Elvis Gave More Than Rock’N Roll
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE | JANUARY 8, 2023
For fans this day is a special one as we give honor to the day that in the small town of Tupelo, Mississippi in a two bedroom shack Vernon and Gladys Presley welcomed a son in the world, Elvis Aaron Presley. This day wasn’t without heartache though as the new parents lost the twin son, Jesse Garon, who was stillborn. Perhaps, for this reason, Elvis mother was highly protective of her son throughout her life.
From this day neither, Vernon, Gladys or the world for that matter would know how Elvis Aaron Presley would have a long-lasting impact on the world. His influences in gospel and rhythm & blues music would bring him on a journey that even he would not have imagined. He eventually would have an opportunity to share some music in a small studio on 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee and a few short years later the world would proclaim him as the king of rock’n roll.
He would become the biggest selling solo artist of our time and eventually bring his talents to television, movies and the concert stage. For those that attended a concert or bought a movie ticket, the time Elvis had an opportunity to share his talents with them seemed much too short.
For that duration, what many may not have realized is Elvis gave something more to them than Rock’n Roll. During his lifetime Elvis gave ‘moments’ for those that were fortunate enough to share them with him. Those moments could have been a scarf he threw at a concert and grabbed by a reaching fan. A moment could have been a photo opportunity he gave fans while he was horseback riding at his home, Graceland. A moment could have been car he gave a personal friend out of the blue. Elvis gave a million ‘moments’ in his lifetime or possibly even more.
I personally, never met Elvis Presley or seen him in concert, which on the surface would seem disappointing. However, in the 30 plus years of being part of this fan club I have learned one thing about Elvis Presley. Although Elvis is not here to give fans scarfs, photo opportunities or cars he is still giving ‘moments’! Elvis has given me more ‘moments’ than I could ever imagine! You might ask how can Elvis give ‘moments’ when he isn’t here? A ‘moment’ is defined as a brief period of time; importance in influence and effect. There are places I would never have gone to, people I would never have met or even decisions made if it wasn’t for Elvis Presley. I can look back at all these situations and realize none of it could have happened if Elvis hadn’t given me those ‘moments’.
The moments continue to come and for that Elvis, I am thankful. Did you realize that the fact that you are reading this article that Elvis gave you a moment! Had there been no Elvis Presley it is certain that you would not have been taking this ‘moment’ for you to read what I just wrote. You are here at the moment because like us you appreciate Elvis and for that we are also thankful!
TCB,
Rob
President
Always Elvis Fan Club