JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 7)

As Elvis Week draws to a close, I thought we'd take a look at the legacy of Elvis and how his music effected the lives of others. The Beatles were big Elvis fans and met The King in 1965. John Lennon said, "Nothing really effected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been a Beatles." Rod Stewart declared, "Elvis was the King. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps." Bob Dylan said, "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail." Roy Orbison said, “He was the finest and mostest.” US President Jimmy Carter stated, “Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense and he was a symbol to people the world over, of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humor of his country.” But James Brown put it best, "He taught white America to get down."

Elvis has been inducted into four music Halls of Fame: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his birthplace was honored by the Mississippi Blues Commission with a historical marker in recognition to his development of the blues in Mississippi.

The '68 Comeback Special is considered the forerunner and inspiration for MTV's "Unplugged" concerts.

Elvis starred in over 30 films and made history with his television appearances and specials. His concerts broke attendance records and he sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. He has more gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards than any other artist. He received 14 Grammy nominations with 3 wins and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. Let's also not forget his veteran status for honorably serving his country in the U.S. Army.

He is known the world over by his first name and is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Long live The King.