Alexander Longrifle: Best Of


While there are plenty of examples of “why on earth wasn’t a record company interested in this?!?!” in the world of private press records, this is not one of them. Alexander “Chief” Longrifle is pretty much a textbook example of an artist who’s music would never have made it into the few homes it did were it not for him doing it himself. But, apparently he did all right, as this lp on his own Pinto label is in fact “the best of” and consists of tracks culled from at least 2-3 previous lp’s and a couple of singles that I know of.“Slip It In When It’s Wet” should give you a good idea what Longrifle is all about. He was a dirty, dirty, lewd guy. But it gets stranger yet, as Alexander seems to have had some sort of fascination with Elvis – and croons many songs in the style of a B-class Elvis impersonator. I sometimes find myself caught up in wonder as to what kind of strange, coked-up Indian Reservation Discos Chief Longrifle and his crew were rockin’ back in the day.I will now leave you with some pictures of the man himself…

49 Comments

  • hammertime says:

    Peyote’s a helluva drug.

  • jeremy says:

    Uh, I think I need this record. :)

  • this is a private doo record like bad gary wilson on elvis drugs. it is not essential but a pleasant find on a saturday or sunday morning. it has braeks

  • david b says:

    I jjust picked this up in Tiajuana for a few bucks. very sweet find, especially for TJ.

  • Neasie Cohen (O'Neal) says:

    I have know Alex since I was eight years old. I am now 39 years old. He is a dear friend to me as he was to my grandparents also. I adore him and his talent. This album is awesome just as Alex, Elvis and Aron.

    Denise “Neasie” Cohen (formerly O’Neal)
    Overland Park, KS

  • hcrink says:

    wow! Is he still around?

  • Beth says:

    my dad did that album cover about 27 years ago did not know it was still around
    is he still playing anywhere?

  • Sue says:

    He is appearing at the Holiday Inn In Burbank Calif.

  • Bapt says:

    :NEXT LEVEL: X 10 000

  • Jimmy Changa says:

    Alexander understood that there’s no such thing as “pornography.” There’s just dudes doin’ it as dudes are wont to do.

  • AF jet mech says:

    you know, he had a school that he made up and ran, i went to it for 4 years, very great guy. wouldn’t mind seeing him and hanging out with him again.

  • hcrink says:

    Was it like “the freedom school” in Billy Jack?

  • A Godfrey says:

    Apprently he played a gig last august. does anyone know how to get a hold of him??

  • Bob says:

    I played bass on a few of his lps and spent most of 1975 backing him at the Holiday Inn in Glendale, California. I was pretty young; only 17 at the time but it was one of the greatest times ever! Alex was cool…and very funny. Great sense of humor. Met back up with him in 1983 for more Holiday Inn and some studio work. Saw him once more in 1987 up at his ranch in Mojave, California… then lost touch. I’d love to hang out with him again.

  • Larry says:

    I used to back up Alex at the Essex House in Lancaster Cal. whenever I was was in town. He came to Las Vegas to visit me with a group of kids from his halfway house he ran for beaten battered and abused kids, and we had a great time driving the kids around to some of the places he used to play …One of them being the old “Thunderbird Hotel and Casino. Alex is a great guy!…I wouldnt mine seeing him again and going over old times

  • hcrink says:

    WOW – these storie are amazing! Thanks for sharing everyone!

  • Larry says:

    For anyone wishing to experience Alex’s music, here is his new web site.. and you can listen to, and download a few songs off his new album

    http://www.myspace.com/alexanderlongrifle

  • Larry says:

    Here is a little more of the right kind of info on Alexander Longrifle

    A sure-fire ROCKER
    Alexander Longrifle is rockin’ the house in a return engagement at the Burbank Holiday Inn.
    By Katherine Tolford
    (Published: August 12, 2005)
    Accompanied by a display of twirling green neon lights, blasts of dry ice and a three-piece band, Alexander Longrifle channels the voice of Elvis Presley when he takes the stage every weekend at the Burbank Holiday Inn.

