Did Elvis Pass On AT The Right time.

[elvislady]

Did elvis pass on at the right time in his life, dont take this as a nasty question i here people say if elvis had not have passed on, (i use passed on instead of died) he would not have been as famous as he is today he would have just gone from the music world. i know you could say the likes of tom jones and elton john ect are still going but they did not have elvis"s ill health what are your thoughts.
elvislady;)

[MissyM]

YOu know, I've thought of this a lot. Elvis brought so much to the world. I guess a candle that burns so bright can only last so long. I really think he was not meant to be with us any longer than he was. I don't know why though, it's just a vague feeling I get. He was having a hard time of it the last few years. He could have changed it all, that's true but maybe being here was just too hard and God knew it. (please don't bash me for my beliefs) But life isn't all that easy ya know. And some will even say this is our hell. We may have wanted more of him, but I say, if it would have meant more suffering for him, I wouldn't have wanted it.

[Lonniebealestreet]

Bold question, bold answer. Not that it hasn't been thought of or asked before but you know when you ask a question like that on a fan site you are welcoming criticism.

I couldn't answer it myself; dying at a premature age is hard to think of as being "right" but his life happening the way it did and dying young definitely sealed in his legend status. It isn't that he died on top of his game but there were not decades more of potential ups and downs which might have come to overshadow his earlier work and impact.

Then again, against the odds he might have later gotten himself together and made another comeback and become an elder statesmen of all music genres and made good music and been respected and made people forget about the mid to late seventies. Not likely at all, but who knows.

Of course this question refers not so much to whether we would have liked to have had him around longer but more how history would have treated him if he had done so. That's my interpretation anyway.

[Getlo]

I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?

[Getlo]

i here people say if elvis had not have passed on, (i use passed on instead of died) he would not have been as famous as he is today he would have just gone from the music world.

The first part of the statement is correct. Elvis' death brought him another wave of popularity, the magnitude of which he would never have seen otherwise. The flow-on from this has only expanded over the years. Perhaps "as famous" is the wrong expression, but he would certainly not have been as popular.

As for "he would have just gone from the music world" ... never. He would have continued having various comebacks, and his death - whenever it came - would have increased his popularity.

He could have gone two ways: dying when he was off the pop culture radar (which, let's be honest, is how he was in 1977) or dying when he was back in the public's mind (like Roy Orbison or Johnny Cash).

Either way, his death would have increased his stature.

[ksimms2]

I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?

NO. I'm not a religious person though. I think the biggest reason he's still strong after 30 years - is through his whole career his secrets were kept in the closet and everyone put him on a pedestal. So him dying turned it into a huge thing and the mystery still surrounding his death keeps him that way. Everyone still wonders "what if....." with Elvis.
(not sure if I am saying this right.....I know what I mean...but it's not coming out right)

[hgs262626]

i think dying prematurely did create a new wave of popularity, however i feel it has engrained in global memory, the steroetype of a drugged up overweight has been who died on the toilet. this sadly is not the way he should be remebered and not the way it was. If he would have got help and turned himself around, who knows? However i ask you, do you think if elvis knew what the reprucussions of his death were, both good and bad, do you think he would have wanted to die?

[hgs262626]

this is a computer simulation of what he would look like today! http://http://www.linkydinky.com/graceland/compagebig.jpg

[elvislady]

Bold question, bold answer. Not that it hasn't been thought of or asked before but you know when you ask a question like that on a fan site you are welcoming criticism.



I dont want to start a war here its just a question i have heard from diffrent people lots of times and just thought i would ask true elvis fans there i have never been on a forum and stirred up trouble please feel free to remove the thread if your not happy.comment.;)


I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?

no disrespect to people who go to church but i dont and i am not religious. its just a question.

elvislady;)

[ksimms2]

this is a computer simulation of what he would look like today! http://http://www.linkydinky.com/graceland/compagebig.jpg

picture didn't show...

[Diane]

To try and answer Getlo question about having a specified time to die it being God's will, it depends on which church you grew up in. Mine taught us that we have free will so we can choose when we die if we want to (but it's a no-no), or as in Elvis' case, not take care or ourselves and cause an early death.

Elvislady, in answer to your thread, that's really a hard question. His death and the way it happened, the addiction suddenly out in the open I think did have an impact on him being remembered but I also think he would have been remembered as much and in a better way by some (non-fans) as Graceland would still have been opened to the public and pushed his image. Do I think he could have stood alone on his own after his passing.....yes, but not to the extent that he is now.

Diane

[elvislady]

To try and answer Getlo question about having a specified time to die it being God's will, it depends on which church you grew up in. Mine taught us that we have free will so we can choose when we die if we want to (but it's a no-no), or as in Elvis' case, not take care or ourselves and cause an early death.

Elvislady, in answer to your thread, that's really a hard question. His death and the way it happened, the addiction suddenly out in the open I think did have an impact on him being remembered but I also think he would have been remembered as much and in a better way by some (non-fans) as Graceland would still have been opened to the public and pushed his image. Do I think he could have stood alone on his own after his passing.....yes, but not to the extent that he is now.

