During a year of drumming with an Elvis tribute show, Shufflemonster, (now with "GrooveQuest") was privileged to compose introductory remarks for one significantly different musical number in the show. Now, on the heels of Senate Resolution 285, "Recognizing 2004 as the "50th Anniversary of Rock 'n Roll," starting with Elvis Presley 1954 'That's All Right (Mama),' GrooveQuest and Shufflemonster would like to share the following music memorabilia from behind the music, within the music, and perhaps to the spiritual core of the music.

"Elvis Presley's heartfelt tribute to the 'Spirit of America,' entitled 'American Trilogy' was quite different from all other musical numbers in his show. Producers, managers, and advisors cautioned that audiences would be turned off, that it made no sense for the King of Rock n' Roll to suddenly break form and sing songs of American folklore.

Critics cited further that --- it was:
- Never a top 40 hit
- Not in a movie
- Not danceable (fast or slow)
- Too long
- Vocally/physically overly demanding

Elvis was warned that 'Trilogy' would hurt the show and might hurt him physically, and for what?? This was not the Groovalistic rhythmic, crowd-pleasing stuff of 'That's Alright Mama,' 'His Latest Flame,' 'Viva Las Vegas,' etc.

Elvis was so strong in his conviction that he ignored the naysayers and placed 'American Trilogy' prominently, proudly, and permanently as an integral highpoint of his show! Because of that, 'American Trilogy' remains with us to this day, as a highly identifiable part of the Elvis Presley legacy and mystique.

After performing the show numerous times, Shufflemonster was still perplexed and unsettled by what remained an enigmatic, relentlessly haunting question --- Why did Elvis choose to mix seemingly incompatible antiquated folklore with a high-powered Vegas rock 'n roll show?

Shufflemonster reasoned "Elvis certainly knew how to craft a rock 'n roll show. He had absolute artistic integrity, total artistic control, and an unlimited budget. Elvis knew his place in American pop culture, was keenly aware of his own legacy as the King of Rock 'n Roll, and was extraordinarily creative. Elvis could find numerous ways to express his gratitude to America/the American dream without compromising or in any way sacrificing his performance art.

Then ("in a flash") Shufflemonster "got it"---the revelation that---

Elvis, (man of great magical/spiritual powers), by combining his bigger-than-life, charismatic persona, his personally detailed Vegas Show (the pride and crowing glory of a dazzling career), and his indelible legacy as the undesputed King of Rock 'n Roll with old-fashioned, pure Americana, sent us all a message through time that-----

ROCK N' ROLL AND THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA ARE ONE!