The Kind is Dead: August 16, 1977

 

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Saturday, August 16, 2014

The King is Dead: August 16, 1977

 

 

Elvis Aaron Presley

 

We all loved Elvis, except for my father. One day, I asked Daddy if he liked this song as "Love Me Tender" was playing on the radio. Daddy agreed it was pretty good, that guy could sing. Of course, he was disgusted it was Elvis he had complimented.

 

A girl at the college I attended told us she partied with Elvis and asked me if I wanted to go. I knew I would have been in over my head, but said I wanted to go. Of course, she never asked me to go with her.

 

When I was married, we lived just south of Graceland. One day in 1968, while I was working my part-time job at TG&Y, just  mile from Graceland, someone said Elvis was on a horse in his front yard, playing Christmas songs and singing. I almost told the manager I would be back in a little while

 

While we lived in that location, my NY bil came to visit. For all the times I passed Graceland, it was commonplace. The bil just annoyed me to no end as we had to stop at Graceland every time we passed by. I had never, ever stopped in front of the house and certainly would never have gotten out and gawked. This was Elvis' home.

 

When L was five-years-old, she announced earnestly that she was going to marry Elvis when she grew up. She was so convinced that it would happen and wanted me to agree. Finally, I told her that when she grew up that Elvis would be as old as Pepaw, my father. She cried and grieved all night about that fact. The child was so sad for a week that I wished I had left off the last detail. She would have forgotten her desire eventually.

 

When I heard Elvis had died, August 16, 1977, we lived here. I was pulling into the parking lot of the city pool to pick up my children just as the news broke. My best friend arrived at the identical time. As we both emerged from our cars with babies in our arms, I told her Elvis had died. She laughed nervously and said I was teasing. Then, she looked fearful as I told her it was true. Tears came to our eyes. The babies wondered why we were crying. Both my older children cried. L was seven-years-old by then. The boy, J, was nine-years old. My husband was puzzled at all the tears. But, we cried most of the evening. The baby, almost two, cried out of concern and sympathy.

 

My youngest sister living in Memphis took the middle sister's daughter, also seven,  and they stood for six hours at Graceland to view the body. A few years later, we went on the Graceland tour. Somewhere, I have pictures of my children at the graves of Elvis and his mother.

 

I had my sister buy four copies of the Memphis Press Scimitar (or Commercial Appeal) for the three children and me. If I had thought of it sooner, I would have gotten it out and would have taken a picture of it. I always wanted to attend one of his concerts, but that was not to be.

 

No, I don't think any less of the man for his foibles or faults. He only wanted to sing and had many people shoving him in the direction that benefited them instead of him.

 

My son was born in April 1968, and Lisa Marie Presley was born earlier that year, supposedly delivered by someone in the same group of ob/gyns that delivered my son. I just checked that fact. Yes, they were in the same office.

 

Tales of his generosity abound in Memphis. One day, he passed a couple on the side of the road. Apparently, their old car broke down. He took them to a dealership and bought them a new car.

 

I loved Heartbreak Hotel, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, In the Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, and so many others.

 

Your turn

 

Did you like Elvis? All his songs are my favorites? What are your favorites? Any special memories? Did you see him in concert?