DAILY DIRT: ‘Before Elvis, there was nothing’

You know how you can often remember exactly where you were, even what time of the day it was, when thinking back to the death of a famous person? There have been two persons I can say that about in my life — John F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley.  … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 833 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I’m pretty sure a large percentage of his fans feel today’s date should be a national holiday.

Elvis Presley was born on this day back in 1935, and by the time of his death in 1977 he had cultivated what arguably remains the most loyal collection of devotees of any performer — ever. Elvis was 42 when he died in Memphis, Tenn.

How has Elvis continued to impact our daily existence? In 2018, Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The King has sold roughly 400 million records worldwide, and continues to be commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, rhythm and blues, adult contemporary and gospel.

Here are some memorable Elvis-centered quotes from through the years:

“There have been many accolades uttered about Elvis’ talent and performances through the years, all of which I agree with wholeheartedly. I shall miss him dearly as a friend. He was a warm, considerate and generous man.” 
– Frank Sinatra

“There have been a lotta tough guys. There have been pretenders. And there have been contenders. But there is only one king.” 
– Bruce Springsteen 

“Elvis was the king. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps.” 
– Rod Stewart 

“Before Elvis, there was nothing. Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been The Beatles.” 
– John Lennon 

2. Elvis was not only the only famous person born on this day.

Here are a few others:

• 1. David Bowie: He was one of the most influential and prolific writers and performers of popular music. Ziggy Stardust died in 2016. He was 69.
• 2. Shirley Bassey: She’ll always be remembered for singing the title song for the James Bond movie “Goldfinger”. She is 86 today.
• 3. Stephen Hawking: The world-renowned physicist and author died in 2018 at age 76.
• 4. Bob Eubanks: He’s best known as the longtime host of “The Newlywed Game”. He’s celebrating birthday No. 86.
• 5. Gypsy Rose Lee: The famous stripper died at age 59 in 1970. She was born Rose Louise Hovick.
• 6. Edward Elijah Perkins: The creator of Kool-Aid died in 1961 at age 72, but his legacy lives on. My favorite flavor has always been cherry.
• 7. Rey Mysterio Sr.: The popular — and masked — Mexican pro wrestler will bow out 65 candles today.
• 8. Kim Jong-un: Arguably the world’s most hated person turns 41 today.
• 9. Bruce Sutter: The MLB reliever extraordinaire will always hold a sweet spot in the hearts of Cardinals fans. He died at age 69 in late 2022.
• 10. Robby Krieger: The famed guitarist of The Doors is 77 today.

3. Capping off our mini-Elvis tribute, here are my medal-worthy songs when it comes to the King:

Gold medal: “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” (1961): The greatest hits of Elvis will always start with his song. To this day, each time I heart it I get chills.

Silver medal: “Suspicious Minds” (1969): We’re caught in a trap, I can’t walk out …

Bronze medal: “Always On My Mind” (1972): Elvis and Willie Nelson performing this classic together would have been incredible.

Steve’s thought O’ The Day — I have a son-in-law named Elvis. He’s a great guy. He can’t sing a lick, but he’s still a great guy.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Elvis singing “If I Can Dream” at his 1968 comeback special is his best performance ever.