Diane

I do realise that its a sensative question and dont want to offend anyone, it is just something i thought about and been asked the question by people many times i wanted to do a thread on it to get other oppinions. thanks for yours diane.
elvislady:xmas:

[hgs262626]

He's Not Dead! Lol Lol!

[Diane]

You're welcome Elvislady, it is a good thing to wonder about.(y)

Diane

[riley]

way to soon he left this world but when I look at him in his prime ...
Cannot explain it very good but he way was too beautiful and too good to be true in a way...

I often have that feeling looking at him...

His star was so bright and he gave so much, so much, never had really rest anymore, I guess Elvis was indeed burned out at 42.

God indeed saw he needed rest and called him home...

But those who were left behind, his fans , miss him so much and we all wished he had lived a much longer and much happier life....

[utmom2008]

I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?
Interesting question Getlo. I belong to a Church and attend 2 to 3 Sundays a month. It's First United Methodist, so it's not a "holy-roller" congregation. As to your question...NO, I don't think death always comes at the right time. I have a friend whose son was killed in the spring of his Sr. year in HS, a car accident less than a mile from home. I saw what that Mom and Dad went through....no way could I say that was the "right" time for that 18 year old kid to die..he had his whole life in front of him....

[franny]

I think Elvis died too soon, he was only 42...I think he left in his prime, even though he was in bad health...I'm not just saying this because he had more music to make, but he had more life to live...

franny

[elvislady]

Thanks for your thoughts riley and franny.
elvislady:D

[franny]

You're welcome, Jeanette! Interesting thread! ;)

cheers,
franny :D

[KPM]

IMO I don't think he would ever be completely gone from the music world. He is one of a kind-they don't just get forgotten.

If he had lived the question would be:
What would he have done in the last 30 years?
If he had worked hard at making music, theres no telling what he might have done in that time. Perhaps he would have turned to acting for several years and then had another creative burst of live performing. But what he would have done in the last 30 years would have a huge bearing on how big he would be today.

[keelerphoto]

in the 1970s ,he sold out concerts every time he went out on tour,it was very hard to get tickets,he was very popular even in 1977,i saw him in nov 76,

[Cryogenic]

Bold question, bold answer. Not that it hasn't been thought of or asked before but you know when you ask a question like that on a fan site you are welcoming criticism.

I couldn't answer it myself; dying at a premature age is hard to think of as being "right" but his life happening the way it did and dying young definitely sealed in his legend status. It isn't that he died on top of his game but there were not decades more of potential ups and downs which might have come to overshadow his earlier work and impact.

Then again, against the odds he might have later gotten himself together and made another comeback and become an elder statesmen of all music genres and made good music and been respected and made people forget about the mid to late seventies. Not likely at all, but who knows.

Of course this question refers not so much to whether we would have liked to have had him around longer but more how history would have treated him if he had done so. That's my interpretation anyway.

Beautiful answer, Lonnie.

This is the sort of question that can be answered in so many different ways.

YES....

- His life is operatic and he died at a time that brought the curtain down at exactly the right time, lending a deeper truth to all his recordings, especially his latter ones.

- He wore the "Aztec Calendar" jumpsuit excessively in 1977; it just so happens to be arranged in patterns of 8 and 16; EP died on the 16th of the 8th month.

- Dying at 42, as opposed to 52, 62, 72, 82 (or whatever), when he was essentially middle-aged, shocked people ....... both then and now. It's something no one has ever really "gotten over" and no one ever really will. In many ways, he secured his immortality by giving up his mortality.

NO.....

- He was middle-aged and still had much to give. He could have kicked his bad habits (including his drug addiction), rejuvenated his acting career, gone on a world tour and made decades more of essential, dramatic, Earth-shattering music.

- He was a father and Lisa-Marie needed her daddy in her life ..... then and now (IMO). This isn't a moral comment on Lisa, by the way. But if everyone has been affected by his death, then she has been affected most of all; in many ways, she bears the world's sorrow and her own, which is already heavier than anyone else's -- what a weight.

- He could have put his entire life and career in a fairer context than it currently exists. Too many people wear blinkers and are unable to see past the "tragic" or "irrelevant" forests that a general ignorance has seeded. Both these epithets could have been automatically circumvented with a longer, fuller life and even larger body of work.

I swing back round to "YES", not for reasons of cruelty, but because a sudden death has -- or should have -- put the spotlight on his life, giving pause for his life actions. In other words, his premature passing, brought on by his own nature, should make people curious about the person himself; who he was, what he did, what he believed in. Often, this is not the case. Most people don't search and so do not find. But the answers are there; if we have the will, there's a way (a lesson that Elvis could have taken even deeper to heart).

Ultimately, all rationalisations aside ............. his death is what it is.

[rhythmknights]

did Elvis die too young, oh yeah, he did. i firmly believe that seeing himself at the bottom [had he lived, that is] he would have fought like hell to get back on top. He wouldn't have been the first person to do that! I also think that he would have made a second or third comeback and have made it just as big. from everything i've read - and granted, i haven't read a whole lot, he lived for his audience, he craved adoration and yet he was really rather humble. i see him scratching his way back to the top like Tina Turner and Tony Bennett [altho, theirs was different situations] and i imagine that his audience would be always growing, if he had lived, he'd really be worldwide.

