One of the obvious examples of Elvis’ impact on our culture is the songs that are either about him, or mention him. There have been hundreds, some are despicable and not worth mentioning, but a few of my favorites are…

Walking in Memphis by Mark Cohn

Black Velvet by Allanah Myles

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen – I’ve listened to that song off and on since ! and only just discovered it was written by Freddie Mercury as a tribute to Elvis. How did I NOT know that?

Things Change by Tim McGraw

From Graceland to the Promised Land by Merle Haggard

Here is a long list of songs that either mention him or are about him (including the horrible ones :))

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_about_or_referencing_Elvis_Presley

I get very excited when I’m watching a non-Elvis movie and one of his songs plays. That alone can make a so-so movie an excellent one. 🙂

Some of the movies that played Elvis songs (my movie buff daughter, Lana, had to help me with a few of these, and I know I’m still forgetting a ton of them.)

Lilo and Stitch

Practical Magic

Ghost of Girlfriends Past

Lethal Weapon

Fools Rush In

3000 Miles to Graceland

The Man in the Moon

Men in Black

Then, of course, there are the TV shows that mention him, most memorable would be Uncle Jesse in Full House, played by John Stamos, who is a huge Elvis fan in real life. The Graceland tour now includes Ipads to conduct tourists through the mansion, and John Stamos is the narrator. I haven’t been back since they started using these, but I hope to go check it out soon.

And, no one can make a trip to Las Vegas without being exposed to various Elvis-related items, whether it’s Elvis slot machines, the song “Viva, Las Vegas,” the new Elvis Experience show, the Elvis ‘show’ during the Freemont Experience, or, and I hate to even mention the impersonators, because I’m extremely anti-Elvis impersonator, but it is a true testament to Elvis’ impact on our society, our world, even 38 years after his death.

What songs about Elvis do you like? What movies do you recall that played Elvis songs (other than HIS movies, of course :))?

 

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!

On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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