impressed.
Thanks so much,"
Maxine Bygraves, X, Marbella, Spain
"Love the book but at 2kg it is too heavy to read in bed."
Fred Armstrong, Gymea, NSW
Fred Armstrong, Gymea, NSW
"Well-packaged to deal with Aus Post."
SQUARE customer
SQUARE customer
"Just got mine here in the UK. Looks superb so far."
Phil Shakespeare, UK
Phil Shakespeare, UK
"Dear Mr Jackson,
Love the book, it's gorgeous. What an amazing life Bruce had! I remember when your brother died and what a tragedy it was - he had done such wonderful work. I can assure you that your book will be very well looked after! I am going to forward your email to the Library Shop.
Thank you again,"
Anne Drayton, Librarian, State Library of NSW
Love the book, it's gorgeous. What an amazing life Bruce had! I remember when your brother died and what a tragedy it was - he had done such wonderful work. I can assure you that your book will be very well looked after! I am going to forward your email to the Library Shop.
Thank you again,"
Anne Drayton, Librarian, State Library of NSW
"So prestigious! It is a winner for sure. Lovely writing and lavish visuals. Everyone who sees my copy gushes effusively. Anyone failing to gush will risk imperiling my friendship. National Library next (and each state library), also Library of Congress, of course. Clearly, Gary, you have produced an Australian classic. I say this with complete seriousness.
Hit the USA. Go, go, go! At this rate you'll be able to afford to buy a castle."
John Lenn, JP,
Maroubra, Sydney
(Thanks John, the book is now in the National Library of Australia as well as the State Library of NSW, Woollahra Library, Waverley Library and the AFTRS Library (Australian Film, Television and Radio School) - Gary)
Hit the USA. Go, go, go! At this rate you'll be able to afford to buy a castle."
John Lenn, JP,
Maroubra, Sydney
(Thanks John, the book is now in the National Library of Australia as well as the State Library of NSW, Woollahra Library, Waverley Library and the AFTRS Library (Australian Film, Television and Radio School) - Gary)
"Very nice interview. You did your homework well. Damn I miss him. On the tours I had two best mates as you say, Bruce and Joe Guercio. We were all blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Elvis. Bruce brought me a couple of opals one time for my wife, she will never forget that gesture. Heck we could share stories for hours and maybe some day I will get down there. Thanks." https://vimeo.com/310029711
Charles Stone, Memphis.
(Author and a close friend of Bruce. Charles toured with the Elvis Presley show as a co-crewmember).
Charles Stone, Memphis.
(Author and a close friend of Bruce. Charles toured with the Elvis Presley show as a co-crewmember).
"Thanks so much, Gary Jackson and Helen for delivering your beautiful, lush book to our home yesterday! I love the reprographics and the high quality printing. Very honoured and humbled to see my introduction page right next to Bruce Springsteen's. For those who don't know, Gary's older brother Bruce was one of the world's greatest live sound engineers who worked for the BEST of the best - Elvis, Springsteen, Streisand - and was loved and respected by all of them. That last part is almost unimaginable and goes to the core of the man.
Bruce died tragically in January 2011, leaving a trove of letters, audio tapes and memorabilia that Gary and Helen have used to painstakingly author this work. The book is more than tour tales with Elvis, though it has enough of those to guarantee a lot of sales to his fans. It weaves the story of the Jackson family - unique blessed and textured as that can be - with a veritable history of the start of the Australian and global pop music industry from the 1960's.
As Gary told me recently, 'everything' started in the 1960's. The book amplifies that, no pun intended. (Bruce designed and built audio equipment, such as amplifiers!) His name lives large as the 'J' in JANDS, which started as 'Jackson and Story'. JANDS remains today the number one audio company in Australia. Ironically Bruce and Gary went to the same high school that I did. We share a lot of grim memories.
Thank you SO much Gary, for letting me help you in a small way with your work of love, your legacy for your bigger-than-life and now dearly missed brother."
