On the 45th Anniversary of his death (August 16, 1977)
Whoever first said “Elvis Presley is still alive,” is telling the truth!
Elvis was and still is an everlasting image of the 1950s, 60s and 70s musical entertainment world. He Was the King of Rock and Roll. He will live in most of our hearts forever, especially for those of us who were fortunate enough to have been there when it all happened. Amazingly, and rightly so, this gorgeous hunk of personality rings true even today-capturing the hearts and interests of new fans here in America, and all around the world. His musical prowess is timeless and iconic. His arousing songs and sexy dancing exude his audacious sexuality! His unforgettable fun filled movies are adoringly memorable, and inordinately collectible! If you have ever bought any of his LP albums, or 45 RPM records, or seen or heard any of his live stage performances on radio, TV, video etc., you are wise, and fortunate because they will never come again. And, thank God these relics still survive because they are historical works of art! If one has seen or met him in person or attended one of his exciting concerts of long ago, you are extremely lucky! This man known fondly as “Elvis the Pelvis,” and his many accomplishments are national treasures and proof he is still alive through the archives of time, and the precious gifts he gave to all-only now all wrapped-up and saved in the storehouses of our brains-for those of us who have experienced firsthand Elvis’ Presley’s special kind of love.
I was just a little naive girl of 12 when Elvis was getting his feet wet in the warm shower of fame, soon to be a raging flood of success billowing above and beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations! The Elvis explosion was a phenomenal risk like an out-of-control rocket heading toward the moon; fearlessly he made his way into the rapidly changing times ahead with more zest and zeal than folks had seen in years, maybe never! And, because of his unique essence, Elvis rose to astonishing heights casting spells, seemingly, over adoring teens (mostly screaming girls) before parents barely had time to absorb the enormity of his mystique. His pedal to the metal overdrive drove his young fans crazy, and fueled his fabulous style. Elvis’s coy handsomeness, undulating hips, and desirable sex appeal deemed him by nature, a homogenous treat better than an ice cream sundae at the corner drugstore. His provocative lip sneer was an added bonus to the new entertainers’ effective genius. It worked its magic every time and made our hearts throb with excitement. His soul stealing pull grabbed the crowd like a tiger on the prowl, and then they were his to keep, and he was theirs on a platter. He has never been equaled as a live “on stage” performer nor will he ever be. Elvis was one of the greatest entertainers of all time! Long live Elvis! You will never be forgotten. No way could you ever be called dead!
Elvis was only 42 when he passed away on August 16, 1977. They say he died of heart arrhythmia, probably brought on by a myriad of drugs circulating throughout his already drug ridden body, but nothing has ever really been substantiated. His fans have mourned him ever since, some refusing to let go even after 45 years of hope of his return.
Some believe Elvis Presley is really still alive and pastors a little church in Denton Arkansas called Household of Faith. I must say Pastor Bob Joyce certainly does bear a remarkable resemblance to Elvis and his cool Elvis-like singing voice. When he sings gospel, it is mind blowing! Elvis Presley would be 87 years old now, and that must be taken into consideration when viewing the many videoed church services this man has preached every week for the past eleven years. Incidentally he is one of the best preachers I have ever heard.
Elvis Presley was born to Gladys and Vernon Presley January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He had a twin brother named Jessie. The baby boy unfortunately was stillborn. The little family (because Elvis was an only child) grieved many years after the death of Jessie. Elvis carried the burden of the tragedy as well, and may have never completely understood the strong connection he felt for years-for the brother he never knew.
As a youngster Elvis loved to sing-especially gospel music. In fact he preferred gospel to all other types of songs he sang. Elvis learned to sing in church, and eventually helped smooth the racial limits with a mixture of Rhythm and Blues combined with the flavor of gospel. At ten years old, Elvis got up on a chair at a Dairy Show in Tupelo and sang “Old Shep” without accompaniment. It left people stunned, and it wouldn’t be long Elvis would be breaking all kinds of barriers.
At thirteen Elvis and his family moved to Memphis TN where he attended L.C. Humes High School, graduating in 1953. They were very poor- Elvis would relate many times throughout his short life, but when his dad presented him with a guitar one year on his 11th birthday it was more than just a surprise. It was a monumental big deal. Elvis’s mother was so proud of her son’s talents, secured lessons for Elvis through their pastor whose son played guitar and agreed to teach young Elvis the basics. And, as they say, the rest is history!
Elvis was married only once in 1967 to Priscilla Beaulieu whom he had met in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army. At the time of their first meeting, Priscilla was only 14 years old but looked older. Elvis was ten years her senior. Eventually, with her parents’ consent, she came to Graceland to live as he wanted her for his girlfriend and courted her. Elvis supported the young lady for years. Unbelievably they waited eight years to marry-and Priscilla a respectful age of 21. Priscilla was truly the real love of his life and she felt the same about him; but being faithful was never one of his strong points! They had one daughter Lisa Marie in 1968, and parted company in 1972. The lonely confinement of seldom leaving Graceland due to a danger of being recognized, Elvis’s long absences and blatant philandering was getting to her; she decided to divorce Elvis and move-on with her life while she was still young.
The price of fame is not cheap though, although he made many millions throughout his performing lifetime, what good was it when he became a prisoner in his own home of Graceland too. Sadly, he became an unbridled prescription drug pill popper through his unscrupulous doctor’s unethical behavior. Never faithful to just one woman ever, he became a complicated restless womanizer with one of most generous hearts on the planet. He had it and he spent it to a fault! And left behind many bills to prove it.
Elvis Presley, to his credit, made 126 gold and platinum records, and amazingly 114 songs of his hit the top 40 charts throughout his career! Unbelievably, he starred in 33 movies from 1956-1969, and incredibly, continued to be on the record charts from 1956 through 1977. Elvis has sold 600 million records to date; his bestselling LP was his Christmas Album, which sold 25 million copies! The How Great Thou Art album won a Grammy in 1967, and was also a best seller.
On June 24, 2022, the movie “Elvis” came out starring Austin Butler as Elvis. All reviews of this 2 hour and 40-minute bio-pic flick have been excellent. Butler nails the legend of Elvis Presley! It is being called epic, energetic, and a movie for everyone and anyone-not just for fans. It is about the human being within the legend. He was the first idol and a superstar beyond words. Elvis Presley in the beginning just wanted to sing and praise the Lord mostly. He never dreamed he’d ever become such a colossal hit. At one time, he talked of being a preacher and he read many books on religion-in all dimensions, but the Bible was his main focus which he could quote accurately.
Elvis visited Weeki Wachee Mermaid Park July 31, 1961 (this year celebrating 75 years of operation), still located at 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Florida 34606. Rumor has it he dated one of our beautiful mermaids for a short period of time while filming “Follow That Dream” on location in Inverness, Citrus, County. He is also said to have dropped into the still famous Coney Island Drive-In/ restaurant in Brooksville, to eat a couple of their delicious hot dogs. It is located at 1112 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida, 34601, and continues to be a popular place to hang out. The restaurant has a statue erected of Elvis.
