Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Happy Birthday Elvis


(Google Image)

By Diane Forrest

Seventy Eight years ago the King of Rock and Roll was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.  If you don't know who I'm talking about, it’s Elvis Presley.  A man who captured the world with his voice and shook up all the women with his dance moves.
(Google Image)
As a native of Mississippi, I have always felt a connection to Elvis.  When I was younger I lived in the delta, an hour away from Memphis, where his home was located.  As we traveled to Memphis to do our annual Christmas shopping, we would drive by Graceland and see scores of groupies hanging out around the gates.  When my husband was younger, he recalled a tornado that hit his hometown of McComb Mississippi and Elvis came and performed a concert to raise money to help rebuild.  The newspaper article detailing the concert also contained a picture of his uncle shaking Elvis's hand as the check was presented to the town.
(Google Image)
Several years ago we took a trip to Graceland to tour the home where he lived and died.  Since my husband was wheelchair bound, he was giving special privilege to park in the driveway of Graceland.  He was thrilled to park his car on the same driveway that Elvis used. Even took a picture of the garbage can sitting next to the drive.
(Google Image)
Many people in this area have special memories of Elvis especially the women, many of whom he dated.  A friend of mine served on security detail for him once, and my father was actually in Memphis the day he passed away, and still has the newspaper from that day.

The tales of his generosity are well known through the state, such as the donations and contributions...to the gifts of Cadillac to unsuspecting recipients.  Elvis was loved by many, and this can be seen by the continued success of the sale of his music and visits to his home.
(Google Image)
Today is the day that Elvis was born, so to remember him, listen to some of his songs, or maybe you can find one of his several movies showing on TV.  36 years after his death, he still remains the King of Rock and Roll!

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