Julius Grafton, CX Magazine and ENTECH Roadshow principal, Sydney Australia
Bruce died tragically in January 2011, leaving a trove of letters, audio tapes and memorabilia that Gary and Helen have used to painstakingly author this work. The book is more than tour tales with Elvis, though it has enough of those to guarantee a lot of sales to his fans. It weaves the story of the Jackson family - unique blessed and textured as that can be - with a veritable history of the start of the Australian and global pop music industry from the 1960's.
As Gary told me recently, 'everything' started in the 1960's. The book amplifies that, no pun intended. (Bruce designed and built audio equipment, such as amplifiers!) His name lives large as the 'J' in JANDS, which started as 'Jackson and Story'. JANDS remains today the number one audio company in Australia. Ironically Bruce and Gary went to the same high school that I did. We share a lot of grim memories.
Thank you SO much Gary, for letting me help you in a small way with your work of love, your legacy for your bigger-than-life and now dearly missed brother."
Julius Grafton, CX Magazine and ENTECH Roadshow principal, Sydney Australia
"Totally delighted to catch up with Gary Jackson and get a copy of the beautiful book he's written about his brother, the legendary Australian sound guy Bruce Jackson who - amongst many things - worked with Elvis during the Vegas years and then that guy called Bruce who was so excited to have Elvis' sound guy working with him. It's a totally lavish, detailed, profusely illustrated book. A perfect present for Elvis, Springsteen and audio folk."
https://2ser.com/dirt-music/
Stuart Coupe, Sydney.
Legendary Australian music industry writer
https://2ser.com/dirt-music/
Stuart Coupe, Sydney.
Legendary Australian music industry writer
"A treasure trove of memories. If you don't already have a copy, get one!"
Walter Pearce (who together with fellow students Phil Storey, Bruce Morrison and Adrian Wood ran an illegal pirate radio station 2VH at Vaucluse Boys High School in the 1960s with the full support of the headmaster. 'Wally Weird, the Stormwater Reporter' tapped into the sportsmaster's phone so it could be used to take surf reports on air phoned in from public payphones along Sydney's beaches on Australia's first talkback radio).
Walter Pearce (who together with fellow students Phil Storey, Bruce Morrison and Adrian Wood ran an illegal pirate radio station 2VH at Vaucluse Boys High School in the 1960s with the full support of the headmaster. 'Wally Weird, the Stormwater Reporter' tapped into the sportsmaster's phone so it could be used to take surf reports on air phoned in from public payphones along Sydney's beaches on Australia's first talkback radio).
"Hi All
Many thanks to you, Gary, for preserving the memories of Bruce. Also, thanks to you Wally for your memories. You and I spent a lot of time in your laundry workshop building devices, and I learnt a lot about electronics from you.
Kind regards,"
Bruce Carmichael
"Tremendous book! Really worth to have!! I’ve read the first 50 pages of your book, and let me say that this is a true star in my collection of books related to Elvis!! The layout is top notch, very good pictures and it is really well written.
Your brother must be proud of you and your work! I can the feel the love you have for your brother in the book. Very touchingly. Forgive me for asking, but: there’s a rumor in the Elvis-world that says the estate of Bruce Jackson have almost all the soundboards that Bruce made from Elvis’s concerts. (Read: almost perfect sound) Is that true? I really don’t want to be rude, but I thought it would be the best to ask you directly. Sincerely André."
André Anderson, Denmark
Your brother must be proud of you and your work! I can the feel the love you have for your brother in the book. Very touchingly. Forgive me for asking, but: there’s a rumor in the Elvis-world that says the estate of Bruce Jackson have almost all the soundboards that Bruce made from Elvis’s concerts. (Read: almost perfect sound) Is that true? I really don’t want to be rude, but I thought it would be the best to ask you directly. Sincerely André."
André Anderson, Denmark
"Thank You for immortalising Our Bruce in this book Miss Helen & Gaz x"
Margaret Jackson
Margaret Jackson
"Wow! I’m proud to have been involved in this book. It’s great to see the final product. There was a lot of people working on this, many from this Facebook page 'For Elvis Music Fans Only!'
https://www.facebook.com/groups/24618197890904/?ref=share It’s selling really well and is limited to 500 copies so if you haven’t ordered you may now be disappointed. Can’t wait to begin work on part two!"