[rickb]

it does seem the lasting legends died in their prime (Monroe, Dean, Lennon and of course Elvis come to mind) but from a personal point of view it is sad that he didn't live a longer life
rick

[Cryogenic]

did Elvis die too young, oh yeah, he did. i firmly believe that seeing himself at the bottom [had he lived, that is] he would have fought like hell to get back on top. He wouldn't have been the first person to do that! I also think that he would have made a second or third comeback and have made it just as big. from everything i've read - and granted, i haven't read a whole lot, he lived for his audience, he craved adoration and yet he was really rather humble. i see him scratching his way back to the top like Tina Turner and Tony Bennett [altho, theirs was different situations] and i imagine that his audience would be always growing, if he had lived, he'd really be worldwide.

Sinatra did his most iconic recordings in the 1960's -- when Sinatra himself was in his late 40's. He then became even bigger in the 70's and 80's, even after announcing a (short lived) retirement. Yet Elvis was dead at 42 ..... younger than Sinatra was when they appeared together on his TV special!!! It's mind boggling. Elvis is huge and I think timeless, but he could have shot into the stratosphere had he lived. Then again: how do you become more timeless than timeless? The songs he was singing in the 70's, especially from the "TODAY" album onwards, seem like songs he should have been doing in his 60's, not less than a decade after his feral "Comeback Special". In a way, Elvis lived at twice the speed of everyone else; he experienced a full lifetime in half a lifetime's span. Looking at it that way is more comforting ..... and not completely untrue.

[riley]

rickb


it does seem the lasting legends died in their prime (Monroe, Dean, Lennon and of course Elvis come to mind) but from a personal point of view it is sad that he didn't live a longer life
rick



you hit the nail right

[Getlo]

- He wore the "Aztec Calendar" jumpsuit excessively in 1977; it just so happens to be arranged in patterns of 8 and 16; EP died on the 16th of the 8th month.

So what? This is all happenstance, and people have made these ridiculous numerological links between completely unrelated things.


In many ways, (Lisa) bears the world's sorrow and her own, which is already heavier than anyone else's -- what a weight.

Lisa bears the world's sorrow?:lmfao: What is she, the daughter of God? (Actually, some may believe that ...) And I presume you mean her sorrow is heavier than anyone else's only in relation to Elvis, and not the fact that she lost a parent at a young age, which many people have also had to endure?

In any case, while I'm sure Lisa is still sometimes very sad over her dad's passing, I'm sure she's basically sucked it up and is getting on with her life ... such as it is.

[Burning_Love]

This is a hard question to answer, so i shall in my own opinion, from what i think.
It's ashame Elvis had died very young, he had more to give, he had his daughter, and has missed out on her life. He has grandchildren, also missing out.

But if he was alive today, i think people wouldn't be so narrow-minded about him, they would respect others opinion's on him and love for him, and i think maybe he would still be making records, and everybody would be listening to them, like when Little Less Conversation was brought back out, everyone loved it !

But you see, him dieing so unexpectedly was surprising and then people started making tributes looking back on his life and realising how good he actually was, how he gave his life for his fans, and that made people become fans, realising also he was a person as well as an image.

I don't think he would be as popular as he was back then, though, you see back then i think, music was more appreciated than today, and music was something that came from the heart of the person singing it. Somehow, with every artist today, i don't think that music is something appreciated.

I guess we will never know, which is a huge shame.

[SleepyJack]

I`ve never understood the whole idea that it could just "be his time"...not just for Elvis but for anyone...we all know people who had their lives cut short for one reason or another and I doubt if we will ever hear a satisfactory explanation of it in our lifetime.What I find sad is that his life ended at such a low ebb,he was clearly unhappy and disenchanted with life,almost the opposite of all that Elvis Presley meant to the world..youth,happiness,the celebration of all that is good in people and the joy of the music.I would like him to have regained his faith in things and to have found the companionship and love that he was always after.As an artist I think he could have gone on for a long time and we might have seen some very different music from him,his talent and his heart would have always shown in his music.Maybe he was one of the very few that could have gone on to change the way that the world sees the "superstar",and maybe shattered some of the myths. Does that make any sense to anyone?!!

[Diane]

Great post Jack, and yes it makes a lot of sense and I agree completely.(y)(y)(y) I sure wish things could have turned out just the way you described.

Diane

[LianaKaralivanou]

I`ve never understood the whole idea that it could just "be his time"...not just for Elvis but for anyone...we all know people who had their lives cut short for one reason or another and I doubt if we will ever hear a satisfactory explanation of it in our lifetime.What I find sad is that his life ended at such a low ebb,he was clearly unhappy and disenchanted with life,almost the opposite of all that Elvis Presley meant to the world..youth,happiness,the celebration of all that is good in people and the joy of the music.I would like him to have regained his faith in things and to have found the companionship and love that he was always after.As an artist I think he could have gone on for a long time and we might have seen some very different music from him,his talent and his heart would have always shown in his music.Maybe he was one of the very few that could have gone on to change the way that the world sees the "superstar",and maybe shattered some of the myths. Does that make any sense to anyone?!!


