[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!]
Today’s post:
Wow, it’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that, one week from today, Elvis would be turning 81. Since he died at 42, it’s much easier to picture him eternally youthful. But each year when his birthday rolls around, I can’t help but wonder what he would be like, what he would be doing, had he lived.
His hair dresser, who was also his close friend and confidant, Larry Geller, claims that, shortly before Elvis died, he revealed that he planned to make some changes. According to Larry:
“A new vision for his life was emerging, his attitude was showing signs of renewal. He spoke with me about changing his life outside and in. From new management, to paring down considerably our group, stop touring for a year, go to Hawaii and rest, get off all medications, eat a balanced, proper diet, exercise and meditate, to coming back and find some real dramatic roles and re-enter movies.”
So, maybe that’s what Elvis would have done. Maybe he would have become a well-respected actor in movie roles where he would be taken seriously. I can definitely imagine him still performing. I believe his voice would have held out and he would probably make a few changes to his shows, but would put on spectacular performances.
This is an image that came out last year on his 80th birthday of what experts think he would look like today. What do you think?
What kind of music would he be singing today? He always loved ballads. And gospel music. I think as he aged, he might have focused more on those genres.
A couple of tidbits…
On this day in 1959 – Elvis’ BMW was destroyed on Germany’s Autobahn by his father. German newspapers reported that Elvis had died in the accident. Can you imagine the uproar?
Billboard – More than 38 years after his death, Elvis has 5 albums on Billboard’s top 200. And, one in their top 100. No other entertainer, past, present, or future will maintain that kind of popularity.
So, whatever Elvis would be doing today, I am confident he would be doing it well, that he would be loved and adored as much as ever. He would be an amazing father and grandfather. He would likely be performing with his musical daughter and grandchildren.
At least, these are my guesses. What are yours?
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and wonderful 2016!
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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?
Author Alicia Dean 