1935-1977

It was 30 years ago today that the world lost The King. I'm a huge Elvis fan. So is my Uncle Fran. 50's , 60's or 70's Elvis. Movie Elvis. Army Elvis. Comeback Elvis. Vegas Elvis. Thin or Heavier. It doesn't matter. Whether you appreciated him or not, he influenced popular culture, influenced other musicians and singers and is as much of an icon now as he was when he was alive.

Here's a few links to enjoy. This first one is a trailer for the '68 Comeback Special: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0sQhc5XbBhE, and the next is Elvis singin' a funny tune with clips of him in the background: http://youtube.com/watch?v=RUr-YO0d8To and the last one is stills from my favorite Elvis movie, Blue Hawaii: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ATkeoBqSeGE&feature=related. Oh wait, one more. This is for my Uncle Fran - the song, "Slicin' Sand" from Blue Hawaii: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4F1YJF226Tw&mode=related&search=. And another one of my favorite Elvis movies, the trailer for Girl Happy, co-starring one of my favorite wahini's, Shelley Fabares (by the way, the only actress to co-star with The King in three movies): http://youtube.com/watch?v=q0eckrMHIGk

I could go on and on - but I'll stop here. OK - last one...the "laughing version" of Elvis singing, "Are You Lonesome Tonite?": http://youtube.com/watch?v=anzKcrHC-6s&mode=related&search=. Alright...I'm done.

Among the many awards and honors bestowed on Elvis, there's one he was particularly proud of, given to him by The Jaycees (the largest service organization in the world). Elvis was named 'One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation' by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1971. Elvis' filmed acceptance speech has always been a favorite of mine, as is this excerpt from the speech:

"...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..." - Elvis Presley, Jaycees acceptance speech (January 16th, 1971).

Funny - he was the same age as I am now. I look at what he had accomplished in his life and then I look at myself. But...he was The King, baby, you know? I miss him. Long live The King.

PS. My cousin Rob turns 43 today. Happy Birthday, Rob.