You said it all. I can only agree with you. (y)

[utmom2008]

In any case, while I'm sure Lisa is still sometimes very sad over her dad's passing, I'm sure she's basically sucked it up and is getting on with her life ... such as it is.

I sometimes wonder how many of Lisa's memories are truly her memories, and not memories connected to the countless stories that she no doubt heard through the years??

[Cryogenic]

So what? This is all happenstance, and people have made these ridiculous numerological links between completely unrelated things.

Yes .... I know.

I am saying that -- aesthetically -- it fits.

I don't put any more stock in it than that.


Lisa bears the world's sorrow?:lmfao: What is she, the daughter of God? (Actually, some may believe that ...)

If you'd learn some humility, you may understand a LOT more.

She bears the world's sorrow because she is reminded of her own grief on a perpetual basis. Elvis is an icon -- and possibly after Jesus, the most famous name in the world.


And I presume you mean her sorrow is heavier than anyone else's only in relation to Elvis, and not the fact that she lost a parent at a young age, which many people have also had to endure?

BOTH.


In any case, while I'm sure Lisa is still sometimes very sad over her dad's passing, I'm sure she's basically sucked it up and is getting on with her life ... such as it is.

If she has "sucked it up", then .... by definition --------> she has absorbed the sorrow into herself. Her grief is with her always.

When people choose to judge Lisa, they should always remember these things.

[cameron]

I guess one could say I believe that things happen at their appointed time.
Can't say I believe in "accidents or coincidence."
IMO, it was time for him to go. He gave all he had while he was here ; but still some wanted or expected more.
I just try and appreciate the time he was given and I thank him.

As for Lisa; I feel she has some things yet to work through. I certainly don't judge her . I'd just wish for her to find happiness and peace in her life.
Something we all search for.

[MissyM]

Very well said Cameron. Ditto for me!

[Albert]

I believe for his heritage and image, it would have been better when he died somewhere in 1974 or early 1975 (and not on the toilet).

Imagine how the Elvis world would have looked like when people wouldn't have the overweight problem anymore to mock at. Those final 2 years have destroyed so much of Elvis' name, not only just the fact that he looked quite bad (ill/sick/overweighed/etc), but also as a performer.

I, as a fan, can still appreciate his 1976/1977 performances, but by now we know it was the way towards his death. Back then, (for non-Elvis fans) his performances (and looks/condition) were way under par.

[cameron]

I disagree. It is the Elvis fans themselves that have allowed these "images" to be formed in some minds. I and many others accept him for who he was ...not who we expected him to be.
I would never presume to say when he should have died ; as we would have lost what he was able to give the last few years of his life.
It would have been like being ashamed of watching someone we love die.
Dying is not always pretty. But, death comes to us all. May we all have the strength to live as well as he did; until the time comes for us to go .

[Lisarose]

Sinatra did his most iconic recordings in the 1960's -- when Sinatra himself was in his late 40's. He then became even bigger in the 70's and 80's, even after announcing a (short lived) retirement. Yet Elvis was dead at 42 ..... younger than Sinatra was when they appeared together on his TV special!!! It's mind boggling. Elvis is huge and I think timeless, but he could have shot into the stratosphere had he lived. Then again: how do you become more timeless than timeless? The songs he was singing in the 70's, especially from the "TODAY" album onwards, seem like songs he should have been doing in his 60's, not less than a decade after his feral "Comeback Special". In a way, Elvis lived at twice the speed of everyone else; he experienced a full lifetime in half a lifetime's span. Looking at it that way is more comforting ..... and not completely untrue.

(y) Well put, Cryogenic!

[Getlo]

Had Elvis died in 1974 or 75, his story wouldn't have been nearly as interesting.

It is the awfulness of the downfall ... the Greek tragedy ... and the depth of the downfall ... that makes the final years so fascinating, although they and Elvis' image are still denied by many.

[Albert]

I agree completely with you about the Greek tragedy part. That's exactly the way I always try to explain it to others.

But it's kinda a win-lose, or lose-win situation:

1977:
win: the greek tragedy
lose: all the horrible pictures, the downfall, the fat impersonators, etc.

1974:
lose: no greek tragedy
win: no bad period in Elvis' career, forever young (altough 42 is also young -in age- of course), no overweight/sick/ill/demotivated final few years

those last two years added so much to that Greek tragedy, but also did a lot of damage to his overall image.

[Getlo]

those last two years added so much to that Greek tragedy, but also did a lot of damage to his overall image.

That's what's so fascinating ...

