Having been born, and raised, in Mississippi, there was always a sense of pride that Elvis came from the South. Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, Carole King and all of the Doo Woo stuff was from the north, or the east coast. The South was still pretty much portrayed as a bunch of ignorant hillbillies (check out the films Tobacco Road, or God's Little Acre). So to have someone who was hip and a leader in pop culture who came from MISSISSIPPI of all places made us all very, very proud.
as a lifelong reader, I can confidently say the the two Guralnick books were the best non-fiction I’ve ever read…and the only time a book my me truly cry. Elvis’ life was like a Greek tragedy.
we are lucky to have witnessed it and to have his work live on.
I was 7 years old when my mom packed me and my sister in our 53 Olds to drive by the National Guard Armory where Elvis was playing. There were a lot of people there, with cars double parked Long Barton Springs Road. Hot rods were pealing out, lots of young teens hanging about. And yes, you could hear Elvis singing inside! My sister, 10 years old, and I knew of Elvis from songs played on the radio,but looking back I think my mom had a crush on him.
I never knew it as the Sports Center as the national guard armory sign stayed on the building for a long time.
some great info several articles I have read claim Elvis did not do enough for the black artists of his day but I beg to differ on that after reading this article
Very well written.
Having been born, and raised, in Mississippi, there was always a sense of pride that Elvis came from the South. Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, Carole King and all of the Doo Woo stuff was from the north, or the east coast. The South was still pretty much portrayed as a bunch of ignorant hillbillies (check out the films Tobacco Road, or God's Little Acre). So to have someone who was hip and a leader in pop culture who came from MISSISSIPPI of all places made us all very, very proud.
We finally had something the Yankees didn't.
Elvis.
This is likely the greatest birthday present The King will ever receive.
great essay Michael.
as a lifelong reader, I can confidently say the the two Guralnick books were the best non-fiction I’ve ever read…and the only time a book my me truly cry. Elvis’ life was like a Greek tragedy.
we are lucky to have witnessed it and to have his work live on.
Beautiful. Thank you.
As usual, great copy-- leaving us wanting more. Thank you.
A unique American life nicely summarized.
I was 7 years old when my mom packed me and my sister in our 53 Olds to drive by the National Guard Armory where Elvis was playing. There were a lot of people there, with cars double parked Long Barton Springs Road. Hot rods were pealing out, lots of young teens hanging about. And yes, you could hear Elvis singing inside! My sister, 10 years old, and I knew of Elvis from songs played on the radio,but looking back I think my mom had a crush on him.
I never knew it as the Sports Center as the national guard armory sign stayed on the building for a long time.
Very insightful read.
some great info several articles I have read claim Elvis did not do enough for the black artists of his day but I beg to differ on that after reading this article