The day that Elvis Presley passed away is a moment in history when everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing at the heard the devastating news. For me, the news came in a phone call from a friend who, through intermittent sobs, managed to utter three unbearable words, "Elvis is dead." In our circle of friends at the time, Hank and Sandy, who had an extensive collection of Elvis albums, and Dave and Diane, big fans of Elvis (Dave looked very much like a young Elvis) were perhaps the hardest hit by the loss of rock and roll's greatest icon. To this day, I have regrets that I did not join them when they went to see Elvis in Buffalo in 1976. No one could have imagined that a year later, Elvis Presley would be gone.
To commemorated the 41st anniversary of Elvis's passing, I have included the above copies of the 1977 headline, and copies of articles and photos, from The Commercial Appeal, a Memphis, Tennessee newspaper that covered the story of Elvis's passing. While the paper is fading and fragile, the memory of Elvis remains strong in the hearts of fans who loved him dearly.
May Elvis rest in eternal peace knowing his legacy is honoured by the many Elvis Tribute Artists worldwide who keep his memory alive each time they perform their tribute to The King. The following ETAs, whom I have had the pleasuring of meeting and posting, are part of the estimated 85,000 ETAs worldwide who keep the memory of Elvis alive on and off the stage. We are very grateful to you all. Thank you so much.
