Can't Help Falling in Love [with Elvis]

What do you think of when someone says Elvis Presley?

Your grandparents? A bedazzled jumpsuit? Graceland? A pink Cadillac? Blue suede shoes? Viva Las Vegas?

Well at least you somewhat know what you're talking about. To many people, Elvis is so much more than that.

Screaming Elvis fans at the Auditorium in Ottawa, Canada on April 3, 1957. (http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1957_april_3.html)

Elvis is a cultural icon that has lived on since his death in 1977. "The King of Rock n' Roll," as he was known, was interested in music from a young age. Elvis's unique voice achieved a combination of 1950s African American music, country, rhythm and blues, and even gospel. The way he moved his hips was too much for some to handle, but the young generation, especially the girls, loved him.

His first single released by Sun Records and RCA in 1956, "Heartbreak Hotel," soared to #1 on the Billboard charts. Some of Elvis's other #1's through the years included "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "All Shook Up," and "Suspicious Minds."

Soon after Elvis's music career began, he was wrapped up in movie contracts as well. His film, Love Me Tender, was the first of his 35 movies. He never loved filming movies because he was never taken seriously as an actor. The roles he was cast in were all very similar: seductive and juvenile.

My favorite scene from Elvis's movie Jailhouse Rock circa 1957 (www.youtube.com). The song is titled "You're so Square (Baby, I Don't Care).

After a highly successful debut in the late 1950s, Elvis was drafted into the United States Army and sent overseas to Germany. While in Germany, he met 14 year old Priscilla, who would later become his wife and the mother of his daughter Lisa Marie Presley.

Elvis in the Army.

While Elvis was overseas, his mother passed away. He came back to America strong for a good period of time, releasing many hit singles and booking some great performances. During the majority of the 1960s, Elvis left the stage and made the majority of his films. In 1968 Elvis had a huge comeback special. He was now older and more conservative in his performances. He was very popular in Vegas until stress and possible illness ultimately ended his career.

Elvis's legacy still lives on in his favorite city of Las Vegas. With the help of his ex-wife, Priscilla, they have made a Cirque du Soleil show called Viva Elvis which features modern arrangements of twelve of his biggest hits. It also includes video of live performances and television interviews. Also, it isn't uncommon to see multiple Elvis impersonators in Vegas. Please, let me appropriately end this blog dedicated to my idol:

Elvis Presley in Ottawa, Canada April 3, 1957 (http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/1957_april_3.html)

"Attention: Elvis has left the building."