Elvis Presley Death - We Remember - August 16, 1977!

Things You May Not Know about Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is one of the most celebrated singers and actors in history. But how well do you really know him?

Music

1. He is one of the very few artists who was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

2. In 1977, Elvis was considered to be the number one touring act in the U.S.

3. Heartbreak Hotel was the no.1 country song in 1956.

4. Hound Dog was recorded 33 times. He once performed with a Bassett Hound, but it wasn't too fun since the dog was in heat and grouchy.

5. Selling 30 million copies, It's Now or Never, Elvis's single recorded in 1960, was the best-selling song of all time.

6. Concerts during June 19-21, 1977, were videotaped by CBS for the Elvis in Concert special. It displayed the stars worsening condition. It was only shown on October 3, after his death.

7. Elvis's singing career was viewed as a means to survive; his ultimate dream was to be an actor.

Personal References

1. Rumors have it that Elvis was forced by Priscilla's father to marry her, or else, he would reveal that she was a minor when they both started an affair. Elvis was then 24.

2. President Jimmy Carter is Elvis's distant cousin. Isaiah Harrison, great-great grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, was his direct descendant too.

3. Elvis was a notorious woman lover, dating his co-stars before he married Priscilla.

4. He used to work odd jobs before he began singing. He worked as an usher and a truck driver.

5. Elvis was sick with chronic asthma and was prescribed very addictive sleeping pills which a lot believe caused his tragic death.

6. Elvis loved football and racquetball. He usually had three televisions running at Graceland to watch football games.

7. Elvis was once in the audience of Connie Francis. He left abruptly when she sang Mama an Italian song, which reminded him of his mother who had recently died.

After His Death

1. Elvis was known to be very generous, and his fans continued this tradition. One of them, Elvis Matters, invited a 17-year-old paralyzed girl named Michael Stroobans to their annual pilgrimage to Graceland with expenses all paid by the club.

2. Elvis's body was almost stolen in August 29, 1977. However, the plan failed. The adjustment board of Memphis granted Vernon the permission to move Elvis's and his mothers body behind Graceland, in the Meditation Garden.

3. Elvis graced a Swedish postage stamp in 2004.

4. A number of TV shows and films showcased Elvis's life, including Elvis, a telefilm. He was portrayed by Kurt Russell.

Just change the order of the letters of his name and you get the word Lives.

In fact, Elvis does live, simply because there are so many memories of the King.

On August 16 of this year, the world will be celebrating his 30th death anniversary but his songs, his movies, his jumpsuits and his face plastered everywhere shows that he is still alive in our hearts.

Just look at some of the memorabilia:

1. Elvis Sunglasses
They may not be the real thing but they are replica of what The King wore when he performed and swung those hips in front of restless crowds.

2. Elvis Shot glass
Yes, you can down your drink with Elvis's face in the glass.

3. Elvis Tin Lunchbox
And you think they don't make those tin lunch boxes anymore. Well, they still do and since they are the classic kind, they don't have The Simpson's as the design but the King himself.

4. Elvis Magnets
You've got to hand it to the people who came up with some of the Elvis Presley memorabilia. You can have his face on your fridge. He will definitely be the first person you'll see when you open the fridge to get that milk carton.

5. Elvis Books
We doubt that there's hardly anything about Elvis that hasn't been written, considering the countless books available all about him.

6. Elvis Bags
The colors, the fabric and the size vary, depending on what kind of bag you want. Be it shoulder bags, backpacks or those sling bags, there is an Elvis bag for everyone.

7. Elvis Lighters
Wow! You can light up a cigarette while you're holding Elvis in your hands.

8. Elvis Clip Purse
You can keep those coins within reach by putting them inside your Elvis Clip Purse.

If you go to Graceland, make sure that you drop by the countless souvenir shops that are managed by the Elvis Presley enterprise.

Surely, there is more available that isn't mentioned here.

This only goes to show how much Elvis affected the lives of people because he continues to live on in these souvenirs.

He may have been dead for three decades now but he will always be remembered because he is everywhere.

That is the mark of a one true King who will definitely go down in History.

Nothing could be more interesting than the life of the King of Roll & Roll.

He rose from a simple boy from Mississippi, became a singer and an actor, established a family, and died tragically because of a drug overdose.

