JAMIE Diffley's opinions in his 'the big Elvis blunder' article (LET, June 7) suggest that his musical knowledge matches his total disregard for personal taste.

Jamie seems to think that recording artists should pack up and go home, after they reach a certain age. Many artists reach a pinnacle of musical creativity after they stop aiming for chart success and create some classic tracks in their later years.

Chuck Berry, for example is recording a new album this year in his seventies. Mick Jagger (who Jamie stated should have packed in years ago) recently released a new solo album, which has received excellent press reviews.

Eric Clapton, Dr John, Tony Bennett and Ray Charles are all elder statesmen creating new works which will survive for many generations to come.

I have spoken to quite a few people about the new Elvis release and everyone seems to like the remixed version of "Little Less Conversation,' which was hardly ever a "classic," as Jamie stated, since it never even entered the Top 20.

Nor will you be likely to find it in any charity shop boxes, since the remixed song is from a recording made for the 1968 Elvis Comeback Special.

A little less conversation and a little more research are required I think!

The modern-day charts are dominated by over-hyped under-talented teenagers. Surely, it's a refreshing change to see a good Elvis song being released, with added bells and whistles, rather than having Pop Idol Will Young slaughtering songs, as he did with The Door's 'Light My Fire.'

I'd be very interested to hear which musicians Jamie does appreciate, since in his article he managed to lambast Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson and the Rolling Stones, all of whom wrote their own songs and played an instrument(s). Isn't this what all usicians should be trying to emulate, rather than simply standing at a microphone?

DAVID HAMER, Bishopdale Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn.