40 years ago today....R.I.P. Elvis

[berettafan]

our local Elvis nut (sincerely not all there) 'Boardwalk Elvis' was in rare form this morning. Telling the entire bagel shop he's gonna buy Graceland if he can get his money right.

Was wondering what had him so animated today.

[cashflyer]

I was pretty young, and not an Elvis fan. I remember the day he died only because I remember seeing the news on all the newspapers in the supermarket.

I've never been into Graceland, but Memphis has some really good gentlemans clubs. lol

I have toured his two planes there, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I heard just today the 8% of Americans believe he is still alive. The same folks believe we never landed on the moon and big foot is real most likely.

I have a good friend, highly educated individual with multiple degrees. Formally employed as a senior level designer of defense systems but now a successful surgeon. Not a tin foil hat person in the least. But....

He truly believes EP is still among us, siting a bunch of evidence and theories that presents quite well with his voiceover.

[Eric 951]

I was watching "Viva Las Vegas" last night on TCM in tribute. Damn..was Ann Margaret smoking hot in that flick.

From "Clambake"(with a smoking hot Shelley Fabares)

[asphaltgambler]

Hey all - I'm not if I've shared this story here. In 2009 - my then girl friend and I decided to become one, make it official. Since this was the second time 'round for both of us we decided to do something completely opposite of our first weddings.

I've always loved Elvis especially when he sang Gospel songs.

Initially the plan was to fly to Vegas, do the entire Elvis presiding, drive thru wedding chapel in a vintage Caddy convertible, dress in 50's garb, the whole deal. Actually the complete cost was very reasonable compared to what an average small wedding costs.

Then once back home, we would host a very small reception for the immediate family and a few friends at our home.

Well - my father's health started to rapidly decline early that year, he was 89 and late in his 4th quarter, so we changed it up so he could be there.

The short story is - we brought Vegas to our home instead, including a great Elvis impersonator to marry us. The date was Halloween. The only request for guests is that they had to dress up (in the spirit of Halloween) whatever they wanted. No gifts, just themselves.

Our Elvis was fantastic! He had an impressive resume including; placing top 5 in Vegas- best Elvis, appearing on several TV shows (cameo) including Rosanne. Also had the credentials to marry us in Va.

We spent weeks prior decorating our house inside and out. The kicker is I asked my dad what he wanted to dress up as and he really didn't have any ideas. My suggestion was he should go as Hugh Hefner because he looked very much like him, but more handsome. he was all for it. i found a costume online, purchased all the accessories to complete the 'look'.

At the time he was undergoing chemo and naturally lost some weight. My sister fit him and tailored it. He looked awesome!


After the ceremony he played his acoustic guitar and sang as he walked around mingling with everyone. His appearance was the late 60's white jump suit Elvis. In short he absolutely killed it.

People close to us still talk about what a good time it was. Of course it wasn't the real "E" but this guys voice, look and moves were spot on.

[asphaltgambler]

A few

[asphaltgambler]

A few guests

[Baz]

That's fantastic AG.....good for you! Thanks for sharing!

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Jims5543

I was 11 years old, I honestly did not care about Elvis

I was pretty much the same. I think we were in Memphis on the day, traveling from Oklahoma back to upstate NY. I would have been 12. My middle sister "LOVED" Elvis. No idea why.

Dad liked "Western" & Country and I swear to god "elevator" music. Mom sort of like the Beatles and my oldest sister was a Beatles freak.

[manbridge 74]

I like early Elvis in his rockabilly days. Circa Jailhouse Rock and King Creole. Seems impersonators just focus on fat Elvis.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by manbridge 74

I like early Elvis in his rockabilly days. Circa Jailhouse Rock and King Creole. Seems impersonators just focus on fat Elvis.

Back then, I was a teen, into the Stones, southern rock, etc. and the death of fat Elvis meant about as much to me as disco . It was years later that I came to realize what a stupid young fool I was and the impact Sun Studio, Elvis, and others had. There will never be another....

[black73]