THIS guy must surely be among the 'greatest' but, unlike some big-mouth punchers, had never proclaimed himself bigger than God.
However, a fan wrote in a publication soon after his 'king' died, that "first there was God, then there was Elvis." Surely, there cannot be a more glorifying tribute than that!
The King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley may have left us for 30 years (come Aug 16) but memories of him still live on and will never die.
From sporting the replicas of his famous jumpsuits to collecting his rare records, his fans have their unique ways of remembering him.
Although activities such as impersonating competitions are held worldwide from time to time to immortalize memories of him, the highlight of the year would be Elvis week in Memphis, Tennessee.
Inexplicable connection
This week leading up to the death anniversary sees thousands of fans from all over the world flocking to Memphis, where his permanent resting place, Graceland is, to celebrate the life that has touched other lives in many ways.
To his fans, Elvis is more than an entertainer. Even after his death, they still have an inexplicable connection with him.
On the wall in front of Graceland and the virtual wall on his website, fans left messages to express their love for Elvis.
One virtual wall post read, "I was 14 years old when you died Elvis, but I will never forget you. You will always be a part of my life. I love you forever. I dearly miss you on this 30th anniversary of your passing and hope to see you again some day. Save me a room in heartbreak hotel. Love Madelyn. Madelyn Dickey, Age 44, Mobile, United States"
The words might be cheesy but they were definitely sincere.
The life of a true fan would not be complete without a pilgrimage to Graceland, especially on Elvis week when fans would be taken to visit Elvis' childhood home in Tupelo and the Sun Studios where he recorded his first hit.
Fans could also participate in a tradeshow of Elvis' music, movies and merchandise and attend movie screenings and concerts. Visitors can also take self-guided audio tours of the Graceland Mansion, hosted by none other than the king himself and his daughter Lisa-Marie.
Cut a single at 18
Born in 1935 into a humble beginning, Elvis' singing career would probably not have started if not for his unusually intimate relationship with his mother. Then, Sam Phillips of Sun Records, a small independent label in Memphis, ran a service that let people record themselves on a two-song record for $3.98.
Although Elvis was already performing in public since the age of 10 years, he only had his first recording at the age of 18 years, when he cut a single as a belated birthday gift for his mother at Sun Records. And the rest, they say, is history.
Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu in May of 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their only child, daughter Lisa Marie, was born almost exactly nine months later on February 1, 1968. They separated on February 23, 1972, agreeing to share custody of their daughter, this eventually ending in divorce in 1973.
After the death of Elvis's father Vernon in 1979, Priscilla served as co-executor of his estate. Graceland itself cost US$500,000 a year in upkeep, and expenses had dwindled Lisa Marie's inheritance to $5 million. Priscilla examined other famous house/museums, and hired a CEO to turn Graceland into a moneymaker. She became the chairwoman and president of Elvis Presley Enterprises. After Graceland opened to the public in 1982, the enterprise's fortunes soared and eventually the trust grew to be worth over $100 million.
Having a cult-like following of mainly young devotees, he was not without his criticisms when he entered the music scene and took it over by storm. A revolutionary in the way music is performed, he was seen as a threat to the wellbeing of the society. Frank Sinatra even once called his music "deplorable" and said that it "fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people."
However, bad reviews of him were later reversed when it became apparent how misunderstood the music prodigy was. Later, in a eulogy, Sinatra said "There have been many accolades uttered about Elvis' talent and performances through the years, all of which I agree with wholeheartedly."
To his fans, it was not only one of his over 800 songs that captivated them. They also admired not only his songs, but also how he and his songs had positive impacts in their lives. Some find his gospel songs particularly inspiring; others find comfort just listening to his songs.
Watched by a billion viewers
His most memorable concert was perhaps the "Aloha from Hawaii" concert in 1973, which was broadcast live around the world and watched by at least a billion viewers. It was perhaps his greatest treat for his fans outside the United States, where he had never held concerts.
Even 30 years after his death, his albums are still being released. Fans may have heard all his released songs but the true fans will not want to miss the 40 alternate tracks he sang for each song, which are still being released.
Indeed, Elvis has a cult-like following. This was quite clear from the very beginning. And this is probably why his name still lives on in the many fan clubs that are, yes, still active three decades after he had gone. Currently, there are over 625 active Elvis fan clubs worldwide.
Elvis' popularity is at an all-time high, and his legacy continues to reach new audiences. As deejays played his songs over and over again to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his passing, Elvis' all time favourites found its way to the top of the charts again.
Indeed, many of Elvis' fans can testify how greatly the singer and actor had influenced their lives.
To them, Elvis had never left the building
Watch the eight-minute video here.
TOMORROW: Malaysians remember the king
You can listen to a "live" special interview with HT Long (Malaysian Elvis Presley) at 11 am on Traxx FM on Wednesday, Aug 15 and see him pay tribute to Elvis 'live' the next day; Thursday Aug 16 at 8.30 am on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini program.
SU HUI HSING is from Kuching and a student at Smith College, Massachusetts. She completed her internship at Malaysiakini recently. Comments can reach Rentakini by emailing [email protected]