    After nearly 20 years, Longrifle, a Vegas entertainer, recently returned to the hotel to perform his lounge act. On a recent Saturday night, dressed in a black-sequined shirt and tight jeans, Longrifle swiveled his hips and raised both hands high above his head, moving to the beat of classic Elvis songs, such as “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”

    Longrifle is a self-taught singer and musician who’s developed a reputation as an Elvis tribute artist. In 1979, he won an Elvis contest on “The Gong Show,” even though he didn’t dress like the King of Rock ‘n’ roll.

    He makes a point of doing three to five Elvis songs per set during his live performances. But he doesn’t consider himself an impersonator.

    He has his own style, like Elvis did. But Longrifle has long hair and is a Native American.

    “I don’t do the pompadour with sideburns or wear the jumpsuits that they overemphasize in Vegas,” said Longrifle, who is of Navajo descent. “I have a natural talent for voice. I can imitate most people’s voices if I listen long enough,” added Longrifle, who also does Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Tom Jones.

    Longrifle splits his time between Burbank and Las Vegas, where he frequently appears at venues such as the Fremont Hotel & Casino and the Imperial Palace.

    Throughout his 40 years as an entertainer, he’s made numerous television appearances, served an 11-year stint as a horseback rider in the Rose Parade, opened for Jerry Lee Lewis and recorded 32 CDs of original material.

    In 2004, he won the John Lennon songwriting contest. During the 1970s and ’80s, Longrifle played seven nights a week at the Glendale Holiday Inn (now a Days Inn) often to standing-room-only crowds. In 1983, he moved to the Burbank location for a five-year run.

    Erika Hofmann, the hotel’s director of operations, invited Longrifle to come back two months ago when he dropped by the hotel for brunch.

    “He’s a true Vegas-style performer,” Hofmann said. “He even changes outfits during the evening. Sometimes, if you’re in the lobby and you hear Alex singing, you have to go and see who it is because you think it’s Elvis.”

    But Longrifle doesn’t rely solely on his ability to sing like Elvis to entertain his audiences. During a recent performance he invited a young Mick Jagger impersonator up on stage and turned the microphone over to his playful sidekicks, Ron Schatter (lead guitar) and son Elvis Longrifle (bass guitar), who jump out onto the dance floor and head up versions of “Margaritaville” and “867-5309/Jenny.”

    His act also includes cover songs that span multiple genres from the 1950s to 1980s. He often starts the evening with a slow song like “Unchained Melody” for couples before bumping up the pace with cover songs such as “Hurts So Good,” “Steamroller,” and “Takin’ Care of Business,” which he said appeal to younger crowds and his 50-something regulars.

    Tujunga resident Shannon Fallis-Kane is a dedicated fan who has followed Longrifle since the 1970s when he wore a breastplate, moccasins and a loincloth on stage. His ability to reach out to his audience makes him unique, she said.

    “He has a way about him — the way he flirts with people,” she said. “He’s got a good stage presence. He interacts with the audience. He’ll pick someone out of the audience and ask them to come up on stage. He’ll dedicate a song to someone. He tries to include the crowd in what he’s doing.”

    Longrifle hopes audiences just see him as a genuine entertainer who enjoys catering to them.

    “If people are tired, we ask them what they want to hear,” he said. “That gets them beefed up and it breaks the ice. We also talk to them during the break — people like you better when they know you. They get excited if they know you and that’s cool.”

  • KATHY HOUY says:

    I HAVE KNOWN ALEX FOR A LONG TIME . HE IS NOT ONLY A GREAT SINGER , BUT HE IS A WONDERFUL PERSON. VERY CAREING. THE SHOW MUST GO ON EVEN THOUGH HE IS IN A LOT OF PAIN . WHAT A MAN. GOD BLESS YOU ALEX. LOVE KATHY…………………

  • Irony says:

    I’m dating his son Aaron, he’s moving back to Mojave very soon. His music is great and his son is so very proud of his dad. He was with his dad while he ran that school and he turned out to be a great guy, I’m sure lots of others did too!

