John Wilkinson of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home surrounded by family on January 11, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. He was 67.
Wilkinson, after a stint with popular 1960s folk groups The Kingston Trio and The New Christy Minstrels, became most known as Elvis Presley's long term rhythm guitar player starting in 1968 when Elvis put together his TCB (Taking Care of Business) band to tour with him after his triumphant NBC Singer Christmas television special.
John had met Elvis previously at the age of ten when he sneaked backstage at a concert in the 1950s and told Elvis that he was a lousy guitar player. Thirteen years later, Presley heard Wilkinson play and asked him if he would join his band. He performed over 1200 times with Elvis up to Presley's death in 1977.
In 1989, Wilkinson suffered a devastating stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to ever play the guitar again. But he would still join together on occasion with other members of the TCB band for concerts and reunions as a singer. He spent his final hours with his wife Terry listening to Elvis songs.
Wilkinson was cremated and interred at a private graveside ceremony on January 18, 2013.
Wilkinson, after a stint with popular 1960s folk groups The Kingston Trio and The New Christy Minstrels, became most known as Elvis Presley's long term rhythm guitar player starting in 1968 when Elvis put together his TCB (Taking Care of Business) band to tour with him after his triumphant NBC Singer Christmas television special.
John had met Elvis previously at the age of ten when he sneaked backstage at a concert in the 1950s and told Elvis that he was a lousy guitar player. Thirteen years later, Presley heard Wilkinson play and asked him if he would join his band. He performed over 1200 times with Elvis up to Presley's death in 1977.
In 1989, Wilkinson suffered a devastating stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to ever play the guitar again. But he would still join together on occasion with other members of the TCB band for concerts and reunions as a singer. He spent his final hours with his wife Terry listening to Elvis songs.
Wilkinson was cremated and interred at a private graveside ceremony on January 18, 2013.
John Wilkinson of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home surrounded by family on January 11, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. He was 67.
Wilkinson, after a stint with popular 1960s folk groups The Kingston Trio and The New Christy Minstrels, became most known as Elvis Presley's long term rhythm guitar player starting in 1968 when Elvis put together his TCB (Taking Care of Business) band to tour with him after his triumphant NBC Singer Christmas television special.
John had met Elvis previously at the age of ten when he sneaked backstage at a concert in the 1950s and told Elvis that he was a lousy guitar player. Thirteen years later, Presley heard Wilkinson play and asked him if he would join his band. He performed over 1200 times with Elvis up to Presley's death in 1977.
In 1989, Wilkinson suffered a devastating stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to ever play the guitar again. But he would still join together on occasion with other members of the TCB band for concerts and reunions as a singer. He spent his final hours with his wife Terry listening to Elvis songs.
Wilkinson was cremated and interred at a private graveside ceremony on January 18, 2013.
Wilkinson, after a stint with popular 1960s folk groups The Kingston Trio and The New Christy Minstrels, became most known as Elvis Presley's long term rhythm guitar player starting in 1968 when Elvis put together his TCB (Taking Care of Business) band to tour with him after his triumphant NBC Singer Christmas television special.
John had met Elvis previously at the age of ten when he sneaked backstage at a concert in the 1950s and told Elvis that he was a lousy guitar player. Thirteen years later, Presley heard Wilkinson play and asked him if he would join his band. He performed over 1200 times with Elvis up to Presley's death in 1977.
In 1989, Wilkinson suffered a devastating stroke that left him partially paralyzed and unable to ever play the guitar again. But he would still join together on occasion with other members of the TCB band for concerts and reunions as a singer. He spent his final hours with his wife Terry listening to Elvis songs.
Wilkinson was cremated and interred at a private graveside ceremony on January 18, 2013.
Bio by: Rob
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