Today marks the 32nd anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. I was only ten years old when Elvis died but his music has been a big influence on my life. He was one of the few artists my family could all agree upon and listen to together. Today begins the first day of Just Listen: Elvis Presley Week here on DSTG! so stayed tuned all week for music, trivia and more.
Elvis began his career in 1954, becoming one of the most popular and controversial entertainers ever. On stage, he was uninhibited and with his versatile voice, he was successful in rock and roll, ballads, pop, gospel, country and blues.
His movies were critical panned but were financially successful. His live television performance in 1968, later named the '68 Comeback Special, was a major success. Elvis was the first performer to stage a global live concert via satellite with Aloha from Hawaii, which reached over one billion people.
He set records for concert attendance, record sales and television ratings and is regarded as one of the most important people of the twentieth century. There's a reason he's called "The King of Rock and Roll".
His career was cut short with his death on August 16th, 1977 at age 42.
You can learn more about Elvis Presley on his official website and purchase his music here.
Meanwhile, enjoy this clip of Elvis performing "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show in 1956. This infamous performance, in which he gyrates his hips, caused nationwide controversy and was labeled vulgar and obscene. Elvis responded, "Rock and roll music, if you like it, and you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I have to move around. I can't stand still. I've tried it, and I can't do it."
4 comments:
This harkens back to the good ol' "ELVIS DAY at the COMIC CONNECTION". I'll be sure to check in every day for a new Elvis post. You rock Keith!
Great post. I wasn't even 7 when Elvis died. I really didn't know who he was until later.
Thanks, Jeff. I thought of you and our days at Comic Connection when I was thinking of doing this post. Stay tuned. More Elvis on the way.
Thanks, Keith. I can remember where I was when I found out Elvis died. I stopped in my tracks in shock. It still saddens my heart when I think of him being gone and all the music we missed out on due to his early death.
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