[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!]

I was listening to Elvis radio this morning, and the DJ, Argo, said he was going to play a song that most of us probably hadn’t heard, one that wasn’t a big hit for Elvis. My ears always perk up when I hear statements like this. I think… “Challenge accepted!” 🙂 I believe, in my years of listening to Elvis radio, I’ve only heard them play one song I hadn’t heard before. (Can’t recall the name right off hand). In this case, though, he played “Where Did They Go, Lord” – And, my oh my, have I ever heard that one. It’s one of my favorites. As I listened, tears welled up, just because it was so damn beautiful. No one could convey a song like Elvis. No one ever sang with such heart, such emotion. 

See for yourself: (Many who have heard this song think it’s one of his gospel songs, but it’s actually not.)

As if I wasn’t already emotional enough, the sadistic Argo followed up with this: (Sorry there aren’t any fun photos, but the videos I found with photos were either subtitled or showed his funeral. I can’t handle that, so…this is the one I’m sharing)

As I listened to both, it hit me (as if it hadn’t already done so many, many times before :)), Elvis was so…beautiful. His voice, his delivery, his smile, his looks, just pure, unadulterated beauty.  Enjoy…

And don’t think Elvis only did his world-famous rocking songs in the 50’s. He performed some gorgeous ballads as well: (My hero and heroine in End of Lonely Street dance to this one, just as an FYI :))

One of my favorites, maybe my all-time favorite, of his early career:

So…there you have it. Kicking off your weekend with a whole lot of exquisiteness. Thank you for stopping by…have a wonderful weekend! 

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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?

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