Elvis Presley turned 75 years old today. Well, I say turned as opposed to “would have” turned in deference to the many believers out there who have hung on to the thought that he’s still out there in hiding, working at an Arby’s on old Route 242 in Dumpwater, Kentucky . Trust me, if he was still with us I’m sure he would be tapping into some of the millions his estate has earned since his passing so as not to have to slap together roast beef sandwiches for lost truckers and backwoods hillbillies.
Elvis has now been dead for almost as many years as he was alive, and his image and legend continue to hold strong. There are often two different Elvis camps – those who prefer the skinny Elvis – who rose to fame in the fifties and early sixties by shaking his hips provocatively on national television, and the fat Elvis – he of the white sequined jumpsuits and Vegas style shows who returned into our social conscience in the late sixties after filming a string of some of the worst movies ever made.It’s the oft-imitated campy 70’s Elvis that I’ve always preferred. Surrounded by a camp of enablers and gold diggers, Elvis spiraled downward in a world of booze, drugs and donuts which ultimately led to his sudden demise in 1977 at the age of 42. In the early part of the decade however, he put out some great songs and solidified his standing as a legendary entertainer with some terrific live performances.
Here are Boneheads picks for Elvis Presley’s top three:
Posts
11 comments:
Here is how I remember Elvis!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bojnqBFadz4
Hey B, thanks for acknowledging one of the greatest entertainers ever.
I like to remind people that Elvis actually first got hooked on amphetamines while serving in the Army, posted in Germany. It was here that his battle started.
But, seriously, dude, some of those movies are awesome. Cheesy, campy, cash-ins; yes. But awesome, nonetheless!
Happy 75th, King.
Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is it made by the
friends whom we choose.
Hi Bonehead.
Yes the king,Being from Europe we experienced Elvis in a bit different way then the American public but still we loved him also.
My favorites would be "My boy" and "you were always on my mind".
The movies he made were a lot less popular with us except for the female audience ,I must agree with you that he should have stuck with just singing.
Have a great week -end !
Will.
CC: Lemonade! That cool refreshing drink!
C: You're right - it was when he was in the military and it was probably encouraged as well. The movies...best I can remember is that in multiple movies, seemed he was always driving in a sports car or race car in front of a green screen scene - so yes, campy, cheesy et al...;)
Umi: very very true!
Will: Elvis was huge here in the US of course - perhaps not quite as large around the rest of the world - much discussion came up comparing Micheal Jackson's worldwide fame to Elvis when he died last year. I think Elvis was more of a US icon, however Jackson probably had a more worldwide influence.
The day that Elvis died, I was a Senior in HighSchrul, skipping. I was sitting in a line, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, waiting for the doors to open for a KISS concert. The news came, everyone was bummed (at a KISS concert). Been to Graceland. Own his music, watch his live perfomances. HE IS THE KING! Happy Birthday, Elvis
Years ago I visited Graceland when I was in Memphis on a business trip. Since several of us had time before our flights left, we decided to take the Graceland tour. Kind of creepy that he's buried in the backyard. Always thought that was where pets were supposed to be buried or contaminated dishes if your kosher.
There's one room in Graceland that is lined with glass cases housing costumes that Elvis wore, ranging from slim and trim to fat and chunky. After the tour, we had lunch. How apropos. I had a banana and peanut butter sandwich, an Elvis favorite.
Ph please, everyone knows he's at Burger King, in Haytosser, TN.
I could go for an Elvis special right about now, not his TV special, his peanut butter sandwich like Lauren just spoke of, but she forgot a pound of bacon that goes with it, yum
Ah Elvis! I grew up with Elvis! My best friend in high school looked just like Elvis. I remember that first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show and his first movie "Love Me Tender." During the credits a dim figure barely visible in the background caused such a swell of continuous screaming from the young female audience it was impossible from that point on to hear a single word spoken in the film. Elvis was James Dean and Jack Kerouac and Apollo all rolled into one-or so we thought. Bono said he was, "The Big Bang of rock n roll." It just shows what the world does to its heroes.
Hi Don: I never fit the typical profile of an Elvis fan myself - but if you like music and more so - if you like good ENTERTAINERS (a la KISS) then you no doubt recognize the importance of Elvis!
Lauren: I've not been to Graceland myself - but I agree - a little unsettling to think he's in the yard. Can't say I've tried the famous sandwich either - but there's still time.
MOB: mmmmmm....bacon
NP: Indeed. I can recall the screaming from Beatles fans and Bay City Roller fans believe it or not - it's always amazed me how a personality can cause such hysteria simply by showing up.
Post a Comment