  • suesindian says:

    Alex IS a super entertainer and also has a great sense of humor, we did a lot of laughing together. Hello to Alex, Elvis, Virginia, Bear & Stone, Aaron, Nikki and Serene. I love & miss you all.
    Suesindian

  • Irony says:

    If you know Aaron & would like to reach him, you can e-mail him at ispot101 @ hotmail.com

  • jUDI says:

    I knew Alexander a long, long time ago…when my daughter was only three years old…now, she’s thirty!! How time flies! Glad to hear he’s still performing…a lot of fun to watch!
    Hello to Alexander from a piece of your past…Judi (Smith) and daughter Vicki! Hugs to you, too, Shannon! Been a long time!

  • cha cha says:

    Never knew the man but I’ve seen his son’s band…His name is Elvis and his band is called “Perfect Strangers”. They totally rock!! I saw them at the Desert Inn in Lancaster,I think they play most of there shows in the Antelope Valley.There music is more classic rock. “No Elvis impersonations from Elvis.”But worthy of checking out. http://www.myspace.com/perfectstrangersband

  • sammie jo. says:

    geeeez man. the guy who wrote this review is a jerk. lighten’ up for everyones sake.

  • Irony says:

    You got that right sammie jo, I couldn’t agree more.

  • hcrink says:

    In all fairness, I didn’t know he was the humanitarian that you all claim he is. If you’ve ever heard this record he sounds like fiend. All the songs are about hot love and groupies and shit. What the hell are you supposed to think???

  • gurney says:

    Crink is a stand up guy except when he sits down, so y’all Longrifle groupies just shut your pie-holes.

  • Lee Anne says:

    We had several Block parties and always asked Alexander to play for us….he did the best “American Trilogy” I’ve heard next to Elvis Himself! We had so much fun with him and I will never be sorry for asking him to join us at our parties!! I wish I knew where he was because I would ask him to join us once again!

  • Irony says:

    So hcrink, have you never heard of “entertainment”? Half of our country’s entertainer’s are not what they seem to be in the spotlight. It’s all for show and it sells. Alexander is a very nice guy, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my future father-in-law. And gurney, isn’t that what sites like this are all about, people’s opinion’s? If you don’t like it, don’t post. Noone’s “attacking” your friend, their just giving good input on someone else.

  • suesindian1 says:

    Happy birthday Alex….have fun

  • Wendy says:

    I remember meeting Alexander Longrifle at the Indian Arts &Crafts show in Santa Monica, Calif. way back in 1981 when I was living with my parents in Glendale. Iron Eyes Cody was there, too. I purchased his record “Silver Eagle” if I remember right and many times I played his song “Life of the Star”. It’s my favorite still.
    I lost the record that I purchased from him. I would like very much to order if possible. He was a sweet guy that I recall. I am happy to know that he is still around after so many years had passed since I first met him. He is such a special spirit. He is very unique. There is no one quite like him. I eventually found his website in myspace.com website and already e-mailed him my e-mail address. Keep on singing, Alex! I am still your biggest fan!
    God Bless,
    Wendy

  • Wendy says:

    Oh in case if you guys want to talk to me about my davorite singer, Alexander Longrife, you can e-mail me at marykaywow@yahoo.com I miss Aexander!

  • Wendy says:

    Oppps! Please excuse my mispelling! I meant ‘favorite’, not davorite. Sorry about that!

  • Roy says:

    Hey Alex, I don’t know if you read these but here goes, I remember you practicing in the family room for your gigs at the Pine Valley house. I’m Roy the guy who married Lori the daughter of Bill and Marylou, My father in law was the one who designed this album cover. It would be great to hear from you.
    Roy

  • Roy says:

    Sorry I left the wrong email

  • Montz says:

    Totally hilarious. Sounds like Rosco from “The Dukes of Hazzard” with his pants down in Tijuana.