Evan Mueller, Sydney
https://www.facebook.com/groups/24618197890904/?ref=share It’s selling really well and is limited to 500 copies so if you haven’t ordered you may now be disappointed. Can’t wait to begin work on part two!"
Evan Mueller, Sydney
"Dear Gary,
I've just finished reading every word in your book, reading much more attentively than when preparing notes for your interview at Studio 10. https://vimeo.com/310029711 It's a magnificent book, beautiful on many levels. Much of what you tell resonates deeply with me. And I loved the artistic presentation, so compliments go to both you and your wife.
Thank you so much for giving me the book and for sharing these wonderful stories, from the time of your parents and your childhoods, to the time of Bruce's outstanding career with Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and many others. I was delighted to meet you and Julius, and delighted too in sharing with our audience your wonderful stories about your talented brother Bruce.
With best wishes,"
Frank Canu, Channel 10 Producer, Sydney
I've just finished reading every word in your book, reading much more attentively than when preparing notes for your interview at Studio 10. https://vimeo.com/310029711 It's a magnificent book, beautiful on many levels. Much of what you tell resonates deeply with me. And I loved the artistic presentation, so compliments go to both you and your wife.
Thank you so much for giving me the book and for sharing these wonderful stories, from the time of your parents and your childhoods, to the time of Bruce's outstanding career with Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and many others. I was delighted to meet you and Julius, and delighted too in sharing with our audience your wonderful stories about your talented brother Bruce.
With best wishes,"
Frank Canu, Channel 10 Producer, Sydney
"Hi Gary;
Well done. I’ve been leafing through it and have especially enjoyed reading about the Jackson brothers early years. It provided some interesting perspective. I still owe you Jackie Kahane scripts. I confess I have not been able to find the box I stored them in.
Best Regards,"
Stan Horine, Clair Global, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Well done. I’ve been leafing through it and have especially enjoyed reading about the Jackson brothers early years. It provided some interesting perspective. I still owe you Jackie Kahane scripts. I confess I have not been able to find the box I stored them in.
Best Regards,"
Stan Horine, Clair Global, Lititz, Pennsylvania
"What an excellent design & printing achievement Gary. I watched Ten play and saw your very effective interview so I think a reprint will shortly be demanded. Perhaps you will need to open a mail room." https://vimeo.com/310029711
Ernie Tucker, Sydney
Ernie Tucker, Sydney
"G'day!
Received the beautiful books ... thank you, Gary
All the best,"
Steve Barile, Bronx NY
Received the beautiful books ... thank you, Gary
All the best,"
Steve Barile, Bronx NY
Hi Gary,
Just a quick note to tell you I really enjoyed the book. Well done. I read it over 3 days as soon as I got it home. An amazing story. I knew a bit about Bruce but never met him. I have had a lot to do with JANDS over the last 30 years and was aware of where the name came from. I am originally from Melbourne but have been a resident of Rose Bay for the last 15 years, so your family’s history of this area I found very interesting.
Cheers,"
Murray Tregonning, Sydney
Just a quick note to tell you I really enjoyed the book. Well done. I read it over 3 days as soon as I got it home. An amazing story. I knew a bit about Bruce but never met him. I have had a lot to do with JANDS over the last 30 years and was aware of where the name came from. I am originally from Melbourne but have been a resident of Rose Bay for the last 15 years, so your family’s history of this area I found very interesting.
Cheers,"
Murray Tregonning, Sydney
"Wow! it’s so incredible..
I shared the book with my colleagues and we are all excited and happy to learn so much more about you as the author and the book. Indeed ... incredible.
Cheers,"
Priscilla Tang, Singapore
I shared the book with my colleagues and we are all excited and happy to learn so much more about you as the author and the book. Indeed ... incredible.
Cheers,"
Priscilla Tang, Singapore
Hi Gary,
What a fantastic interview. I’m in the process of reading the book. It's really wonderful. Bruce would be so proud of you.
