The Times Union, the local paper, requested memories of Elvis on the 20th anniversary of his death back in 1997.
Section: LIFE & LEISURE Page: C1
Date: Saturday, August 16, 1997
REMEMBERING ELVIS RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF THE KING ARE SWEETENED THROUGH THE AGES FOR LOYAL FANS
I wrote this long essay, only a small portion of which made it into print.
My father hated Elvis. He resented this white artist stealing/exploiting/ profiting from performing black music. (But then half of the musicians in the ’50s and ’60s from Pat Boone to Led Zeppelin “borrowed” from black music). So I never owned any Elvis music as a child or teenager.
Still, I did like some of his songs (“Jailhouse Rock,” “Little Sister”). So I watched the ’68 “comeback special” and became grudgingly, a mild fan.
When Elvis died, I thought, “Oh that’s too bad.” The Elvis cult that’s developed since 1977 I view with fascination and utter bemusement.
— Roger Green, Albany.
Subsequently, I egained more and more respect for the music of the artist, who is one of the richest dead men in the world.
Are you male or female: Lonely Man
Describe yourself: A Mess of Blues
How do some people feel about you: Anyway You Want Me (That’s How I’ll Be)
How do you feel about yourself: Teddy Bear
Describe what you want to be: King of the Whole Wide World
Describe how you live: Flaming Star
Describe how you love: Burning Love; Surrender; Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
Share a few words of wisdom: Don’t Be Cruel; Follow That Dream; Let Yourself Go
Fred- Hear that Julie’s into David Bowie. His birthday’s today, too! But you already knew that, I see from just finishing your post.