[epmoodyblue]

there was no right time for elvis to pass on...it should of never happened.it was an accident.. had linda been with him that day elvis would of probably be alive today

[presley31]

there was no right time for elvis to pass on...it should of never happened.it was an accident.. had linda been with him that day elvis would of probably be alive today

i wish that was true but l don't think linda could of saved elvis:'(

[epmoodyblue]

i wish that was true but l don't think linda could of saved elvis:'(hmmm......yeah guess your right..elvis had to help himself..very tragic indeed --we miss you elvis:'(:newyear::king:

[SeeSeeRider777]

Yeah Elvis had to help himself but Linda always watched Elvis like a hawk. I believe Ginger said Elvis was in the bathroom a couple of hours and why didnt she check on him? She didnt care she was there for the $. I think Elvis had her b/c she sort of looks like Cilla.

[Cryogenic]

As for Lisa; I feel she has some things yet to work through. I certainly don't judge her . I'd just wish for her to find happiness and peace in her life.
Something we all search for.

I appreciate those remarks. I actually feel for Lisa and hope she's able to find an inner calm; but she's a Presley, and not just any Presley, but the daughter of a global icon. Although Lisa has said and done things I don't agree with, I think she's very genuine and she generates my respect; another Presley quality, I think.


I disagree. It is the Elvis fans themselves that have allowed these "images" to be formed in some minds.

Thank you, again. The way some fans talk about Elvis ........ you'd think they're scared of their own shadows. If fans cannot talk positively (and objectively) about their object of fandom, what hope does Elvis have with non-fans?


(y) Well put, Cryogenic!

Thank you, Lisarose! "Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you. You're so like the lady with the mystic smile..."


I agree completely with you about the Greek tragedy part. That's exactly the way I always try to explain it to others.

But it's kinda a win-lose, or lose-win situation:

1977:
win: the greek tragedy
lose: all the horrible pictures, the downfall, the fat impersonators, etc.

1974:
lose: no greek tragedy
win: no bad period in Elvis' career, forever young (altough 42 is also young -in age- of course), no overweight/sick/ill/demotivated final few years

those last two years added so much to that Greek tragedy, but also did a lot of damage to his overall image.

I hold this to be a stereotyped position. Here's why:

1) By including the latter years, one doesn't just gain the concluding part of a "greek tragedy"; one also gains images, videos, anecdotes, moments, insights .... and a significant body of music.

2) By including the latter years, one also doesn't exclude the downfall or impersonators. Elvis had been sliding for many years. By 1977, he'd avoided drug-induced death several times. Likewise, he could have continued living much longer. It was all up to him. Elvis was so iconic by the 70's that impersonators were more or less inevitable (and impersonation of Elvis was nothing new; witness Johnny Cash's early playful homage). He'd also had an on-off weight problem since 1971 / 1972, although this certainly got worse in the last 2-3 years. The typical impersonator is generally much stockier than Elvis, whether "fat" or "thin". The tide may have been stemmed with an earlier death, but it wouldn't have been stopped.

3) By excluding the latter years, one doesn't suddenly get the exorbitant luxury of "no bad period in Elvis' career". You seem to be overlooking his cavalcade of 60's movies. These are a major blight on his reputation, and, in some ways, more damaging than the later years. While the 70's depression was something generated from inside Elvis himself, the movie situation was a different set of circumstances (which also led to depression), and unfortunately gives the impression that Elvis was a dumb hick who totally sold out. Of course, the reality is very different to that (though naivete and a fear of losing fame, which could be superficially translated into "stupidity" and "greed", were key factors). I'm a fan of the mosaic of music that came out of that period (even though some of it was the worst of his entire career), and I even think that the movies themselves have interesting qualities, but they were generally poor -- if they weren't, Elvis may never have gone off on his spiritual quest, circa 1965 (though he was also a life-long searcher).

4) Since the man and his music are why we're all here, I just want to make a final comment on both. In fact, excuse me for taking this into two paragraphs:

If Elvis had died in 1974, we'd be deprived of (amongst other things) some of the most personal work of his entire life. Between the sessions of 1975 and 1976, we have a grand total of 26 "studio" recordings -- all of them ESSENTIAL one way or another (and some of them very great, indeed). Imagine if the door had slammed shut in 1974. No "Today". No "Jungle Room" sessions. And we can go further: No Pittsburgh show. No "Elvis in Concert". (And depending on when you might have had him die in 1974, maybe no "Memphis" concert). While fans remain divided over his final work, most have an affinity for the "Today" album, and most usually acknowledge the splendour of "Hurt" and "Unchained Melody" from 1976 and 1977. And I agree that "Today" is a terrific album; not "From Elvis in Memphis" great, but I like the "song book" feel; 10 songs, nice mix of material, yet a coherent feel. "Today" is the beginning of the "last chapter", while also feeling upbeat and fresh enough to have validly led into a happier period, too .. had Elvis trod that path. But he didn't, so the rest is what it is -- and it's pretty compelling stuff.