Love, Carol" https://vimeo.com/310029711
Carol Farhat,
Vice President
Television Music Production
Fox Studios, Beverly Hills
California
"Hi Gary,
I received the book yesterday and have read about half of it this morning, had to pull myself away from it to get some things done. It’s beautiful, engrossing and packed full of well-told stories, detailed information and descriptive images.
Congratulations to you both for an outstanding production! Clearly, it’s been an enormous amount of work and has been put together with a great respect and love. I admit to feeling a little proud of your achievement which is a little odd, I know, but then again it is understandable that I’d want to show it off to all who might listen because it is a story of an extraordinary life of which I was a part.
I got a laugh out of a few bits. It has a great overall tone and energy. I did try to read it as if I didn’t know it already and, while there is a lot I didn’t know, I think anyone with an interest in Bruce, Elvis, sound producers and developers or anyone working in the industry would find it a great read. I showed it to some guests who were highly impressed and also to some friends who visited yesterday. They were blown away, totally engrossed, in particular the technical stuff and I have no doubt they will get hold of a book. He had been talking about the technical advances of the industry, specifically hanging speakers, before I showed him the book. I’m so glad it’s selling well and far and wide. It needs to be in the National Library, the State Library, at the Powerhouse etc. It’s about a great Australian!"
Tina Mulholland, (sister)
Katoomba
I received the book yesterday and have read about half of it this morning, had to pull myself away from it to get some things done. It’s beautiful, engrossing and packed full of well-told stories, detailed information and descriptive images.
Congratulations to you both for an outstanding production! Clearly, it’s been an enormous amount of work and has been put together with a great respect and love. I admit to feeling a little proud of your achievement which is a little odd, I know, but then again it is understandable that I’d want to show it off to all who might listen because it is a story of an extraordinary life of which I was a part.
I got a laugh out of a few bits. It has a great overall tone and energy. I did try to read it as if I didn’t know it already and, while there is a lot I didn’t know, I think anyone with an interest in Bruce, Elvis, sound producers and developers or anyone working in the industry would find it a great read. I showed it to some guests who were highly impressed and also to some friends who visited yesterday. They were blown away, totally engrossed, in particular the technical stuff and I have no doubt they will get hold of a book. He had been talking about the technical advances of the industry, specifically hanging speakers, before I showed him the book. I’m so glad it’s selling well and far and wide. It needs to be in the National Library, the State Library, at the Powerhouse etc. It’s about a great Australian!"
Tina Mulholland, (sister)
Katoomba
"It's great Gary! It’s a nice book and tribute to your brother. I’m giving one to my dad and the other to my sister. I need the third one for myself!
Fred Vogler, Los Angeles
Principal Sound Designer, Hollywood Bowl. (Fred has an orchestral background and worked with Bruce on the Streisand comeback show and subsequent tours).
Fred Vogler, Los Angeles
Principal Sound Designer, Hollywood Bowl. (Fred has an orchestral background and worked with Bruce on the Streisand comeback show and subsequent tours).
"Hi Gary,
I hate to be a nuisance but would it be possible to purchase another two copies of the book? Have my brothers asking where are their copies are. Little do they know that, if this is possible, then book will equate to next birthday and xmas present. Re the touring at Clair, didn't do too much with Trip (Khalaf) he was a more senior engineer and had his accounts, I did one night tours, that is a 2 man team, truck and system would go out for several weeks, Criss-crossing the country doing one off audio jobs. It was interesting ... Gladys Knight and the Pips Pittsburg Stadium one day then ZZ Top in an auditorium the next night and so on. Was real hard at times, spent most of free time in the truck driving. Every few days would get to a motel and get clean again, did this right up until visa and cash problems intervened.
Cheers," -
Bill McCartney. (Bill toured with Bruce on the Elvis Presley Show in 1974 and 1975, then stayed on in Lititz with Clair Brothers).
I hate to be a nuisance but would it be possible to purchase another two copies of the book? Have my brothers asking where are their copies are. Little do they know that, if this is possible, then book will equate to next birthday and xmas present. Re the touring at Clair, didn't do too much with Trip (Khalaf) he was a more senior engineer and had his accounts, I did one night tours, that is a 2 man team, truck and system would go out for several weeks, Criss-crossing the country doing one off audio jobs. It was interesting ... Gladys Knight and the Pips Pittsburg Stadium one day then ZZ Top in an auditorium the next night and so on. Was real hard at times, spent most of free time in the truck driving. Every few days would get to a motel and get clean again, did this right up until visa and cash problems intervened.
