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As soon as Elvis got onto the radio, in 1956, I was hooked. As a kid in Oakland, California, I got the first singles, the fan magazines—I still wish I’d kept the one that had a thin plastic recording of an Elvis interview stitched into it—the first everything. Back in Oakland, in the ninth grade, I took my Elvis obsession to a humiliating extreme. I loved “I Beg of You,” and got it down enough that I thought I should share my gift with the public. So I tried out for a talent show at Westlake Junior High, plunking a toy ukulele that I didn’t know how to play, and blurting out the song in front of a panel of puzzled-looking teachers who were serving as judges. They took mercy on me. They said no, and I was happy to return to the ranks of Elvis fan. It would be a long, long time before I sang Elvis in public again.  Ben Fong-Torres at the Rolling Stone Office Meanwhile, I lucked into a career, of writing and broadcasting, that gave me opportunities to get close to Elvis. I blew my one chance to meet him up close and personal—that’ll have to be the subject of another, much sadder blog—but I’ve had many close-to-Elvis encounters: Interviews with superstar peers like Ricky Nelson, Pat Boone, and Johnny Rivers; his two finest guitarists, Scotty Moore and James Burton, Memphis Mafia member Joe Esposito, and gal pals like Jackie DeShannon and Wanda Jackson. |
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I enjoyed reading the articles you wrote. I have been an Elvis fan almost all of my life. I witnessed the golden days of his glory, the hysteria and the Elvismania at its peak. There was only one coming in the music world and that was ELVIS and no matter how some people tried to put him down, he will remain to be unique, original and versatile. His legacy will live forever as long as music exist. He is indeed one of a kind and there will never be another one like him.
Many have tried to exceed what he has achieved but they will always fail because he was so different in so many ways. He was more than a singer, an entertainer, an actor, a father, a husband but a leader who have changed the course of music. It is just unbelievable that after 30 years of his passing his presence is still very much around a living proof of his charisma and staying power.
How many albums did elvis actually record...not counting compliations? Thank You. john
Nicholas Cage had a dog named "Elvis" in the movie "Peggy Sue Got Married." Director David Lynch told Nick to dye his hair black "We are making an Elvis movie" prior to the filming of "Wild At Heart." In "Wild At Heart" Cage acted like a cross between Elvis and Brando all the way through the film! In "Wild At Heart" Cage sings a couple Elvis songs. Many Elvis imitators appeared in the Cage film "Honeymoon In Vegas." Cage described his character in "Con Air" as being a cross between Elvis and Duane Allmond. Oh yeah, ...Nick married Elvis' daughter! john
Nicholas Cage had a dog named "Elvis" in the movie "Peggy Sue Got Married." Director David Lynch told Nick to dye his hair black "We are making an Elvis movie" prior to the filming of "Wild At Heart." In "Wild At Heart" Cage acted like a cross between Elvis and Brando all the way through the film! In "Wild At Heart" Cage sings a couple Elvis songs. Many Elvis imitators appeared in the Cage film "Honeymoon In Vegas." Cage described his character in "Con Air" as being a cross between Elvis and Duane Allmond. Oh yeah, ...Nick married Elvis' daughter! john
I agree with you aiyana...Elvis was a special singer/entertainer. I also agree that nothing in music today can compare with what transpired then! 'Good to hear from you aiyana! See ya on the boards! john
I have been very curious, since reading that no one is allowed in the upstairs of Graceland.
Even President Clinton was refused. When Nicholas Cage married Lisa Marie, he got his dream, to be in the bedroom of his idol.
Read where guards stand at the steps, so no one can sneak past. Can anyone tell me the reason for this, it is very mysterious!
I have been to Graceland many times but have yet to see guards at the steps. There are employees stationed throughout the house to keep visitors from damaging the property, entering areas not open to visitors, and also to answer questions.
I enjoyed your article and look forward to more, as well as discussions on the blog.
Truly enjoyed reading your story.
I was a teenager in 1962, but listened to Elvis when I was much younger.
I still have some of his vinyl records, and a stereo to play them on.
I love his gospel music also, especially the way he sings, "How Great Thou Art."
I have been to Graceland, and Beale St. which has a statue of him gracing it.
My regret is when he came to my city years ago, I did not go to see him.
He will always be the greatest to me, but it is so sad how he had to die.
Looking forward to more stories.
I really enjoyed reading this story.
I was a teenager in 1962, and I loved Elvis even before then.
I still have some of his vinyl records, and a stereo to play them on.
I also love all of his gospel music, especially the way he sings.."How Great Thou Art."
I have been to Graceland, and Beale St. where a proud statue of him stands.
Have lot's of memrobilia, he was the greatest to me, but so sad how he died.
Keep your stories coming, looking forward to this blog.
Elvis was the greatest. I recently ordedred elvis live, which is a collaboration of all his greatest concerts, and u can just keep watchin it over and over, masmerizing!! There will never b anyone even to come close, he actuually acts out the songs while performing, mind blowin!!
Thank you for sharing it! I really look forward to future stories! As much as I like Elvis, I will admit that I like Buddy Holly and Ricky Nelson even better! LONESOME TOWN is my favorite song of the 1950's. Nelson's GLOOMY SUNDAY recorded in '58 that went unreleased until the 2000 box set LEGACY is way on up on my list as well. Thanks again...and keep up the great work! jhrunion
Hi jhrunion,
I also love Buddy, and Ricky....but no one will ever be like Elvis to me.
I have lot's of Ricky's vinyl, and also Buddy's/Peggy Sue. These were some of the great singers in my opinion.
Sorta like the "golden age of Hollywood." Nothing now can compare. Looking forward to more people coming to the blog, and see you back at TVL.