Happy Birthday, Elvis!

The king of rock and roll would have been 78 years old today. The mind boggles. I grew up with Elvis in my house. My parents were huge fans and passed that appreciation on to me. I was just seven when he passed away but I remember being as shocked as the rest of the world. I have all of his movies, almost every song he's ever recorded and even the Elvis Pez Dispenser set (I know you're jealous!).

When I was a kid he was handsome and intriguing but most of all he reminded me of my dad. Seriously! On-screen Elvis was fun and adorable and quite often vulnerable. My dad, while rarely vulnerable, was also fun and adorable. He had a wit that could not be beat.

My handsome dad

Elvis Presley

As I grew up, I appreciated his music more. The way he switched from rock and roll to country to pop to blues to gospel. I get shivers when I hear him sing How Great Thou Art and revved up listening to Steamroller Blues.

Please don't ever ask me what my favorite Elvis song is. There are more songs on that list than my top three movie list (which, as we all know, has like 100 movies on it!). Off the top of my head, I'd say American Trilogy, Suspicious Minds, Silver Bells, Amazing Grace, Devil in Disguise and T-R-O-U-B-L-E are just a few on my favorited list.

I also adore his movies (except for Love Me Tender). Again I'm torn between Blue Hawaii and G.I. Blues. It's kind of funny though. In Blue Hawaii, the fabulous Angela Lansbury played his mom and she was only ten years older than him while Juliet Prowse was a year younger in GI Blues and looks way older (in my opinion). 

All in all, I'd say Elvis had a profound on me growing up and to this day. I will often listen to his music and think about my dad. It's a sweet way to remember both men for me.

So, happy birthday, Elvis. I hope you're rocking it in heaven.

Happy reading,

Jennifer