Monday, August 13, 2007

August 16, 1977

I don't remember much about August 16, 1977. I don't remember what day of the week it fell on, if it was a sunny day or a day of rain, where I went or what I was doing that day. I was only four years old, but I do remember August 16, 1977 as the day my muse died, the day Elvis Presley died. Now, I didn't know what a 'muse' was, but what I did know was that this man stirred something down inside my little heart. Something that inspired me, that could console me, and something that filled me with joy. His chiseled features, his long flowing hair, eyes like pools of water, he was simply beautiful. His charm and outgoing personality were like a magnet drawing you towards him and I was totally in love with him, as far as I could comprehend the concept of love. Elvis was a big deal in our home, we had 8 track tapes of his music, my brother had a poster from the Hawaiian concert on his wall, we watched all his movies anytime and everytime they were on the television. We all loved Elvis.


I remember the outpouring of grief. The constant re-telling of his tragic death on the television and airplay of his old interviews,concerts, and movies. Seeing lines of people standing on the roadside as his funeral procession came their way. Women shrieking, tearing their hair, such grief I could not comprehend at my tender age.

Elvis meant many things to many people, and for me he was an inspiration and encouragement to express myself musically. Thank you Elvis for what you have meant to me and to the world and thanks be to God for sending this world such a blessing.

Rest in peace, E.

10 comments:

Art said...

I like Elvis too. He was THE great white blues singer. Well, before the drugs addled his mind and withered his spirit...

But I'm surprised you describe his physical features the way you did... I mean he wasn't blonde or anything...

Anonymous said...

I really liked Elvis, too. I still stop everything to listen when I hear one of his songs on the radio.

Susan as Herself said...

When I was eight years old I had a terrible virus and was out of school for a week or so. My mother cheered me up by buying me a two-record album of Elvis' Greatest Hits. I still have it.

In 1977 I was 13, and even though my love for Elvis was not as powerful as when I was little, I remember it as a sad, sad time.

There was only one Elvis, and I am happy to have been alive in his day.

Shionge said...

Long Live The King Stacie and I was only 7 years old when he died :(

Stace said...

art - interesting you should say that, I think you and E. share similar features. maybe that's part of what drew me to you...

vicki - me too..in fact, i've been listening to my cds for the last week...

susan - you're right, there was only one E. i wish i'd had more time to adore him while he was alive.

shionge - long live the king indeed!

Art said...

What? I share similar features with Elvis? Never heard that one before!

Anonymous said...

Alright...it's time to post a side-by-side photo of Elvis and Art. Let us determine if there is a similarity there. We know it's not the hair and eye color...

Is it the voice? Does Art sing? Maybe it's the guitar playing? Hmmm.

Maybe I won't go there. ;)

Stace said...

art - yes I think you do

vicki - it's not the voice, although art can sing and very well, it could be his guitar playing, but put his picture side by side, it's the bone structures I'm talking about... high forehead, deep chin, eyes.... whew... I better stop... ;)

Art said...

Yes, please do;)

Anonymous said...

ROTFLOL!!!!!!