His voice also improved in his final years (IMO). I'm a huge fan of the "Aloha" concert, but the softer timbre he has in "Elvis in Concert" on the best numbers makes those performances very grand. Consider "I Really Don't Want to Know" from EIC. His voice was never that serene in "Aloha", even if he was healthier back then. Likewise, if you stack the two versions of "My Way" next to each other, I think the EIC clearly wins out (though I love both). And because of these vocal changes, and even more critically, the fact that he did more concerts with even more material and up / down spells, fans are naturally drawn deeper into collecting. Even an ardent 50's and 60's fan probably has a few bootlegs from 1975-1977 if they're a big enough collector -- and, of course, the 70's fans can sometimes have hundreds. None of this really matters a jot to an ordinary member of the public, but then, they've probably never heard of "Elvis is Back", either. And while I may be mounting a big case for the 70's here, my favourite decade is the 60's; for one thing, I miss the sheer variety of styles in the 50's and 70's (think: "G.I. Blues", "Blue Hawaii", "Fun In Acapulco", "Viva Las Vegas" -- I love hearing Elvis doing "world music" and singing snippets in different languages). I can't imagine Elvis not living right to the bitter end. And I don't really want to.

[john carpenter]

If Elvis (and i say if) he was still alive at 73 and died tomorrow his legacy would surely be different than it is now. But Elvis is the only person i've ever heard of alive or dead who has never lost his hold on his fans.He is in a class all by himself. I challenge anyone who Does'nt like Elvis to explain why He is the most impersonated the most discussed,the only one with the most fan clubs. Even the "Elvis Stamp" is in a class by itself.He is an enigma, a true icon. Enough said. Only we (the fans) understand why.

[Ronn]

hello everyone,

im just reading all the replies and it's really interesting.
would like to share mine.
I never got the privileged of seeing Elvis alive. I became a fan when i was 7 and presumably it was around the time of his death bec. i saw so him many times on tv.

I'm now 37 and my admiration for the great Elvis never waned. I've read the good and as well as the bad stories about him. (My sons, aged 6 & 4 likes his music!)


But, this i'd like to share -- everytime I watch him in concerts I always have this strange feeling of loneliness, deep, deep in my heart. Sure -- I love his music, his voice for me is beyond compare, but I can sense some feeling of loneliness in his face. His face is so beautiful, really lovely but there seems to be some emptiness in those eyes.

Did he die at the right time? Maybe yes, maybe no. I really do wish he stayed a lot longer, but not if he is empty.

[TotallyInsane]

No, he did not die at the right time - I had just turned 18 and graduated high school...I was on my way to Memphis!!!!! Seriously though, I hear my grandmother's voice saying "everything happens for a reason, we may not understand when it happens but we eventually will"...I keep the hope that someday we will eventually understand why it happened so early!

[Jungleroom76]

If Elvis (and i say if) he was still alive at 73 and died tomorrow his legacy would surely be different than it is now. But Elvis is the only person i've ever heard of alive or dead who has never lost his hold on his fans.He is in a class all by himself. I challenge anyone who Does'nt like Elvis to explain why He is the most impersonated the most discussed,the only one with the most fan clubs. Even the "Elvis Stamp" is in a class by itself.He is an enigma, a true icon. Enough said. Only we (the fans) understand why.

WELL SAID!!! (y)

That is such a true statement!! My wife always tells me that one of the things that intrigued her the most about me when we first met 12 years ago was my fascination with Elvis! Even today, though she always tells people how much she admires me for having such a passionate hobby (and she is an Elvis fan through me), she just can't understand why...like you said John, only the fans understand why!! (y)

As for whether Elvis died at the right time....it's a hard question. Of course, I wish he hadn't died, but looking back I would have to say that had Elvis not passed away when he did, I don't know if he would have accepted aging gracefully. :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[cameron]

hello everyone,

im just reading all the replies and it's really interesting.
would like to share mine.
I never got the privileged of seeing Elvis alive. I became a fan when i was 7 and presumably it was around the time of his death bec. i saw so him many times on tv.

I'm now 37 and my admiration for the great Elvis never waned. I've read the good and as well as the bad stories about him. (My sons, aged 6 & 4 likes his music!)


But, this i'd like to share -- everytime I watch him in concerts I always have this strange feeling of loneliness, deep, deep in my heart. Sure -- I love his music, his voice for me is beyond compare, but I can sense some feeling of loneliness in his face. His face is so beautiful, really lovely but there seems to be some emptiness in those eyes.
Did he die at the right time? Maybe yes, maybe no. I really do wish he stayed a lot longer, but not if he is empty.

Interesting. I've felt that way for a very long time.
A great sadness about him , that maybe only him leaving could ease.
Many times; I do feel that it was the right time for him to go .

[Suzan]

I think he was not meant to be w/us longer then he was. He was too special, imo, a bright star who couldn't sustain for very long.
I think he's popular after 30 yrs. because people know his faults but at the same time he was a NICE person, by all accts. he treated everyone nicely (not speaking of his inner circle, shoot we all vent and direct at those closest to us).

I agree about the ? Getlo w/the religious sector. Personally I don't think any time is a good time or right time to die, there is always unfinished business of some sort, something left that one wants or needs to do, etc...

[Suzan]

I agree Ronn he did seem very very lonely even in photos of him surrounded by people he looks sad and alone. :(

[Suzan]

If Elvis (and i say if) he was still alive at 73 and died tomorrow his legacy would surely be different than it is now. But Elvis is the only person i've ever heard of alive or dead who has never lost his hold on his fans.He is in a class all by himself. I challenge anyone who Does'nt like Elvis to explain why He is the most impersonated the most discussed,the only one with the most fan clubs. Even the "Elvis Stamp" is in a class by itself.He is an enigma, a true icon. Enough said. Only we (the fans) understand why.