Cheers," -
Bill McCartney. (Bill toured with Bruce on the Elvis Presley Show in 1974 and 1975, then stayed on in Lititz with Clair Brothers).
Mar 2019 Elvis The Man & His Music magazine
This is the most respected Elvis magazine wordwide. It is held in the highest esteem amongst collectors.
Book review: BRUCE JACKSON ON THE ROAD WITH ELVIS
Gary Jackson
Foreword by Bruce Springsteen
(Band Book Publishers)
"Gary Jackson, the brother of Elvis' one-time sound engineer, the late Bruce Jackson, has put together this 209 page hardcover book in a sturdy slipcase covering Bruce's life growing up in Australia, his years with Elvis from 1971 (at the young age of 22) until Elvis's death on August 16th 1977, as well as a short chapter on is time with Bruce Springsteen. Evan Mueller, a name many Elvis fans know, provided research and verification for the book and it is based on audio recordings Bruce made, along with many letters and postcards sent home to his family over the years - many reproduced in the book. For those of you who are into photos, the book does offer some rare on stage and candid images that I had not seen before.
I must say I did enjoy the book. It was very interesting reading about how Bruce started with the November 1971 tour. Placing the speakers above the stage and hoisting them up high was his idea. You can see a drawing of this as well as actual photos in the book. I can tell you from friends of mine who did see Elvis during the '70s, that they always commented on how great the sound was, and to hear Elvis sing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' or 'An American Trilogy' was an experience you had to witness yourself to truly appreciate.
When word about this book first came out, there was a lot of on-line chatter about soundboards and people were hoping for information on them to be included - what shows Bruce had from the November 1971 tour, the summer 1973 tour (which Bruce was not actually part of), the July 1975 tour and the December 1976 tour shows. There is some mention of them on page 140, where it does state that Bruce recorded almost every show "as insurance for review if required for any reason, such as a dispute over technical issues or contractual arrangements with the venue." Bruce would hand over the tapes at the end of every show to Tom Diskin. It does say that Bruce recorded a spare for safety for his own records, usually on a C90 TDK cassette tape, like the December 30th Atlanta gig as shown on page 178 (a show which included the rarely-performed 'Such A Night').
The illustrations on page 151 and 153 show the setup for the December 31st 1975 Pontiac show and the information on the stage and the tunnel Elvis used to get to they stage which I found very interesting. There were almost 50 speakers that formed the base of the round stage that night.
The book states that 200 of Bruce's soundboard recordings are in Sony's hands, with about 65 of them officially available, but that "600 shows are … tantalizingly and safely held in another vault." While some of you may want to hear all of these, I think we can all be happy with getting a taste of Elvis' concerts from the 200 that we already have. After all, that means there are still 135 more FTD soundboards to be released in the coming years …"
Paul Sweeney
This is the most respected Elvis magazine wordwide. It is held in the highest esteem amongst collectors.
Book review: BRUCE JACKSON ON THE ROAD WITH ELVIS
Gary Jackson
Foreword by Bruce Springsteen
(Band Book Publishers)
"Gary Jackson, the brother of Elvis' one-time sound engineer, the late Bruce Jackson, has put together this 209 page hardcover book in a sturdy slipcase covering Bruce's life growing up in Australia, his years with Elvis from 1971 (at the young age of 22) until Elvis's death on August 16th 1977, as well as a short chapter on is time with Bruce Springsteen. Evan Mueller, a name many Elvis fans know, provided research and verification for the book and it is based on audio recordings Bruce made, along with many letters and postcards sent home to his family over the years - many reproduced in the book. For those of you who are into photos, the book does offer some rare on stage and candid images that I had not seen before.