  • AARON LONGRIFLE says:

    just wanted to shout out to my pops and i thank everybody that has posted postive comments about my father. my wife showed me this site and i wasnt very happy about the review cause obviously the author has no clue about the industry and needs to know that my father was once signed to capitol records in hollywood california and fulfilled his contract with the label and for all of my fathers fans yes he is still in action and performs in lancaster at various events, so hcrink you should do a whole lot more research before making an ass out of yourself and for your information theres nothing wrong with being a native american or indian as you so blantantly put it

  • AARON LONGRIFLE says:

    by the way old friends can reach alexander, elvis, aaron and serene longrifle on myspace and be sure to check out perfect strangers

  • hcrink says:

    Please explain “Slip It In When It’s Wet”. I’ll be waiting…

  • humano says:

    Some folks need to put down the Kool Aid. There are Elvis soundalikes all over the country the only thing that makes Longrifle stand out is when he goes off the reservation with the Prince love man imitations. I love the albums but recognize them for what they are goofy novelty lounge. What does standing room only in a Holiday Inn mean anyway? Can you still get room service?

    Here’s another one I’d like to hear the spin on…

    On Oct. 8, Mojave youth camp owner Alexander Longrifle pleaded no contest to two infractions for running an unlicensed nonprofit facility for delinquent and runaway kids. The plea came after months of vigorous investigation by authorities, who were determined to link Longrifle to child endangerment and other felony charges.

    (http://www.avpress.com/n/review/97/97kern.htm)

  • aaron longrifle says:

    Ok well lets take a look at all the musicians that have done a song with sexual content. For example; Al Green’s “Lets Get It On”. I could compose a list for you, but im sure if you think long and hard you can think of a couple more yourself.

    There is also a thing called Freedom of Speech in this country and trust me, I do respect your opinion. You have a right to voice your opinion and I do not appreciate your false accusations such as: “”Slip It In When It’s Wet” should give you a good idea what Longrifle is all about. He was a dirty, dirty, lewd guy.”

    You have never met my father obviously, if you had you would have a different perspective. Now I’m not saying you have to like his music or even listen to it, there are many songs I am not keen to, but I do not talk down on the artist and vise versa. That’s all I’m saying.

    humano: my father never asked parents to bring their children to our camp, they were court appointed by the same counties that ran the investigation on our camp. We held the same licensing as the Boy Scouts of America. If the parents wanted there children to come to our camp, they were asked to sign a waiver releasing custody to the camp for an extended amount of time.

    At that point, the children would then reside at the camp while continuing education at an alternative learning facilty. At the camp they also learned carpentry, dance, karate, music, etc. Our camp was a non profit organization and gave back to the community through toy drives, skate board competitions , bmx ,chili cook offs, bike runs, and other random events.

    The only reason we did not re-open, is because of insufficient funds due to bankruptcy during court proceedings. After all attorneys dont work for free.

    As far as child endangerment, we had a 99% turn around the one teen we did send to California Youth Authorities, was probably at a higher risk of danger in a cell block with numerous gang members with only three gaurds to every 40 juveniles.

    Our facility was well maintained with up to 7 volunteer counselors on the premises throughout the day. An additional 4 volunteer counselors were also in the immediate area. All of which were carefully screened before obtaining there services.
    All charges were dropped against my father, please do not pass judgement on someone before knowing the facts. If anyone has any concerns feel free to ask. Thank You-

  • aaron longrifle says:

    when you made this page, did you intend to block all users that disagree with your opinion?

  • SportCasual says:

    SONNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • hcrink says:

    All I know about your father is that this record, his “best of”, borders offensive in it’s coked-out groupie fondling vibes. The review was meant to be humorous… as I figured that it was pretty safe to assume Alexander Longrifle’s whole schtick was pretty satirical. I mean, who names themself “Longrifle”? And don’t try to tell me that is his birth name.

  • four day weekend says:

    Crink, that old joke about the child named “Broken Rubber” has basis in fact.

  • justin74 says:

    im not going to get into this much just wanted to chime in and say my aunts name is running wild de la torre. half mexican/half yaki(?) indian. i cant remember how to say/write the yaki way of running wild but we called her auntie run.

    so crinkle, yeah longrifle can be a real last name.

    carry on kids…

  • hcrink says:

    aaron longrifle and AARON LONGRIFLE are two different registered users on here… will the real Longrifle please come forward?