SPIRITS IN THE SKY - ELVIS - AUGUST 16, 1977 - THE KING IS DEAD!

THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL HAS LEFT THE STAGE!

Born: January 8, 1935, Tupelo, MS

Died: August 16, 1977, Memphis, TN

Only in America could a country kid from Tupelo, Mississippi grow up to become King, sell over 600 million records, and become one of the greatest icons in American history.

While amassing 14 Grammy nominations and winning three, Elvis was awarded a Grammy lifetime achievement award at the ripe old age of just 36.

Single handed Elvis brought life and controversy to the fledgling rock and roll movement in the 1950's and by the end of the decade it was the dominate music genre in the world.  Every rock and roll success story since his time was because of what he did.

Elvis used television and movies like no other star at the time to make the public aware of him but it was probably the military that helped make Elvis.

Why do I say this?  Back in the mid-1950's when Elvis was starting out rock and roll did not exist. He was known locally and some of those early fans were in the military and would take copies of his records to Germany and other bases where they would share them with fellow soldiers from other parts of the country.

One of my closest friends had a brother in the army who was stationed in Germany and when he came home he brought his brother and thus me copies of the early Elvis records.  

  

The Elvis and Priscilla love story remains one of the greatest in rock history as he asked her father, an officer in Germany when Elvis was serving in the military, if he could take his 14 year old daughter under his protection until they were old enough to marry.  It was seven years before they were married.  

His one child, named Lisa-Marie, went on to become wife to Michael Jackson thus merging two families of the most revered singers in the world.

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Elvis was also friends with my favorite 20th century icon Marilyn Monroe thus insuring him a permanent place in my mind.

During his life he reinvented his career several times, had a manager whose love for money made Elvis a fortune but may have cost him a lifetime of unhappiness, and he became addicted to prescription drugs.

Both Elvis and Michael Jackson would die prematurely from an overdose of prescription drugs.  Still, he remains one of the greatest icons of the 20th century.

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Chilean Marathon Miner - Elvis is still in the House

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For rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena it has been a whirlwind three weeks since being saved from 69 days trapped half a mile underground. Edison challenged his destiny and said he wanted to show God he wanted to live by putting on his earphones, listening to his beloved Elvis Presley, and running 7 miles a day through the dark, damp and steamy tunnels far below the surface of the earth.

Before anyone knew he was alive the 33rd anniversary of the death of Elvis passed (August 16), rather ironic for 33 miners trapped who would be rescued on the 33rd day of drilling, but Edison placed his faith in a higher authority. Once rescued he was invited to be a guest at the New York City Marathon where 50,000 runners will be competing this Sunday.

He was also showered with gifts from the King's Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis and invited to be there guest at Graceland, the shrine to the King of Rock and Roll, for the 75th anniversary celebration on January 8 in Memphis. Then he will be sent to Las Vegas to watch Viva Elvis, the Cirque du Soleil show based on Elvis' music.

Yesterday he arrived in NYC to a heroes welcome and made a highly personable appearance on Letterman. You must watch the following clip, especially the last part when he unexpectedly imitates Elvis and charms the audience. Note that though he speaks no English he sings, in perfect English, Elvis songs.



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