Of Rock and Roll? Today would have been Elvis Presley’s 74th birthday (althogh some still claim he still is among us… whatever). My sister was born on January 8, 1977 so the family is sure to make mention of both events. To be quite honest, I’m not sure that it was really good to be in his Blue Suede Shoes, particularly after becoming involved with his scheming manager Col. Tom Parker. from what I understand, Elvis was pretty much held back in his potential by playing it safe. Most of the thirty-three movies
he made (sometimes as many as three a year) were lackluster at best and seemed to be the same film over and over. Although audiences flocked to the cinemas to see them, Presley was reported as being unfulfilled and unhappy with them. Many offers were given to branch out of the sappy, one-dimensional musical extravaganzas into more dramatic roles, but Parker was always there driving him away from them. One has to wonder why Elvis kept with him through most of his career (giving his manager 50% of all his earnings). It also seemed that following his stint in the Army, the king’s music was same old same old and safe. But I guess if audiences still bought the records… why mess with a good thing? However, Elvis’ impact is still felt today nearly 32 years after his death. He has been named the highest grossing deceased celebrity at least 5 times by Forbes magazine. His music has become the basis of the musical All Shook Up. Plus, millions worldwide still flock to his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee year after year. I guess it is true that one is not truly gone as long as he is remembered. One bit of trivia I still find intriguing, Elvis had a twin brother named Jesse Garon who was stillborn. [poll id=”9″]
I actually know who Elvis is, but you didn’t have an answer that really fit my Elvis experience. I saw an Elvis movie or two, but never really wanted to. As a kid I watched all sorts things I didn’t like, just so I wouldn’t have to give up the TV. Television time as a kid was fought over with a passion.
I said no, but I do remember seeing a somewhat bad movie where a nineties almost-teenage male loved listening to Elvis. I mean- seriously? It was called Prehysteria. It was so bad I remember a scene at the beginning with a teenage girl on the phone in her bedroom. The scene opened up and she was doing absolutely nothing but laying on the bed holding the phone to her ear. I pictured the director yelling “action!” five seconds after the start of the scene. 😮