Remembering Elvis: The 30th Aniversary Of His Passing

[comics101]

Hi, Everyone!

About 53 years ago in Memphis, TN, a young man stepped into Sun Records and changed the world forever. His music has influenced almost every singer that has come after him. 30 Years ago on August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died of a Heart Attack at the age of 42.

Please, Join me in Remembering Elvis. If you're old enough, Please post any memories you may have, like concerts or what you were doing the day he died.

I'm not old enough to have any memories, but I can say, as corny as this may sound, Elvis truly changed my life.

"When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed, has come true a hundred times... I'd like to say that I learned very early in life that 'Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song.' So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you."

-Elvis Presley​

Elvis, Thank You. Thank You Very Much...

 

[dandaman]

I was really surprised to hear a few days ago that he died as recently as 1977. I was thinking it was at least the late 60's.

I'm certainly not old enough to experience the King in his heyday (or any of his mortal days, I suppose), but anyone's old enough to remember his songs, his movies, his personality... him.

R.I.P. Elvis.

 

[Tramp]

I was in Bermuda when I heard of :king: "The King's" :king: death in 1977. It stunned everyone. There just isn't a voice that compares. I never got a chance to see him in concert even though I had several chances. :shrug: One of my few life regrets.

If there's a "Rock 'n Roll Heaven," I hope he's found peace and comfort among the stars.

Rest in Peace & God Bless Ya, Elvis! :wave:

 

[Nemo14]

I was actually driving home from Florida on the last leg of a fantastic month-long trip/college course across the country. All the cars were driving with their lights on, and every radio station played nothing but Elvis songs. It was so sad....

 

[gman2]

My greats mem of elvis was when my BF took me to a elvis imposter show where his real drumer DJ fantanwas there and i got to hold the door open for him other then that I am not that big of a elvis fan. (go Aerosmith )

 

[Uponastar]

He died on my mom and dad's anniversary, I remember that.
He shared the same birthday as my mom, as well, so they have an odd connection.
I saw him once in concert, not that long before he died. It was a great show. So much energy! I wasn't a huge fan, but he was a great presence who made quite an impact.

 

[comics101]

That sure is true. Elvis always had such energy on the stage, whether it was towards the end of his life or not. Just watching concerts on TV bring enough electricity out to give me chills!

 

[SweetMagic]

I was lucky enough to see Elvis live before he left us. It was about 9 months before he died, and I was young, so the memories are hazy, but I remember asking my mom if I could go up to the stage because I saw other people up there and I wanted to see him close up. She let me go and I went right up there with the others. He was pulling scarves off of his neck and giving them to women in the crowd. I didn't get one, but I got to see him up close and I was thrilled. He was huge. In more ways than one of course, as we know he did get big in those last years. I may not remember every detail of the show, but seeing him that night on that stage I will never forget.

On a side note, I have been to Graceland twice and to Tupelo to the house where he was born, and that was amazing as well. I was able to see where it began and where it ended. It's sad to see how run down the area around Graceland has become, but I read just yesterday that there are plans in the works for a brand new, state of the art, visitors center that would replace the old one, and that they are working on reviving the whole area too.... thank goodness.

Rest in peace Elvis Aaron Presley, we miss you more and more each year.

 

[Disnut]

I was working. A friend at the time and I went to a drive-in movie to see a couple of his movies. I got drunk for the first time that night. Never again did I get drunk.

 

[MiRi]

I am only 25 years old, so obviously, I was born after he passed. I do have a cool story though.

My brother was living in North Carolina with a friend. His friend's mom, Betty, is a huge Elvis fan. Her bathroom was Elvis themed. That's how big of a fanatic she is. Well, in the den, she had a framed photo of Elvis with a scarf hanging from it. I would look at it wondering where she got it from. It looked old and because of that, it was a little stained. One day, I finally asked her about that scarf. Betty told me that she caught it at one of his concerts. She even let me hold it. I was in awe.

I wonder if she ever washed it? Probably not. lol

 

[bobjl527]

Well I was 6 years old and my wife was 5 when Elvis died. I was at home that afternoon. I remember my older sister crying on the front porch and my mom telling me that Elvis died. I was only 6, but I knew who Elvis was. My wife was at her Grandparents house in Michigan. It was a summer house and they didn't have a tv or radio so they didn't hear about it til the next day. Her uncle showed her mom the newspaper and she couldn't believe it. She started to cry. Her mother loved Elvis and she passed along that love to my wife. Every year my wife goes to see the Elvis impersonator shows on his birthday. She was never able to see the real Elvis in person, but she feels these shows are the best way of keeping his spirit alive. She has also been to Graceland.

Elvis on amusement parks: "Sure, I like amusement parks. I like 'em a lot. And I like winning pandas and that kind of stuff. That's about the only relaxation I get when I'm on the road. That, and going to movies."

I bet Elvis would have loved WDW. Unfortunately, he would have been bothered by everyone whom saw him. Maybe he went incognito. We can only hope.

Long live The King.

 

[prberk]

This is cool. Just saw this thread.

I happened to go to Graceland last week, for the biggest "Elvis Week" ever, with my mother and brother. My brother had bought us tickets for Christmas to the reunion concert that they did to highlight the week.

The concert was held the actual anniversary (August 16) at Memphis' Fedex Forum coliseum, and was particularly cool. They had most of his original band members and backup singers that are still around; and each played songs from their time period, with Elvis singing on video on a huge jumbotron. It was Elvis' image and voice, along with the live band. And the singers and band members sounded as good as before. (We did this to "re-live" the concert that the three of us had attended in 1977 before he died, when I was 11 years old.)

The technology was amazing. And it was cool to hear the Jordanaires, the Stamps quartet (including Richard Sturban, who was with them in the '70s but who now sings bass for the Oak Ridge Boys -- "Elvira" anyone?), the Sweet Inspirations, and the legendary band members (including the ones who are mentioned by name on the Aloha from Hawaii concert)....

And Lisa Marie and Priscilla were there. Lisa Marie premiered a new video of a duet that she just did with her father, of "In the Ghetto." Downloads of it from i-Tunes are going to benefit a new homeless shelter in New Orleans similar to one that she already funds in Memphis, called "Presley Place".

Just very cool.

But the most interesting part was just experiencing the atmosphere at Graceland the night prior: when they had the vigil. I had heard of this before, and since pics online, but being there was crazy, especially on this anniversary. Everyone was nice. Just a very interesting environment. About every 10th man had sideburns and jet black hair, and some dressed like him. Some people had built little shrines of candles.

And on Beale Street on the night after the concert, they had Elvis music coming out of most of the bars and karaoke joints.

It was cray, and interesting. But overall everyone was nice, and just seemed to be having a good time remembering their favorite singer.

Paul