Steel City '73 - Straight Arrow

 Steel City '73 - Straight Arrow

In memory of John Herman (June 25, 1942 – July 5, 2017) “I first met John Herman around 1974 - 1975. We met the old fashion ways - by mail. He was running ads in the record collector’s magazine GOLDMINE as well as in want ad sections of fan club newsletters. I belonged to several - it’s how we networked with other fans and collectors.

John and I swapped letters and traded Elvis items. Once our relationship was established we began speaking on the phone. Eventually those phone conversations about Elvis turned to more friendly topics. Family, sports and as the years went by - our health issues. He often relayed the story about being a young guy in South Carolina where he was born and being turned on to Elvis from the early days at SUN Records. 

One funny story involved getting the SUN release of “I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine” and disliking it so much that he used it for target practice one day. Imagine shooting a SUN label record! It was of course available in stores back then and before Elvis’ popularity exploded. 

Eventually John and his family relocated to Uniontown, Pennsylvania. A small town about 45 miles east of Pittsburgh along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Pittsburgh would eventually figure greatly in his love for Elvis. John helped me immensely in building my Elvis collection. He was generous to me including trading audio cassettes, reel to reel tapes, video tape, films and records. We became such good friends he gifted me 3 Sun Records, two 45 RPM’s and one 78 RPM. 

As the years progressed he recorded many Elvis concerts. He saw Elvis on tour in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Virginia as well as other places including Elvis’ last two engagements in Las Vegas. He shared a lot of that with me as well as other fans. He even helped me get to some of those shows and shared his access with me - I’m forever grateful. 

Like many of us he began recording the shows on cassette tape. A process that was a learning experience for those of us who did such a thing. The more shows you’re recorded - the better you became at it. The same applied to shooting still pictures or Super 8 film. At some point you got better and better. The interaction between Elvis’ staff, his father and eventually Elvis himself gave John pretty good access to his hero. It’s a story I’ll relate in later editions. Elvis loved policeman and that was John’s profession - a Police Officer for his hometown. John became friendly with his hero on a personal basis.

The audio recordings he made, the photographs he shot and even the iconic films he shot have become legendary in the world of Elvis. With the passing of many of the original guard of Elvis fans and collectors – his is one of those names and stories that needs to be kept relevant. He left us with many great moments and memories that we all still share and enjoy.

Straight Arrow was fortunate enough to obtain recently recovered 1st generation copy of the original audience-recorded tape of this show, coming from collection of American fan. This historic concert was never before available in good sound quality - until now! Every second was enhanced to achieve the optimal listening experience. The sound was remastered to the correct speed. If you have enjoyed our previous 1973 CDs, we believe that you will love this one as well. Ask your local CD vendor for audio teasers! 

Presented in the usual Straight Arrow fashion with the top notch digipak including the photos of Elvis in Pittsburgh and Uniondale, June 1973 and great liner notes written by close friend of John Herman, this new release is another beauty that you must not miss! Straight arrow is planning several volumes of “FROM THE JOHN HERMAN MASTERTAPES” similar with our legendary 2015 “FROM THE RICK RENNIE MASTERATEPS” series. 

Note: Elvis super fan John Herman also taped the legendary Pittsburgh 1976 New Years Eve show, widely released by bootleggers and by the official FTD label. 

CD

01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra

02. C. C. Rider 

03. I Got A Woman / Amen

04. Love Me Tender

05. Steamroller Blues

06. You Gave Me A Mountain

07. Love Me

08. Blue Suede Shoes

09. Medley 

10. I’m Leavin’

11. How Great Thou Art (with reprise)

12. Hound Dog

13. Fever 

14. What Now My Love

15. Suspicious Minds

16. Introductions of singers, musicians, orchestra

17. Happy Birthday to Colonel Parker

18. I’ll Remember You

19. I Can’t Stop Loving You

20. An American Trilogy

21. Johnny B. Goode

22. Help Me Make It Through The Night

23. Can’t Help Falling In Love

24. Closing Vamp

All tracks recorded live from audience in Pittsburgh, PA on June 25, 1973 Evening show.

Source: ElvisCollectors