I must say I did enjoy the book. It was very interesting reading about how Bruce started with the November 1971 tour. Placing the speakers above the stage and hoisting them up high was his idea. You can see a drawing of this as well as actual photos in the book. I can tell you from friends of mine who did see Elvis during the '70s, that they always commented on how great the sound was, and to hear Elvis sing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' or 'An American Trilogy' was an experience you had to witness yourself to truly appreciate.
When word about this book first came out, there was a lot of on-line chatter about soundboards and people were hoping for information on them to be included - what shows Bruce had from the November 1971 tour, the summer 1973 tour (which Bruce was not actually part of), the July 1975 tour and the December 1976 tour shows. There is some mention of them on page 140, where it does state that Bruce recorded almost every show "as insurance for review if required for any reason, such as a dispute over technical issues or contractual arrangements with the venue." Bruce would hand over the tapes at the end of every show to Tom Diskin. It does say that Bruce recorded a spare for safety for his own records, usually on a C90 TDK cassette tape, like the December 30th Atlanta gig as shown on page 178 (a show which included the rarely-performed 'Such A Night').
The illustrations on page 151 and 153 show the setup for the December 31st 1975 Pontiac show and the information on the stage and the tunnel Elvis used to get to they stage which I found very interesting. There were almost 50 speakers that formed the base of the round stage that night.
The book states that 200 of Bruce's soundboard recordings are in Sony's hands, with about 65 of them officially available, but that "600 shows are … tantalizingly and safely held in another vault." While some of you may want to hear all of these, I think we can all be happy with getting a taste of Elvis' concerts from the 200 that we already have. After all, that means there are still 135 more FTD soundboards to be released in the coming years …"
Paul Sweeney
Slipcase back
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Slipcase front
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Beoordeling op www.elvismatters.com
België Hier gereproduceerd met de vriendelijke toestemming van Jeroen Vanderschoot 'Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis' is een indrukwekkend boek dat het verhaal verteld van Elvis' geluidstechnicus Bruce Jackson. Bruce werkte voor Elvis van 1971 tot en met Elvis' laatste concert in 1977. Bruce was de absolute wereldtop als het ging over het tot stand brengen van de best mogelijk geluidskwaliteit tijdens live concerten. Op vele live-concerten kan je horen dat Elvis Bruce voorstelt aan het publiek. Helaas kwam Bruce om het leven in een vliegtuigongeval in Californië in 2011. Gelukkig had Bruce tijdens zijn actieve leven de gewoonte om enorm veel notities te maken van zijn belevenissen met Elvis on the road. Bruce ging zelfs zover dat hij zijn eigen gesproken stem opnam om zijn ervaringen met Elvis op die manier te bewaren. Als geluidstechnicus is dit misschien niet zo heel vreemd. Op basis van deze notities en opnames schreef de broer van Bruce, Gary Jackson, nu dit boek. Het luxueuze boek zit verpakt in een cassette en neemt je mee naar de seventies met nieuwe verhalen, wetenswaardigheden en details die nog nooit werden verteld. Rijk geïllustreerd met foto's, tourliteratuur etc., krijg je een impressie hoe het leven van dag tot dag "on the road" geleefd werd, in de schaduw van de allergrootste zanger die de wereld ooit gekend heeft : Elvis Presley. Bruce werd door Elvis verwelkomd in zijn entourage door middel van een hoogstpersoonlijke TCB-ketting, overhandigd door de The King Himself! Na het overlijden van Elvis werkte Bruce voor nog meer wereldartiesten. Om met Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Barry White, Art Garfunkel slechts enkele te noemen. Wil jij dit prachtige boek in je collectie? Bestel een exemplaar in pre-order via ShopElvisMatters. Gepubliceerd: 05 april 2019, 07:18 Bron: ElvisMatters / Gepubliceerd door: ElvisMatters - Jeroen Vanderschoot . Overname van dit nieuwsbericht is toegestaan mits met bronvermelding: www.elvismatters.com |
Review at www.elvismatters.com
