Elvis Presley has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always loved him—I don’t even recall the first time I discovered him. It just seems as though he was always there. My sister, Ruth, however, does remember when she discovered him, and I’m a little jealous of that memory, since I don’t have my own. (Nor do I remember the incident, so I’m telling her version, which is very short :)). She was five and I was seven (but, it’s really odd how, all these years later, she’s somehow older than me…hmmm…) 😉 Anyway, I digress. She said that I called her into the living room where Elvis’s movie, Harum Scarum, was playing (on our black and white television. This was around 1967, but we didn’t yet have a color tv), and I pointed Elvis out to her and said, “Look, isn’t he cute?” From then on, she and I grew up sharing our devotion to Elvis.
I can’t explain exactly how I feel about Elvis; only another true fan really ‘gets’ it. But, he was more than just an entertainer. He had this special, magical quality that I can’t name, but I know exists. Otherwise, why would millions of people all over the world love him so much? Why would they—nearly 37 years after his death—travel thousands of miles just to see his home? (And, they still do, daily in droves of thousands, from places as far as Australia, Ireland, England, etc.) Because, he touched people in a way no other entertainer has before or ever will again. Even if you are not an Elvis fan, you can’t deny the impact he had on the world. Yes, there are other successful, talented, well-loved performers. But, seriously, another Elvis? I don’t think so.
Although I have never wavered in my love for Elvis, I’ve recently gained a new appreciation of him now that I listen to Elvis radio on Sirius XM. It’s so awesome that they have an entire channel devoted to him. Nothing but Elvis, 24/7. And, that is all I ever listen to. Seriously, all the time, Elvis Radio. Not only do they play a ton of his great music, including rare recordings, but they have guests who knew the real Elvis. They share their memories of him, and hearing the intimate details of his life makes him all the more special.
Because of my adoration of Elvis, I have mentioned him in almost all of my published works. Here’s a little sample from “Poetic Injustice” a Romantic Suspense Novella (one of my older titles published through The Wild Rose Press) CLICK ON THE COVER FOR MORE INFORMATION
Snippet:
Samantha put in an Elvis CD and cracked the window just a bit. She loved the fresh smell of rain, and a little moisture wouldn’t hurt anything.
Love Coming Down, one of Elvis’ more obscure releases from the 70’s, was playing. The damp evening air and Elvis’ powerful voice filled the car, surrounding her, calming her. She released a breath and, along with it, some of the tension of the past few weeks.
Do you have any special moments to share about Elvis, or any other entertainer?
Author Alicia Dean 