By Neena Strichart
Seventy-four years ago today, January 8, 1935, Vernon and Gladys Presley became the proud parents of a child they named Elvis Aron. Although it was a blessed event, it was also bittersweet, as Elvis’ twin brother, who was to be named Jesse Garon, did not survive the birth.
Little did these simple folk from Tupelo, Mississippi, know, but their son would grow to be one of the single most influential individuals in twentieth-century music.
Starting his career singing at local hometown venues, Elvis soon shot to fame when he began recording under the Sun Record Label. After releasing a stack of records and a handful of movies, the young “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” found himself inducted into the Army. Fearing his time away from the recording studio and movie lots would be the end of his career, Elvis’agent, Col. Tom Parker, did his best to create a sense of continuity in Elvis’ popularity by releasing new recordings while his client spent four years serving his country in Fort Hood, Texas, and then Germany. The strategy paid off. Elvis’ fan base was as strong as it ever was by the time he received his honorable discharge.
Giving you the short version, Elvis went on to film a total of 35 movies, make xxxxx records, including a whopping xxx gold records and platinum albums. In 1968 he appeared on television in what was called his “Comeback Special” — featuring the entertainer in a black leather outfit belting out his signature tunes along with new updated material and a bit of “jammin'” with his regular back-up band members. The show was a hit for Elvis, and for NBC and Singer, who sponsored the event.
The special was just what Elvis needed to gain his confidence and whet his appetite to entertain live on stage after years of being sequestered away from his fans. Las Vegas hit the jackpot when news went out that Elvis would be performing twice a year, a month at a time, two shows a night, at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel— then called the International Hilton. The town went crazy. Rooms sold out all over town, people arrived from around the world to catch Elvis live on stage. He was phenomenal. He never looked better, his voice was at its prime and the audience absolutely couldn’t get enough; I know, I was there. In 1970, just 15 years old at the time, my parents took me to Las Vegas to see Elvis live and in person. Over the next several years I would attend another 39 concerts, mostly in Las Vegas. Yes, I was one of those girls who ran up on stage for a kiss and a scarf— I have the memories and seven scarves to prove it.
Those were some of the best years of my life. I will never forget the thrill of seeing Elvis walk out on stage and mesmerize us for what seemed like hours. I loved him then— and I love him now. Happy Birthday, Elvis — from your number-one fan.