Belgium Reproduced here with the kind permission of Jeroen Vanderschoot "Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis" is an impressive book that tells the story of Elvis' sound engineer Bruce Jackson. Bruce worked for Elvis from 1971 up to and including Elvis' last concert in 1977. Bruce was the absolute world top when it came to achieving the best possible sound quality during live concerts. At many live concerts you can hear Elvis introducing Bruce to the audience. Unfortunately, Bruce died in a plane crash in California in 2011. Fortunately, during his active life Bruce was in the habit of making a huge amount of notes about his experiences with Elvis on the road. Bruce even went so far as to record his own spoken voice to preserve his experiences with Elvis. As a sound engineer, this may not be that strange. Based on these notes and recordings, Bruce's brother, Gary Jackson, now wrote this book. The luxurious book is packed in a cassette and takes you to the seventies with new stories, facts and details that have never been told before. Richly illustrated with photos, touring literature, etc., you get an impression of how day-to-day life was "on the road", in the shadow of the greatest singer the world has ever known: Elvis Presley. Bruce was welcomed into his entourage by Elvis through a highly personal TCB chain, presented by The King Himself! After Elvis died, Bruce worked for even more world artists. To name just a few with Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Barry White, Art Garfunkel. Do you want this beautiful book in your collection? Order a copy in pre-order via ShopElvisMatters. Published: April 5, 2019, 7:18 AM Source: ElvisMatters / Published by: ElvisMatters - Jeroen Vanderschoot. Reproduction of this news item is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged: www.elvismatters.com |
"Dear Gary Jackson,
Congratulations on your book, it is a great read. I would really appreciate your autograph to place inside my copy. I have enclosed an addressed envelope, I would be very happy to pay you for the postage. Best wishes to you and thanks for such a great book, I love it."
Pete in Memphis, TN
Congratulations on your book, it is a great read. I would really appreciate your autograph to place inside my copy. I have enclosed an addressed envelope, I would be very happy to pay you for the postage. Best wishes to you and thanks for such a great book, I love it."
Pete in Memphis, TN
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NOVO LIVRO “BRUCE JACKSON ON THE ROAD WITH ELVIS”. Bruce Jackson foi o responsável pelo som nos concertos de Elvis, em tournée, durante seis anos. Em 5 de julho de 1976, em Memphis, no final de uma tournée, Elvis deu um colar TCB de ouro a Bruce e deu-lhe as boas vindas ao círculo interno, acrescentando que já lhe era devido há muito tempo.
Bruce Jackson era natural de Sidney, na Austrália. Por volta de 1971, quando tinha apenas 22 anos, tornou-se no engenheiro de som de Elvis Presley. Bruce revolucionou o som de Elvis Presley. Ele foi a primeira pessoa a colocar colunas acima do nível do chão, o que fez com o que som se projetasse muito mais. Depois de Elvis ter morrido em 1977, foi, então, trabalhar para Bruce Springsteen. Muito do som e das técnicas que são hoje utilizadas provêm de elementos que Bruce Jackson desenvolveu. “Bruce Jackson on the Road With Elvis” é um livro de grande formato (2410 x 315 mm, com 222 páginas), lindamente apresentado com capa dura, impresso em papel de qualidade, em semi mate e traz uma caixa, tipo arquivo, para se guardar. Esta história original, que contém não só um contributo notável sobre a vida australiana, mas também novas perspetivas sobre a vida de Elvis Presley, será muito bem recebida pelos fãs que podem achar que sabem tudo sobre a vida e a carreira de Elvis e que já tudo foi dito. Este livro contém muitas fotos originais, nunca antes publicadas, provenientes da coleção da família de Jackson. Criado num castelo que tinha vista sobre o porto de Sydney, Bruce Jackson desistiu do seu curso universitário em 1968 para construir estroboscópios, amplificadores e órgãos coloridos para os espetáculos da cultura psicadélica emergente. Mal sabia ele que em apenas 3 anos estaria na estrada, a gerir o som de Elvis Presley e destinado a mudar para sempre como o som de um concerto ao vivo era apresentado. Em seis anos com Elvis Presley, Bruce estabeleceu um elo profissional e pessoal íntimo com Elvis, que confiava implicitamente nele para apresentar o melhor som possível. As invenções e emancipações técnicas de Bruce foram adotadas por toda a indústria de concertos ao vivo em digressão. “Bruce morreu quando estava a pilotar