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.
And by The Clash when their album cover of "London Calling" was made to look almost exactly like Elvis's first album cover ("Elvis Presley" - check out the two album covers side-by-side).
I don't know of any other recording artist likewise honored by the bands that came after them.
I was living in Memphis the day he died, that whole city was just shut down.
My uncle lived in Las Vegas in the early ‘70s, and was acquainted with Elvis. This was long before I came along, but family lore supports the consensus, he was a gentleman, good and kind.
Born to standard boomers, I am familiar with his music, which they still play when they need to. His voice was exceptional, the music sweet.
He exemplified the spirit of the age. The Lord bestowed on him such blessings and opportunities, he had his moment of glory, and then the Devil turned it all to dross, with the scourge of drugs. Like millions of others.
But what he left behind, still has the power to arouse a smile from the most unhappy elderly folk. A year ago I was helping Mom in looking after her deceased friend’s mom, a lady past 90, dying slowly of heart disease. Play Elvis and she perked right up, like she’d gotten a double shot of 1957.
That’s magical.
He was a good Jewish boy with a great voice.
I was coaching high school football at the time...Another school in our city had a player named Elvis Presly (his name was spelled differently)...
When we got ready for practice, someone said Elvis Presley had died...I thought that kid had from the heat at his team’s practice....I could not imagine “The King” dying.....
What a great memory. Thanks for sharing!
Wasn’t his real name Elvis Aron Presley, but his tombstone says Elvis Aaron Presley? People have pointed to that as proof that he wasn’t dead.
Elvis is everywhere
The day after Elvis died, my otherwise brilliant father decided that we should go to our hair lady, Carolyn, and get cuts before my school season started. Well Carolyn and her entire female staff were crazed Elvis fans. There were pictures and posters of the King everywhere in the salon. We arrived, and it was a nightmarish cry fest!! It took at least an hour longer than usual and I was too young to give my dad $h$# about that horribly, bad idea!! Wish he were still alive so that I could ask “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING??!”
DISBELIEVER! HERETIC. ANTI-CHRIST!
He is not gone, I saw him just last weekend.
Burn the unbeliever! Stone him, then burn the corpse!
DIDN’T BOTHER SECRETARIAT
WHEN A NECROPSY WAS PERFORMED ON HIM-—THEY FOUND HIS HEART WAS TWICE THE SIZE OF A NORMAL HORSE.
Was my 10th birthday.
Having all the women including my mother crying their eyes out kinda put a damper on the festivities....
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