Monday, October 12, 2015

Why Read Elvis Presley Books

By Deana Norton


There may be uncountable books on the King, and maybe they are in the thousands. Elvis Presley books are always in high demand and new ones appear all the time out of nowhere. It is a subject of top interest indeed. Voracious readers will always have something new to devour about his magical life. There is always something else they want to know.

Who was this young man from the south? He was born in Memphis to Gladys and Vernon Presley, the only surviving twin. His mother states that he always had the energy of two people. No doubt, this was true. He was an usher at the Loews State Theater (ironically where Jailhouse Rock premiered) and a truck driver early on before fame hit.

Elvis was always searching for something and was said to be a spiritual soul. He never took his career for granted and always asked "why me." His untimely death in a bathroom is a sad end indeed to a magical musical being who gave millions his best.

No doubt it is also true that he was near broke when he died. It was up to his ex-wife Priscilla to resurrect his estate through music licensing and memorabilia. He had maybe a million left, not enough to run Graceland and take care of his large entourage (you know the story about giving everyone Cadillacs). He didn't worry, however, counting on his music. Just before he died, he said to his father, "Don't worry about the money; I'll just go out on the road and make more."

He made many films, not many of which were impressive. He had an opportunity it is said to star with Barbra Streisand in A Star is Born. Being forced by Colonel Tom Parker, his perennial manager, to turn down the role probably cost him a serious career in film (because Barbra would get top billing). But that is all water under the bridge.

There are many Elvis quotes floating around. His last words to his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, were something to the effect that he wouldn't fall asleep on the john. He is also quoted as saying to his cousin Billy Smith that "this is gonna be my best tour ever."

Elvis ended his life at the piano, tapping out his favorite songs, "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" and "Unchained Melody." He wanted to make a quick pit stop. It was to be his last. His memory skyrocketed throughout the late 20th century and still continues to this day. Thousands make the pilgrimage to Graceland each year. On display is much memorabilia including a note that says, "I'm the only person I know who can walk into a room full of people and be alone."

A sad end to a lonely life. He never got over that feeling of loss from his twin's death. As he stated it, "I'm the only person I know who can walk into a room full of people and be alone." This note can still be seen on display at Graceland. He was buried next to his beloved mother, Gladys, at the Forest Hill Cemetery, and both bodies were moved to Graceland in 1977. His former home still receives thousands of visitors who make the pilgrimage from places far and wide. In their eyes, Elvis will never truly die since his music lives on.




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