Fenxy

I will admit to not being an Elvis fan at all. I think of him as a drug addict and somewhat of a pedophile, as his wife was like twelve or fourteen when he first "expressed an interest" in her.

I also did not grow up around Elvis fans, so that probably makes a difference.

I do like that old video of him on some old television show where they blocked the view from the waste down due to his ...thrusting pelvis.

Perhaps living in Memphis makes me a little sensitive but to call Elvis a "pedophile" is a bit extreme. Sure he and Priscilla first met when she was 14, but weren't married until she was in her early 20s and you have to remember, that was a different era. Both FDR and Einstein married their cousins but you don't hear anyone calling them perverts.

Also Janis Joplin, Hendrix, Johnny Cash, I can list hundreds of musicians who were "drug addicts" but it's beside the point.

Elvis was one of the most prolific and versatile artists ever, and love him or hate him, his influence on modern music is immeasurable. I think the fact that he still makes 40+ million a year 30 years after his death is pretty admirable and his impact alone is something to respect him for.

I agree with you in every aspect, jensized.

Yes, Elvis expressed interest in Priscilla, but she was an adult when they married. And, before that, her parents agreed to her moving to the U.S. and living in a home that was located in the back of Graceland.

His music has survived through the decades, and his influence still carries on, today, and I expect it will for years to come.

I was never an Elvis fan but it was entertaining to watch (back then). I remember when he died. Everyone was so sad. As a kid I didn't like to see him perform (in later years). His movies used to play all the time and in later years...well, let's just say he was no Tina Turner or Cher. It was like he was trying to hold on to his youth (past) and didn't transition. I remember him in concert - he had on the white outfit that was not flattering, trying to do the same moves he once did and he was so out of breath. Unfortunately that's the strongest memory I have of him which is sad because he was truly a good performer back in the day.

I live in Tupelo, extremely close to his birthplace, and there are people everywhere today. Greyhound buses full of people have been coming to town all week.

Love him or hate him, you can't deny his influence and talent. I agree, Tyme, that his later years were not his best.