It was 30 years ago today....

It's hard to believe that 30 years have passed since the 'King' of rock n roll, Elvis Presley, passed from this world. I was just eight years old when it happened and I remember my Mum coming into my bedroom to tell me the news. Not that it really meant anything to me at that age. However, I am crying tears for him now as I write this and listen to his music. Is there anyone who is or was as famous as Elvis? John asked me the other day who the most famous person in the world is...surely this man is a major candidate.

I have to admit that growing up and during my 20s, I didn't rate Elvis's music at all; I was more into the Beatles. The majority of people seem to be into one or the other, I don't know the reason. However, going into my 30s, I started to really appreciate him. He may not have written his own songs, but he always performed them with so much emotion. I find it hard to listen to 'American Trilogy' without filling up. (And, yes, I just have)!

If you ask me now who I'd like to see in concert (past or present) above everyone else, there would be no hesitation in replying 'Elvis'. His presence on stage is like no other, his singing is effortless, his extreme costumes, and the way he interacted with his fans - I doubt there will anyone in music's future who will be able to replicate him; in fact I KNOW there won't.

One of the highlights of my holiday to the States last summer was a visit to Graceland. It's only in very recent times that I have really felt the urge to embrace the experience of his home. I wasn't disappointed. Despite the hoards of people who make the pilgramage every day, you tend to shut all that out of your mind and soak in the atmosphere as you wander slowly around his house and grounds. When you consider the star that he was, I would describe Graceland's interior as modest
and it is not as nearly large as most would think. Outside at the pool area is Elvis's grave. Naturally, this is the emotional part of the tour but it is also very beautiful. Fresh flowers and present still arrive daily from fans all around the world.

Another great moment of my trip to Memphis was a tour of Sun Studios, where in 1953, Elvis paid $3.98 to record his first two demos. The stories retold my the guide were so interesting and being able to hold the same microphone as Elvis used all those decades ago, was a great feeling too. The whole feeling that Memphis generates is one everyone should experience in my opinion. It's not just about Elvis, but the birthplace of the blues and rock n roll, without which, who knows what path music would have taken.

I have to confess I have never watched one of Elvis's movies. Despite making 31 features, for me, this isn't what he was about. His music will never die - it will handed down from generation to generation. He has sold more records since his death than he did whilst he was alive which says it all.

John and I (until recently) DJ'd at private functions, and the last song of the night was (99 times out of one hundred) 'The Wonder of You'. To this day, I would have to say this is one of, if not, my favourite of all his songs. John would probably agree. It certainly beats 'New York New York'!

There is so much you could write about the 'King': his childhood, his army life, his family, his career... but it would be the longest blog in history so I'm not going there! I just wanted to mention him on this day - the 30th anniversary of his sad death and remember the beautiful man, the genius. And now as I close, 'Always on my mind' is now playing, and again the tears fall. Such an emotional song.



You'll never be forgotten. Elvis Aaron Presley (1935-1977)