Elvis Presley - Let history get it right

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, with its real life and death focus on the man; Sam Phillips’ Sun Records, and the “Memphis” sound; Colonel Tom Parker and his intelligent promotion; Mississippi Gospel roots; and the global impact on music produced by the combination of all of this, came into focus for me while walking the grounds of Graceland on the southern outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee. Personally, I played the music for years as “cover tunes” in club bands, owned some of the memorabilia, watched the imitators, and heard many of the anecdotes about Elvis. But, I didn’t get it! What I didn’t get was the “feel” of it. The personal real life connection to the history of “Rock & Roll.” When one walks Graceland, the “feel” sets in.

Elvis Presley, Sam Phillips, and Tom Parker converged their talents at a place ripe with a diversity of music and culture. People were often separated, but somehow joined by the distinctions of race and culture. The 1950’s were a time of emerging communication and technology. Pulling together the elements of Gospel, Country, Rhythm and Blues, and while blending the cultures of the South’s African American music with their own, Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips forged a new sound, a new feel, and a unique presentation through the person of Elvis. Through the genious promotions of Colonel Tom Parker and his vision to anticipate trends, the world phenomenon known as “Elvis” is now world musical and cultural history.

A sensitive person to be sure, Elvis was not ”read” correctly during hs time. His earliest appearances on Television avoided his “gyrations” because they were deemed “obscene” by the standards of the day. As Elvis continued to move to the music, and after getting to know him, Ed Sullivan told the world that he was a “real decent, fine boy.” Elvis spent two years in the U.S. Army as a “regular” guy, avoiding offers to serve under “star” status. Though much of the “British Invasion” of the 1960’s could trace its Rock & Roll roots to Elvis, many gave limited lip service to his talent, though he continued to produce millions through records and films. Some factions in the 60’s were suspect of Elvis’ originality, because his music definitely had African American musical influences born of his Mississippi and Memphis roots. Elvis was a product of the south, mixed with that culture, and was formed by it. He was, even to the extent of pre-fame dress, a part of it and embraced it. All Americans can embrace Elvis–his music is a melting pot of all of us. It is striking to note the range of music that influenced him. Even opera recordings of Mario Lanza are found in his music room at Graceleand. The Elvis hit, “It’s Now or Never,” was made after his army service in Germany, and is a popularization of the 1898 Italian song “O Sole Mio” (music by Eduardo di Capua and lyrics by Giovanni Capurro). Previously, it was sung by opera stars Enrico Caruso and Maria Lanza. Elvis Presley enjoyed broad appeal because he loved all types of music. Uniquely, he blended all of these elements into his performances.

I admire Elvis Presley most as one who performed music from all genres. While Colonel Tom Parker directed his career, Elvis contolled the production of his music. He did not “pigeon hole” types of music, but presented all types in his own style. He loved music and valued all of it for its unique attributes. Believed to be the culminating performance of his entire career, the 1973 performance “Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii” features the range of music from traditional Elvis, Detroit rock, film music, Gospel, Latin, American traditional, country, etc. This TV broadcast, now on DVD, is believed to be the most viewed television program, worldwide. It was viewed in nearly forty countries by over one billion people. It marks the height of the Elvis Presley performance “comeback” and shows the diversity, sensitivity, and artistry of this world giant in music.

Graceland features a serene and beautiful reflection garden where Elvis now rests. Sadly, Elvis died in 1977 at the young age of 42. The details of his passing are scripted, carefully, in the several biographies that are available. Suffice it to say, Elvis battled health issues and consumed many prescription medications. The combination of many drugs in a culture that provided him with ready access and his weakened heart, likely combined in tragedy. As with all movements in the history of music, it is only through the perspective of time that artists are placed in context. So it is with Elvis. 

Graceland emphasizes his traditional love and support of family, a generosity to others that knew no bounds. His professional trophies rest there. Walls of gold records and numerous awards show the scope of his talent. More recently, BMG made a presentation acknowledging the role of Elvis Presley in the history of music. Graceland amplifies that history. His private jets, building full of cars (many gifts to others), and shops selling his commercialized image all reflect the opulence that graced him. But, most moving are the numerous flowers, stuffed toys, and gifts that arrive, daily, at Graceland. To me, these gifts signify the “feelings” of others that most artists could only hope to evoke in their own day, let alone in a time 30 years past their death.

Most knew Elvis through his recordings, films, and videos. Elvis Presley still lives through these and the communication channels that evolved alongside his fame. But even more, Elvis Presley lives through the music created by others, yet today, because there is no escaping his powerful influence on all of music, globally.