In July 1969, as preparations for Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas comeback took shape, guitarist James Burton was tasked with assembling the perfect band. When it came to the bass, his first thought was Jerry Scheff—a talented session musician he’d worked with before and believed would be a perfect fit.

At the time, Jerry Scheff had already built an impressive career, playing on numerous sessions and even contributing to Elvis’s movie soundtracks—though the two had never met. Still, Jerry wasn’t keen on joining Elvis’s band. He was deeply involved in jazz and soul projects, genres he felt better suited his musical identity. He doubted whether his style would blend with what he imagined Elvis needed.

It was only through Burton’s persistent encouragement that Jerry agreed to attend a rehearsal—more out of curiosity than intent. What he found surprised him.

There, sitting casually in the rehearsal room, was Elvis Presley himself. Friendly, warm, and down-to-earth, Elvis immediately shattered Jerry’s expectations. “Then he started singing,” Jerry recalled. “Blues, soul—everything he thought we’d like. And I was absolutely blown away.”

That moment changed everything.

Jerry realized this wasn’t just another gig—it was an opportunity to learn from a true professional. The sessions felt like a masterclass in music and performance. So moved by what he experienced, Jerry insisted his wife come to a rehearsal just to witness Elvis’s magic firsthand.

From that point on, Jerry Scheff became a core member of Elvis’s band. He toured with Elvis from August 1969 through June 1973, and then again from April 1975 until the very last concert on June 26, 1977, at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

In the end, a musician who had hesitated to join found himself inspired by the humility, talent, and passion of Elvis Presley—a performer who earned his respect not only through fame, but through sheer professionalism and heart.