a seu próprio avião em Death Valley, na Califórnia, em 2011. Era um minucioso colecionador de memorabilia e deixou um registo diário assombroso da sua vida diária na estrada, incluindo postais, cartas e cassetes com voz gravada. Utilizei-as, assim como entrevistas feitas a colegas seus, unindo tudo à minha própria experiência como seu irmão mais novo para escrever um tributo justo a ambos homens. O livro disponibiliza uma narrativa íntima e cativante sobre a vida extraordinária de Bruce, ao lado do maior artista do mundo. Depois de ter morrido, o fã de Elvis, Bruce Springsteen, contratou Bruce Jackson, dizendo, “Tenho o fulano que trabalhava para Elvis… o homem que trabalhava para Elvis está agora em minha casa, a trabalhar para mim.” – Gary Jackson. Foram precisos anos de trabalho para fazer deste livro um bonito tributo. A narrativa em primeira mão de Bruce e contributos de amigos e colegas, assim como perspetivas de testemunhas que o seu irmão Gary reuniu, criou uma obra extraordinária. Este é, por incrível que pareça, um novo olhar sobre Elvis por alguém que trabalhou com ele num relacionamento profissional que evoluiu para uma amizade pessoal. Elvis viria a respeitar tanto Bruce Jackson, como este respeitava Elvis Presley. Cliquem na ligação, em baixo, para ver a página de Bruce Jackson dedicada a este livro, onde estão todos os detalhes. |
'Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis' New Book: Bruce Jackson was Elvis Presley's touring soundman for six years. On July 5, 1976, in Memphis at the end of a tour, Elvis gave Bruce a gold TCB necklace and welcomed him to the inner circle, adding that it was long overdue.
Bruce Jackson came from Sydney, Australia. In about 1971, when he was just 22, he became the sound engineer for Elvis Presley. Bruce revolutionised Elvis Presley's sound. He was the first person to put the speakers up off the ground, and fly them from scaffolding. After Elvis died in 1977 he then became Bruce Springsteen's front of house guy. A lot of the sound and techniques in common use today come from elements that Bruce Jackson developed. 'Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis' is a large format (240 X 315mm, 222 page) beautifully presented hardback book printed on premium, semi-matt art archive paper and comes in a custom made slipcase. This original story, with not only an account of a remarkable Australian's life but also a fresh, new insight into the life of Elvis Presley, will be welcomed by fans who may have thought everything on Elvis's life and career had already been said. Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis features many original, never-before-published photographs from the Jackson family collection. Raised in a castle overlooking Sydney Harbour, Bruce Jackson dropped out of university course in 1968 to build stroboscopes, amplifiers and colour-organs for the emerging psychedelic light show culture. Little did he know that in just three years he'd be on the road managing Elvis Presley's sound and poised to change forever how live concert sound was presented. In six years with the Elvis Presley Show Bruce established a close professional and personal bond with Elvis who trusted him implicitly to deliver the best sound possible. Bruce's inventions and technical advances were adopted by the entire live concert touring industry. "Bruce was killed flying his own plane in Death Valley, California in 2011. He was a keen collector of memorabilia and left a haunting day to day record of his life on the road in postcards, letters and talking tapes. I've used them plus interviews with his colleagues and my own experience as his younger brother to write a fitting tribute to both men. The book delivers an intimate, engaging narrative of Bruce's extraordinary life, up close with the world's top performer. After Elvis died, Elvis-fan Bruce Springsteen hired Bruce Jackson, saying "I've got Elvis's guy... Elvis's man is working for me in the house." - Gary Jackson Years of work have gone into making this book a fitting tribute. Bruce's first person narrative and contributions by friends and colleagues plus the eye-witness perspective of his brother Gary come together for an extraordinary insight. This is, incredibly, a new look at Elvis by someone who worked with him in a professional relationship that evolved into a personal friendship. Elvis came to respect Bruce Jackson as much as Bruce respected Elvis Presley. Click below to the 'Bruce Jackson On The Road With Elvis' Facebook page for all the details. |