ELVIS PRESLEY ANNIVERSARY 2002.

A few paragraphs on the growing importance of Elvis Presley in international culture and the amazing resurgence of interest in the world's most versatile popular singer close to the upcoming and landmark, 25th Anniversary of his death.

                        
42 years ago Sergeant Elvis Presley on his return to the U.S.A from Germany had no idea of how he was to re-conquer the music charts. Devastatingly handsome in his army dress uniform, Elvis cut a striking figure indeed. Would the public welcome him back after two years absence?

His wonderful recording of, "It's Now or Never", took the world by storm entering the British music charts at number 1 and remaining there as number 1 for eight weeks! totally confounding his critics, once again. Elvis had got his answer. The year 1960.

His next single release, "Are You Lonesome Tonight?", also went straight to the top of the charts as did, "Surrender", and,"Wooden Heart", from the movie, "G I. Blues"1961, in which Elvis starred as a soldier. The early 60s belonged to Elvis!

The surprising fact was this time it was not just young people buying Elvis's recordings the older generation - including our grandparents - all of a sudden recognised the young Rock 'N' Roller had the voice of an Angel. Elvis won the hearts of discerning listeners with the wide range of his singing, from the beautiful ballads, to the Blues, country, gospel, hymns, Christmas carols, etc., His phenomenal voice is the soundtrack of five generations!

Today Musicologists usually more inclined to Beethoven, write essays on the versatility of Elvis's magnificent voice. Elvis is now the Icon of the age towering over the likes of, Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean, etc. Elvis is instantly recognised internationally by just his first name alone! Not bad for a poor boy from Tupelo Mississippi where there now stands close to the modest little house where he was born, a wonderfully poignant, life-sized bronze statue of, "Elvis at 13", realised from an original idea of a certain Irish fan, who shall remain nameless:-)
             Now close to the 25th Anniversary of his untimely death at the age of 42, Elvis Presley tops the music charts around the world with his "latest", and record breaking, single release, "A Little Less Conversion". AND if that was not enough, a new Disney movie, "Lilo and Stitch", featuring no less than six Elvis songs is on general release in the U.S.A. where it is presently only second in Box Office receipts to Tom Cruise's latest effort!!!

Tens of thousands are expected to gather at Graceland Memphis Tennessee next August to commemorate Elvis 's passing. Few, if any, will now ask, why.

Elvis Presley XXV Anniversary.
This my friends I'll have you know, He lived life to the hilt, So most of us commemorate, Whilst others feel their guilt. Let's lift a glass and toast a man, The world cannot forget, Although he's dead and gone some time, His voice is with us yet.
MC. MM11. RECORDED BY MEMPHIS TV

mauricepcolgan@eircom.net June 2002. Swords, Fingal, Ireland. www.elvision.20megsfree.com for Maureen and Maurice Colgan in Memphis and Tupelo.    http://www.kki.pl/elvisal/elvis_statueattupelo.htm