August 16, 2012 2:30 pm
Elvis…
Elvis Aron Presley died today… 35 years ago… at age 42.
From Elvis.com… Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.
Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager.
In 1954, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.
He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges, his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.
The Housewife connection? ”Lyricist” and “Friend” of the RHOBH, Linda Thompson, was Elvis’ girlfriend.
NOTE: Linda was NOT with Elvis at his time of death… that was Ginger Alden.
From “This is Elvis”…
I was working in a Las Vegas casino when Elvis died and all gaming stopped for a moment of silence, gaming never stops in Las Vegas just that one time.
That would send chills down my spine! I bet that has never happened before or since.
I’ve lived in Memphis all my life and have been to Graceland once when I was 12. But I do love to meet the fans. Some really interesting people. And some from some very remote parts of the world. I feel bad when they see the house is in the hood. They expect it to be in a beautiful neighborhood. But Memphis is planning on revamping the area right around Graceland to make it look like retro/50′s look.Thanks for the videos Now Suspicious Mind is playing over and over in my head. Love that song.
I was in 7th grade and felt bad for my Mom, she was such a fan of his and of the Beatles. My favorite song Elvis sings is “Teddy Bear”. He was a very handsome man and his daughter and grandkids have his look! I saw a picutre of his grandson, Holy Look a Like!
My mother was such a Elvis fan too, I grew up listenning to him and anything and everything Motown! Great memories.. I still love listenning to all of that music, at paries I throw, mixed in with everything eles.. So fun!!
My mother cried like a baby when he died, actually so did I felt so bad for her
ELVIS!!!!!
It never fails.. We always blast Suspicious Mind and freakin sing our hearts out at every summer pool party I have.
It’s a great song!
Elvis was amazing!!!
Thanks for the detour, MsSH!
Elvis the Pelvis, the only king………….
The Honeymoon in Vegas movie soundtrack has some great covers of Elvis classics.
Stopping by Sun Records and Stax are required, too. Memphis has a huge spot in my heart, loved this post.