Early Life

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Love Smith. He was of Scottish, French, Jewish, and German descent. He had an identical twin named Jesse Garon who was stillborn.

His first public performance was when he was ten, in a singing competition of a dairy show.

The young Elvis, so short, reached for the microphone using a chair and sang Old Shep by Red Foley. He was the second runner-up.

Celebrity Career

It was in 1954 that he started singing for the well-known Sun Records in Memphis.

The following year, he found himself at RCA Victor, when his contract was sold. In 1956, he was already a very big star.

Because of his distinct voice and style that perfectly combined different kinds of musical influences that transcended racial barriers, he introduced a new type of American pop culture and music.

Along with his music, he also started acting, appearing in 33 box-office films. He also made history with his television specials and appearances. He held great acclaim for his record-breaking concerts in Las Vegas and other tours.

His records have sold billions all over the world and garnered him gold multi-platinum recognitions that 149 singles and albums.

He was nominated in the Grammy's 14 times and was named TOYM of the Nation in 1970.

Military Service

Elvis became part of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Armor when he was drafted into the military on December 20, 1957. He was assigned to Friedberg, Germany.

He requested for no special treatment and was respected for not participating in Special Services, where he could avoid specific duties.

It was in Germany, however, that he was introduced to amphetamines by friends. Because almost all were into it, he himself began taking them.

He went back in March 2, 1960, to the United States and was given a sergeant ranking. He then continued his recording sessions after almost three years of hiatus.

Death of Presley

During the 1970s, Presley began to decline. He was often criticized for veering away from rock and pop music.

Added to that were the marital problems with his wife, Priscilla, and his womanizing ways.

He also started to gain weight and drugs slowly started taking control of his health.

His last performance should have been in Market Square Arena in Indianapolis.

A day before, however, he was found dead in the bathroom by his fianc, Ginger Alden.

Why do you think Elvis still attracts new fans every year, even long after his death

: HIS VOICE
Annette REID


: I think that Elvis is very easy to relate too. He was young, vunrable, down to earth, easy to get along with, and very loving, with great chemistry. He had a GOD given talent. Nobody could take that away from him. Not to
mention is good looks and sexy way even without trying.
Carol Stanton


: Because he was unique; his style, his ways and his music where unique; and he has thrown everything into his music, and his shows, and that is the message people get when they here him or see him perform - he did it not 100% but 1000%. He loved what he did, and you can feel it. Besides, if you ask me he had more charisma as anyone could ever dream of having...

IRMA STANTON


: Because he is the best and you can understand most of his songs a couple you have to listen to but then you can understand them but mostly he did them with so much passion and love that it shines through every song
Christine Bamford


: This is a difficult one for me to answer
having had 'The Man' in my life for so long. Two of my grandchilden love
him and I hope it is not just through my influence. But mainly I think it
is because of his music which has certainly stood the test of time. Also
because of the Icon he was.
Sue Butler


: Because his the "King of Rock'n'roll".
Daniel Rea


: Because he played a big role in music..he was a legend and a idol to many..no matter if they were young or old..he effected people with his music..it had meaning to it..
Tori Lovett


: I think just becasue his music and the things
he did. Also his response to things and maybe his looks when he was
younger.
Brittany


: his voice and manners he had when he was a
live no body can match him today and the way he help other less of then
him he never forgot where he come from not like to days artise
DAWN


: I think ELVIS still attracts new fans because he had a nice voice and he was an excellent entertainer that still you enjoy see him on videos and DVD`S also there are people who they now him in person trough his life like his close friends, his band that they are live his memory trough Elvis virtual concerts, Books, CD`s etc so that's why that Elvis name is living forever.
Chris Borg


: His music.
Jamie Gepp


: Because his music and songs are so timeless.
They never go away and I think thats why he still attracts new fans every
year.
Stephanie Madson


: Elvis' work never gets old...and his work is
so numerous and great. Any of his work that is new to an individual is
just that...it is new.
Scott


: His Music still fits in the world it is not
like disco or punk. People still relate to his music it is timeless.
Michael


: ummm cause he is hott!
Gweniver Staffani


: He was a compelling performer. No matter that
he made some bad films. The person he became after fame. The love and
compassion he gave to others. That God given voice. He is still giving.
Phyllis