Elvis Icon Idol

Elvis died 33 years ago today and I remember just where I was.  The faithful followers and worshippers are flocking to Graceland as they do every year... but would Elvis have wanted to be adored in this manner?  He was, despite his obvious lack of faith in himself, a deeply religious man.  I don't know if he'd approve of his fans turning him into a golden calf.  It would go against the commandments in which he believed.

When I think Elvis was only 42 when he died, I can't believe it.  I still don't understand how he could have let himself go - once the most handsome man in the world, slender, filled with more talent than 100 so-called "stars" of today put together... I just don't get it.  He must have been really sad on earth.  I think the only thing that made him happy was singing those old gospel songs.

I loved Elvis when I was a child... I guess I kind of worshipped him like any other little girl.  But I moved on... yet still loving his music as much as ever all my life.  I've never been to Graceland... I think, on purpose.  I didn't want my childhood bubble burst by all the commercialism and flashy fakeness. 

I grew up watching Elvis's movies... so I couldn't really relate to his Las Vegas jumpsuit years.  My favorite song was "In the Ghetto" because supposedly he'd recorded the Mac Davis composition for Chicago, where I grew up.  A few years ago, I bought the DVD of his 1968 Comeback Special, which is Elvis at his best... but I can't bring myself to watch it.    From Elvis in Memphis is my favorite Elvis album.  R.I.P., Elvis!  You were one in a hundred million!