On this day in 1977 Elvis Presley died at the age of 42. A couple quotes I remember concerning his death. When told that Elvis had died Beatle John Lennon’s reply was “Elvis died when he joined the army.” Pretty accurate comment. The other was Col. Tom Parker who was Elvis’ manager. When asked what he was going to do now that Elvis had died he replied “Manage Elvis”

Elvis as famous as he was while living is ten times bigger in death. I do not understand it. I think the thing Elvis was great at he was a great singer-kind of gets pushed back and forgotten. He’s celebrated for all the wrong reasons.  Growing up I didn’t get Elvis. He was from a generation before me. To me he was a relic from the past. At the time of his death I didn’t understand the hysteria over it. He didn’t at the time mean much to me. Later I would listen to his music. I certainly understand his greatness.  Elvis at his best was Elvis during his Sun Records period before he hit it big. To me to get Elvis you don’t go to Graceland but to Sun Studio in Memphis where his career was born. Fame killed Elvis.

Recommended reading concerning Elvis is the two volume biography by the great Peter Guralnick. I read them when they came out 15 years or so ago. Excellent. Need to re-read them.