[INTRO: I am a die hard, card carrying Elvis fan and have been for as long as I can remember. There is so much about Elvis to love; his incredible singing voice, his generous spirit, his looks (the most gorgeous man ever), his movies (yes, his movies. They make me happy, so critics can just shush), his service in the army, his magical presence on stage, his transcendent charisma, and…I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, on my 50th post, I believe it was, I DID go on and on. I listed 50 things I love about Elvis. It wasn’t difficult. I am an author and I mention Elvis in almost every story I write. I named my son Presley. I was fortunate to see Elvis in concert three times. I have been to Graceland five times… See? I love Elvis. I have been blogging weekly for more than a year, but going forward, I will blog every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. My life is insanely busy and I found myself missing weeks from time to time. This way, I’m more likely to be consistent. Hopefully, even if you are not an Elvis fan, you appreciate something about him and will find my posts interesting. Feel free to comment. Thank you so much for stopping by!]
As I’m sure you all know, on April 6th, country music legend, Merle Haggard, passed away. Ironically, it was also on his birthday. Of course, Elvis is by far, my very favorite singer, entertainer, all around everything, but I adored Merle Haggard. I am a huge country music fan (well, I was, back when it was decent…sorry to be blunt, but the truth hurts. Today’s music is almost unlistenable (is that a word?)).
Anyway…I am extremely saddened by Merle’s passing. He was not only one of my favorite country singers (in my top 3-Hank Sr, Merle, and George Jones), but his music was such a big part of my life, my entire life. I can’t listen to him without being taken back to my childhood and growing up in a musical family where my parents’ form of entertainment was living room music sessions. My dad (whose 91st birthday would have been yesterday), played guitar and sang and many, many Hag songs were part of those sessions. He and my mother are why I love country music so much. My brother, Brett Robertson) is a guitar player as well. This is a video of the band he’s with, The Gary Gibson Band, out of Oklahoma, doing a Merle Haggard tune. My brother is the lead guitarist:
Lest we forget, here are a few pics to remind us that Merle was not only a phenomenal singer and songwriter, he was gorgeous!
And, because I can’t NOT share a pic of Elvis…
Merle will be sorely missed by myself and millions of other fans. Elvis and Merle were not exactly tight, but they were more or less friends and shared a mutual respect. Merle did a tribute album to Elvis after his death. Below is a video of Merle singing “From Graceland to the Promised Land.” One thing to note, in the song, the lyrics; “His life was two days longer than the one who gave him life,” aren’t quite accurate. Many people thought Elvis and his mother died at the same age, but he was 42, and she was 46.
Here is an interesting interview where Merle mentioned Elvis:
http://merlehaggard.com/merle-haggard/
Probably my favorite song by Merle Haggard is “Today I Started Loving You Again.” I love the line, “What a fool I was to think I could get by with only these few million tears I’ve cried.” I am certain that more than a few million tears have been and will be cried over the loss of Mighty Merle. Here’s him singing “Today I Started Loving You Again.”
Rest in peace, Merle, your legend will live on.
Thank you for stopping by…Happy Friday!
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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’ 80th birthday, 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?
Author Alicia Dean 
I agree with you about the unlistenability of today’s music–if it’s not a word it should be. My own kids love ’60s music because it’s what they heard on my car radio. Now–there was a sound. Elvis, anyone?? Sorry about Hag–another “old school” singer is gone.
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Yes, I love 60’s music, not just Elvis, but many others. Thanks for stopping by!
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Earth’s streets of country music are a bit more lonely now, but the music in Heaven should be a bit sweeter…RIP Merle.
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Absolutely! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful sentiment.
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Thanks for your commemorative post. I’m not a huge C&W fan, but I thought he had a great voice!
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Yes, he did. And, he was an amazing songwriter. Thank for stopping by!
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Great post. I enjoy learning more about Elvis, and I loved Merle Haggard’s music. Thanks for a good Friday read! Linda Nightingale
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Thank you! I appreciate the kind words, and you are most welcome. 🙂
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Wow, Merle was cute in his younger years. I enjoyed Merle’s music too, and it was sad that he died, but music legends will never be forgotten!
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Yes, he was, wasn’t he? So true. He left his mark for sure. Thank you!
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Boy, for someone who’s always declared “I’m just not into country music,” I’m awfully torn up over losing the Hag. “Silver Wings” was one of my favorites. And you couldn’t have hit my three faves more dead straight—as far as I’m concerned, the all-time best, saddest, greatest country western song is George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
https://youtu.be/ubKUP8c0FHE <–don't think that's right 😦
The thing about Merle was he had really lived his songs; like Hank Sr. and George Jones, what they sing is "true" country.
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Yes, that song is a tear-jerker for sure. You provided the correct link, good job. 🙂 Well said, they did live those songs. They were pure and true country singers. Ha! So funny you agree with my top 3. 🙂
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Great post. As always, I learn so much from you!
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Thank you!
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I don’t have the long-time love of country music like you do (I’m from Central Jersey…we didn’t have country music when I was growing up!!), but I came to love it when I took joined a line-dancing group at lunch. So much fun. I was quickly hooked. Probably my version of “country” isn’t the same classic version as yours (although I agree, today’s radio hits are so boring, I feel like I’m listening to the same song over and over). But I did enjoy Merle Haggard, and I LOVE “Today I Started Loving You Again.” Great lyrics. Nice tribute. RIP Mr. Haggard.
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LOL. Yes, not a ton of Yankees are country music fans. 😉 I’m glad you joined us, though. Thanks for stopping by!
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I love Elvis and 60s music. What a great tribute to Merle. I’ve never been a big fan of country, but some music is just so powerful, you have to love it. Thanks for sharing!!
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Aw, Casi. I love that you love Elvis and 60’s music. Yes, very true. Regardless of genre, some music makes such an impact, you do have to love it. Thank you!
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As always, a very interesting post! I especially enjoyed the Merle Haggard interview. You could tell he was down to earth. Even though I’m a rock girl, I can recognize a good tribute to a fallen star. I only wish your brother’s video had worked! Thanks for sharing, Alicia!
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Oh shoot, you couldn’t play his video? 😦 I shared it on my FB. If you want, you can check it out here: Maybe this will work for you. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1703219179966868&id=100008364070487&pnref=story Ha, yeah, I know you’re a rock girl. Thanks for stopping by though!
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I loved Merle Haggard’s music!
Even though I enjoy most of the new artists, not many do it like the Hag did…or George Jones or Conway….
Great post.
Good luck and God’s blessings.
Pamt
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I guess I’m the outlier here…I enjoy all sorts of music and I’m a big fan of The Voice, it showcases new talent regardless of age. But, back to country music. My favorite George Jones song is Yabadabadoo, The King is Gone. My favorite Hank Sr. song is Jambalaya, and my favorite of Elvis’…well I just can’t pick one.
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