Happy Birthday To The King!

On this day in 1935, a boy was born in Tupelo, Mississippi who was, unknown to him or his parents, destined to change the world. Elvis Presley was born NINETY years ago and by the time he was nineteen, he was well on his way to a future that so many can only dream of achieving.

Elvis Presley's first hit single was "That's All Right", which he recorded on July 5, 1954 at Sun Records, at the age of 19. He recorded five other hits before he was signed by RCA Victor. 

Presley's first single with RCA Victor was "Heartbreak Hotel", which was released on January 27, 1956 and  reached number one in four countries. He became a rock and roll pioneer with his unique style, dance moves, and rebellious image. He had just turned twenty-one.

He made his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on September 9, 1956, right after he released and went to number one with “Hound Dog” in July. CBS censors made history by showing him only from the waist up, due to his then-obscene gyrations.

He was brought back in October to sing  "Don't Be Cruel", "Love Me Tender", and "Hound Dog".

By late 1956, he was well on his way with his first movie, The Reno Brothers, which was changed to Love Me Tender, as his hit song passed one million in  sales. Obviously, the producers decided to cash in while he was still hot.

He recorded songs and played them in his subsequent movies for the remainder of the 50, and all through the 60s.

He was an influence on all came after him, including, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and so many others. He sang hits and went to number one on rock, R&B, country and gospel stations.

His last feature film was Change of Habit with Mary Tyler Moore, and featured the songs “Rubberneckin’” and “Change of Habit”. But in December, 1968, his much heralded Comeback Special was released, featuring his many hits, singing them like it was 1956. His big hit was the classic, “If I Can Dream”.

He then moved to touring, in his famous white jump suit, singing all his classics. I saw him in1971, 1973 and 1975, all at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. I had tickets for his 1977 show, but he died a couple of days before.

And, stupidly, I returned the tickets for a refund.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977 at his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was only forty-two years old.

In his relatively short life, he accomplished so much and still has so many fans of all ages. He will live on for years in the hearts and minds of so many. And his music will never get old. Not really.

He has a dedicated station on satellite radio, SiriusXM, which csn be heard 24/7.

So lift your glass and wish Elvis “The Pelvis” Presley a Happy Birthday and a heartfelt thanks for so many memories.

Long Live The King!