(y)(y) So excellently put I should have read this before I posted my response. LOL :D

[chrissy0418]

Just my 2 cents: I think Elvis as a sex symbol would have been forgotten had he not passed when he did, but I don't think his music would ever be forgotten. People have a tendency to remember those who died tragic deaths when they were young. Look at James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis. All gorgeous people with tons of talent who died while they were at still close to the top of their careers. They will always be remembered as being sexy by generation after generation. You also have people like Marlon Brando, who was a sex symbol for a while, was thought of as an overweight recluse who USED to be a sex symbol by many people of my generation. My friends and I still think Elvis was the sexiest man to walk the Earth, even though he passed before any of us were even born.

[Getlo]

I think Elvis as a sex symbol would have been forgotten had he not passed when he did,

No way, no how.


All gorgeous people with tons of talent who died while they were at still close to the top of their careers.

Elvis Presley was not at the top of his career in 1977 ...

[riley]

quote Ronn:


But, this i'd like to share -- everytime I watch him in concerts I always have this strange feeling of loneliness, deep, deep in my heart. Sure -- I love his music, his voice for me is beyond compare, but I can sense some feeling of loneliness in his face. His face is so beautiful, really lovely but there seems to be some emptiness in those eyes.

Did he die at the right time? Maybe yes, maybe no. I really do wish he stayed a lot longer, but not if he is empty.









quote Suzan


I think he was not meant to be w/us longer then he was. He was too special, imo, a bright star who couldn't sustain for very long.
I think he's popular after 30 yrs. because people know his faults but at the same time he was a NICE person, by all accts. he treated everyone nicely (not speaking of his inner circle, shoot we all vent and direct at those closest to us).







Both comments touched me a lot.

[Kris P]

If Elvis had died in 1974, we'd be deprived of (amongst other things) some of the most personal work of his entire life. Between the sessions of 1975 and 1976, we have a grand total of 26 "studio" recordings -- all of them ESSENTIAL one way or another (and some of them very great, indeed).
Indeed.
If I may cherry pick a few highlights from those 'ESSENTIAL' recordings.........Pledging My Love, Hurt and Danny Boy find Elvis seeking solace in some songs from his younger days and for an interpretive artist such as Elvis these tunes reveal layers of his life and are gold for the listener.


His voice also improved in his final years (IMO). I'm a huge fan of the "Aloha" concert, but the softer timbre he has in "Elvis in Concert" on the best numbers makes those performances very grand. Consider "I Really Don't Want to Know" from EIC. His voice was never that serene in "Aloha", even if he was healthier back then.
Elvis' performance of this song from EIC is sublime..........it is as though he is being reacquainted with an old friend and once again, his interpretation/vocal delivery are as good as some of his finer studio triumphs...............and to think this gem is gathering dust is some video 'Vault of Shame'.

Likewise, if you stack the two versions of "My Way" next to each other, I think the EIC clearly wins out (though I love both).
No doubt, Cryo.
The intervening four and a half years have added something indefinable to the Presley vocal range that fit this song more the 1973 version.

I can't imagine Elvis not living right to the bitter end. And I don't really want to.
My thoughts exactly.

[MissyM]

I just want to add one thing. Yes, Elvis had a temper and got mad at people but at the core of his being was a man who I think deep down wanted to be a better person. Some people are mean and never regret it. (don't feel one bit of remorse) You can not say that of Elvis.
I think it was a big part of why he gave Pricilla what she wanted in the divorce finally. The character of a man is not summed up by the mistakes he makes, but by the regret he has about them. IMO of course.

[Suzan]

I just want to add one thing. Yes, Elvis had a temper and got mad at people but at the core of his being was a man who I think deep down wanted to be a better person. Some people are mean and never regret it. (don't feel one bit of remorse) You can not say that of Elvis.
I think it was a big part of why he gave Pricilla what she wanted in the divorce finally. The character of a man is not summed up by the mistakes he makes, but by the regret he has about them. IMO of course.

Well put, and what I was trying to say w/my post about venting to those closest to you.:)

Thank you Riley.:):notworthy

[cameron]

I'm not "overly religious", but I believe we're here as long as we want or need to be. It was "his time" and IMO, he accomplished what he came here for.

He'll always be remembered by some as a sexy young man.
That bothers me ;as I wonder if some would/could accept him as being the 73 year old man that he'd be today. :hmm:

[Suzan]

He'll always be remembered by some as a sexy young man.
That bothers me ;as I wonder if some would/could accept him as being the 73 year old man that he'd be today. :hmm:

Why would they not? I personally would have loved to see what he would have been like today, what he would be doing, what he'd think of the net, etc...

[Getlo]

There was no right time, there was no wrong time.

There was only the time.

It happened to Elvis; it will happen to us all ... at the time.

