The King

Elvis died 30 years ago today.

Without at all discounting the death of John Lennon, the biggest rock and roll deaths for me (by far and away) are Elvis and the Lynrd Skynrd plane crash.

So 1977 wasn't a good year for me. I was listening to the radio and heard about them both that year.

In later years it became quite fun to goof on Elvis. I thought it was funny in the 80's and 90's as did lots of other people. Hey everything about Elvis was funny! Him, his house, his clothes, his movies, the way he died.

But then in my post college hipster days I was buddies with a guy who was really into the rockabilly revival. I made some crack about Elvis, and he really called me out on it.

To make a long story short he made a mix tape of a little of everything, the early rockabilly stuff to the later ballads and more "corny" songs. It was all on there. He gave it to me and said try to block out all the comedians, the impersonators, and the jokes. Just listen to him sing. All the styles, Rock, Gospel, Ballads, and yes funny goofy songs he could sing so well with a laugh in his voice.

"Rick just listen to him sing. That's the key."

So I did.

Thanks to my buddy with the hot girlfriend and the Rocket 88 and the great rockabilly music collection I never make fun of Elvis anymore. I don't mind if you or anyone does, and Elvis surely liked to have fun. But Oh God what a voice.

There is a nice double cd out now called Elvis At The Movies. A great mix of styles and it really shows off his talents. Big Rick says check it out.

I haven't talked to Robbie in a long time. I don't know what happened to his girlfriend or that Rocket 88, but I thank him, and I'm sure he agrees with this Straycats song:

"Elvis On Velvet"

All night long way black top highway midnight hittin' a groove
Mustang radio rag top jukebox hound dog don't be cruel
Roadside rest stop all night truck stop side show out of a van
Rhinestone lunchbox ashtray junk shop key chain hittin' the fan

Elvis on velvet - don't know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet - it's got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet - somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet - and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead

Well drift back daydream Memphis street scene 1955
Street flair flat bed three piece string band shakin' man alive
Then heartbreak hotel, jailhouse rock, love me tender please
I'm all shooked up, too much, so treat me nice and wear my ring

Elvis on velvet - don't know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet - it's got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet - somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet - and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead

Well graceland wasteland right this way ma'am one low price to pay
His life, his love, his home, his stuff, his final resting place
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, thy records re-released
All kneel to second guess and bless him, let him rest in peace

Elvis on velvet - don't know why it makes me blue
Elvis on velvet - it's got a strange effect on you
Elvis on velvet - somehow it makes me mad
Elvis on velvet - and I can see him tonight up on the road ahead



"Before Elvis, there was nothing."
J. Lennon