It happened 29 years ago today: August 16, 1977.
I was 17 years old. The start of my senior year in high school was looming large, especially since I was naïve and had absolutely NO clue what lay in store for me after said monumental year. (Some people would say I still have no clue. I believe it's best to simply shoot these people and move on.)
It was a Tuesday afternoon when the news came out that Elvis Presley had died. I'd grown up listening to a lot of Elvis music, as both of my parents were big Elvis fans. (Elvis was the ultimate defintion of "star": women wanted to be with him, men wanted to be like him.) I don't remember if my mother cried when she heard the news, because my parents were separated at the time, and I was living with my dad. If I had to bet, though, I'd bet that she did. (I guess I'll never know, as she herself passed on five years later.)
So, a couple weeks later when school started, Elvis' death was still the talk of the town at Taylor Center High School (and probably at lots of other schools, as well). It was such a big deal that it got mentioned in our school yearbook, accompanied by a picture of the man himself.
Although I was more of a Beatles fan, I still held Elvis in a position of reverence. Even in 1977, his earliest songs had been around for more than twenty years, and had easily stood the test of time in fine fashion. (Plus, the Beatles themselves made no secret of the fact that Elvis had been a HUGE influence on them.) The years that have passed since then have only increased my respect for Elvis as an entertainer, and my love for his music. (Those who aren't big Elvis fans may not realize that he made some of the most beautiful gospel music that has ever been recorded.)
Arguably, Elvis Presley was the most popular entertainer of all time. His death affected more people than probably any other in modern times, although those of Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and Rudolph Valentino would also have to be considered serious contenders.
It has been said that one day, Elvis will be akin to a religious cult. I don't doubt that; in fact, there may already be some movement in that direction. Don't believe me? Take a look at this.
Ypsilanti, Michigan, is home to the annual Michigan Elvis Fest, which is officially sanctioned by the Elvis Presley Estate. There are, of course, Elvis impersonators, as well as memorabilia for sale, raffles, food, and lots of other fun things to see and do.
Even though I lived in Tennessee for two years, I never did visit Graceland (I did drive by it once, but it was after dark, and I couldn't really see much from the road). I do plan to go there someday. By every account I've ever read, it's well worth your time.
Elvis has indeed left the building... but his music will live forever.
The King is dead. Long live the King!The Official Elvis Presley Web Site
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