I remember 1977. It was the year my daddy died during one of the coldest Januarys ever. And then that summer, 33 years ago today in fact, Elvis died. I will always remember that year as a year of loss.
Elvis helped provide the soundtrack to my growing up years. I remember listening to "Don't Be Cruel" and the flipside "You Ain't Nothing But a Hound Dog" at my friend Bonnie Lois's house. We played that 45 rpm till we almost wore the grooves off I think.
I also remember exactly where I was on August 16, 1977, when I heard the news of Elvis's death. I was on the way home after having picked my children up at the city pool. I remember the DJ's words: "The King is dead; long live the king." Cliche, I know. But even before he went on to explain that Elvis Presley had died at Graceland, I knew who he meant--and I almost ran out of the road. I think I was crying by the time I got home.
Do you remember where you were when you heard of Elvis's death? Do you have a favorite Elvis song? I have many. But I guess the one I dearly love to listen to over and over isn't one from my childhood at all but the hymn "How Great Thou Art." Elvis's voice really shines in that one.
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On 08/16/2010, Sandy said ...
I can still see where I was standing in my kitchen. A cold chill went all over my body. My favorite song is "Are You Lonesome Tonight". Not the regular version but the one where Elvis gets tickled and can hardly finish the song. It absolutely cracks me up every time. Next time you get depressed, look it up on Youtube. It will give you the giggles every time. i promise!
On 08/16/2010, Ramey said ...
My two favorite Elvis songs, "In the Ghetto" and "Marie's the Name."
On 08/16/2010, Ramey said ...
Oh, Sandy! I like that version of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" too. I think he says, "...and you're standing there, without any hair." It's been a long time since I've heard it; I'll have to listen to it on YouTube.
On 08/16/2010, Kerrie said ...
I loved Elvis' music and voice and really do favor his Hymns. I love Are you Lonesome Tonight and I Can't Help Falling in Love with You. The whole decade of the 70's was sad. My Dad died 1973 at age 65. A few years later my Father-in-law died. And then Elvis whom I grew up with like you. There were a lot of changes in my life. But it is all a lesson....God is good and we still enjoy the music. hugs, K
On 08/16/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
My favorite song is "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You."
I was working the 3-11p shift at Methodist Hospital ER when the ward clerk at Baptist Hospital ER called us to say that Elvis was dead in their ER. Yes, he was gone before he got there. The sense of loss was palpable. Several of the medical staff in our ER had tickets to see him in Memphis within the month.
Christmastime, 1970, when I in nursing school in Memphis, we'd had a Christmas party and some of us piled in a car to go to Graceland in our party clothes. The gatekeeper told us Elvis had rented a theater for a late movie and would be leaving in 10 min. We stayed and I was just on the outside of the driver's door when the car came out. Elvis was driving and I'm here to tell you his smile was dazzling. How about that?!
Hugs!
On 08/16/2010, Susan Bailey said ...
I was on my honeymoon when he died and we heard the news on the radio. We were in San Diego and it was a rainy summer day when we heard the news. Kind of made us feel a little numb and sad all at the same time.
I love to read your blog and keep up with you!
On 08/16/2010, Michelle said ...
I was in Gettysburg, PA with my sister and her family. We had spent the entire day touring the battlefield. We were on our way home when we heard the news on the radio. I can't pick just one song but I love In the Ghetto, American Trilogy, My Way, and You Were Always on my Mind.
Also, a friend of mine went to jr high school with Elvis. He remained friends with him and use to go riding motorcycles with him years later in Memphis. He would also go over to a friend's house and the Imperials, Elvis, and others would all be there and they would just all sing together late into the night. Can you imagine how much fun that would have been? It is neat to watch Elvis specials with him because he knows all the people on them and tells neat stories about his memories.
On 08/16/2010, Brenda Kula said ...
For some reason I was always drawn to In The Ghetto. I loved the music that went to the lyrics so much. In 1977 I was married in October to my first husband. There would be two more, one in each continuous decade.
Brenda
On 08/16/2010, Kai said ...
There must be something wrong with me! LOL! I liked Jailhouse Rock & Return to Sender! But I confess that when everyone was gaga over Elvis, I was goofy over Dion. Soon after - when I was 13 or 14 - I discovered Broadway music, then the music I still love best: World music. Sigh ... I'm a strange bird.
On 08/16/2010, Pat said ...
I was at work when we heard the news - we could hardly believe it. We had ordered tickets to his concert, but I think it was already sold out! Sometime after his funeral (we live near Memphis) we were in the city, drove to the cemetery, and my little daughter and I walked to his crypt; his body was later interred, of course, at Graceland. I think all the first songs are my favorites: Teddy Bear, All Shook Up, though his gospel songs are wonderful, too. I've always like the Jailhouse Rock choreography, too.
On 08/17/2010, Stephanie said ...
I'm not old enough to remember where I was on that day, and I've never been a huge Elvis fan (not that I dislike him). But, my 5-year-old daughter LOVES watching old Elvis movies! She is enthralled with the music and dancing. That just cracks me up!
On 08/19/2010, Dee Brownfield said ...
I was in the car heading for somewhere when the flash came over re:Elvis. It was almost like, "that can't be true"! I like most of his songs; however, I too, lean towards "How Great Thou Art". Love his gospel album! and, of course, "Can't Help Falling In Love". Those were the days, my friend!
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