Posted on 08/17/2024 10:21:37 PM PDT by nickcarraway
On August 16, 1977, the devastating news that the King of Rock ’n’ Roll had died. I, although just a wee thing, remember my mother and aunt besides themselves, sobbing over a copy of the Daily Mirror.
All over the World his death had a profound impact on culture. He had been, and still remains today, one of the most influential characters in the history of popular culture. Not only was his music groundbreaking (before Elvis, Billy Connolly describes all music as being ‘beige’), but his charm, style and swagger permeated Western Culture and brought out the envy in other less Rock ’n’ Roll cultures.
Elvis, 47 years gone and still there is speculation
Found unresponsive on the floor of his Graceland mansion bathroom by his then fiancée Ginger Alden, efforts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead at 3.30pm on August 16 1977. His autopsy reports were never revealed sparking speculation and even conspiracy theories that still do the rounds today, 47 years later.
The official coroner’s report stated that Elvis had died of ‘cardiac arrhythmia,’ or ‘an irregular and ineffective heartbeat,’ and while rumours abound that he had died of a drug overdose, the only medication found in his system was prescription medicine. But heart trouble was inherited. Like his mother before him, it is said that the King was born with ‘cardiomegaly.’ or literally, too big a heart.
Despite his passing, Elvis Aaron Presley’s influence on rock and roll and popular culture remains undeniable. The King will never be forgotten. Still today, tribute acts draw in crowds to venues as much in Las Vegas as along the Spanish coast.
I once was at a talk delivered by actress turned Catholic nun, Dolores Hart. Mother Dolores spoke at length about Elvis, specifically mentioning what a gentleman, kind person and good friend to people that he was. An American original... R.I.P.
Everyone knows Elvis died when Lisa Marie married Michael Jackson.
You’re bad. I am too for chuckling. Thank God I can have free will to think.
There have been several Elvis sightings over the last 47 years. Besides the occasional 7/11 sighting, Elvis crop circles can be seen dotting the country’s farmlands. There are also spontaneous cloud formations bearing his image. If you listen closely to the wind, you can hear it singing some popular Elvis songs, such as ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’. There is a giant statue of him on the moon as well.
Very true, my sense of humor starts with Sam Kinison and Rodney Dangerfield. BTW, I’ve been to Sun Studio twice, one of the birthplaces of Rock and Roll. In my household, December 4th is celebrated, for the Million Dollar Quartet.
Meh
Another one bites the dust
Not a big deal then Not a big deal now
I am from Memphis.
I delivered newspapers at the time.
The stack of newspapers after his death was huge.
It was hard to deliver all those papers for a ten year old.
People I know personally told me he was stone dead at the hospital.
He’s dead, Dr. Nick killed him, I drove past his office last night.
Madison Avenue east of Zinny’s where I saw my first tranny in sixth grade.
I know what I am talking about.
Thanks.
Well worth a couple of minutes on your trip before you merge with the Universe.
Sang this tonight at karaoke
Never comfortable with the song for its context.
I’ve always felt it was one of those songs that was “in that moment, in that time”
The incredible events of time is why Elvis sang it.....once
Bobby Kennedy and then Martin Luther King had been assassinated. The times of the 60’s were marred by so much violence, whose goal was to destroy rationalized relations between races and political ideology, the song seeks begs us to become equal as humans.
I sing it fine but, only Elvis could deliver that song and message.
Elvis is gone?
Why didn’t somebody tell me?
Funny...xlnt...
Funny how those who make music can affect us so much. Wouldn’t be surprised if there was complex neurological phenomena going on in our brains...
It was a wonderful break for us, because at 14 and 12 respectively, it was like total freedom!
I had an AM tube radio under my bed and at night I would quietly listen to radio serials until quite late. Then I happened onto Elvis and music had a whole new meaning for me. That was the start of my young adult life and for me at least, Rock and Roll was here to stay.
Remind me in three years.
Marilynn (class of ‘72) went into deep mourning. Big fan, she even had a roadside life size framed Velvet Elvis prominently displayed in her living room.
She was definitely a curiosity...
Nutty Buddies...
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