[cameron]

Why would they not? I personally would have loved to see what he would have been like today, what he would be doing, what he'd think of the net, etc...
It's because the outward appearance seems to be all that some dwell on .
I'm sure you've seen those sites.
He was a good looking man, no doubt about it. Outward appearances fade; I just hope some remember the "inner man" and not just the physical appearance .

[Getlo]

It all depends on whether Elvis Presley would have aged gracefully.

Judging by his degree of vanity and some of his excesses in life, I suggest he would not have.

He could either have gone the way of Sinatra ... growing past his prime, but still earning and gaining the respect of his peers. Or, the way of Wayne Newton and Tom Jones: surgically enhanced almost beyond recognition, and essentially a joke.

[cameron]

No, they would not. Some say they would but it's all about the glitz and glamour. Without the trappings, you become just an ordinary guy. What would you think of a 73 year old guy without the money, just trying to make a living? Someone with the aches and pains of old age. Would there be the same response if it was found someone was living a quiet and solitude life or would it be necessary to have that "image" with the money and prestige? It would be better to remain in solitude than to suffer the embarassment.

I agree. Most would not or could not accept him as he would be today.
It's what has disappointed me the most as I've studied his life.
As he always wondered ; did "they" like him for himself or because of the image?

[poormansgold]

I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?

yes They do Few Them Believe that you go To heaven.
I got story to tell you my unlice know he It was Drying that night, He give my aunt his wanllet before he going to bed, he say I not need this tomorrow
That night he was gone.
I think That Elvis Had same thing to Him.
tom

[KPM]

All people are born with free will-you make decisions and the decisions you make have results. Other people also make decisions which sometimes affect your life through interaction with them. I believe in God-but he does not make the decisions in my life, nor the ones of the people I am around. I may make decisions based on what he has taught me-but I make that decision.
So I do not believe God has predestined every step I take or others around me take(but he knows what I will do before I do it) So when someones time comes- God knew it was coming but IMO he does not cause it to happen. Thats my belief from what the Bible teaches. (of course he can always intecede in someones life if faith is strong enough-but humans are weak and faith at times is weak)

[LianaKaralivanou]

There was no right time, there was no wrong time.

There was only the time.

It happened to Elvis; it will happen to us all ... at the time.

Getlo, this time I have to agree with you. There is no such thing as right time or wrong time. There is only the time that it happens. Of course for the family members there is no such thing as a right time...

[Merry]

Nothing wrong with an ordinary guy. Most down to earth women, and the good people, prefer it.

I know, that that wouldn't be the case,b. With respect, a person's worth is who they are, how they make other's feel. Elvis made people, and still does, feel wonderful, because of his personality, that is why he was so popular from the beginning until now, and in my opinion, that is what set him apart, from other people, and, other entertainers. In this moment in time? If not gone, he would be the same caring, wonderful person, who makes those who love him feel wonderful, who just care for him, his welfare, his happiness.....he himself.... Elvis would just be older, needing company....

Yes, a lot of people are shallow, but the ones who count, the ones he would care about himself, and treasure, are the ones who should be taken into consideration, not anyone else. They would love for him to be happy, fulfilled and just to have his presence around them, not expecting anything, ahhh silences are pretty special, too. Like in anything, and he would know it, there are a lot of wonderful apples, amongst some quite off ones. The wonderful ones, love and treasure him, and wouldn't dream of thinking that way, but would only respect and love him, for who he is.

:hug:

[elvislady]

Thanks for all your views on this question.
elvislady:D

[renapap05]

I believe that he passed on the Exact right time,as he was famous as he never was.The only thing where I must say that he didn't was his daughter,Lisa Marie...She was too young to see with her own eyes her daddy passing away.:'(

[Sonny]

I have to agree with Getlo, however Tom Jones is not the right comparison.

With his new cd he kinda re-invented himself. And he sounds great, and still does
very good shows.

If one likes him is of course another question.

[epmoodyblue]

def there was no right time to go exit....it went down as it was supposed to go for him....nothing could of been done to change what happened to him. nothing to change the outcome of events in his life.... .had he done this differently mabye?.. or he should of done this instead...blah blah blah and so on....forget it it was elvis time simple as that........destiny...elvis is at peace

[presley31]

I believe that he passed on the Exact right time,as he was famous as he never was.The only thing where I must say that he didn't was his daughter,Lisa Marie...She was too young to see with her own eyes her daddy passing away.:'(

Lisa can't talk about her father passing so maybe she saw more than you think she did.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Such an incredibly difficult question to answer, this has to be looked at in many different ways to get to the right answer.

IMO had 'Elvis In Concert' been shown prior to Elvis' passing there would have been a huge wave of shock, for many the Image that would have been in their minds would have been that of the Aloha or 68 Special, to see Elvis like he was in June of 1977 would have been a complete shock for all but the ardent fan.

The 'Elvis What Happened' book had created a huge fuss after Elvis died, had he been alive it would have passed over in time.

So to have died young and with so much dirt dished certainly has fuelled some of the mystic' around Elvis the legacy.

I'll say one thing that the Americans do that they don't in the UK, they celebrate celebrity in a much more positive way, the American dream has a lot to do with that.

I believe that Elvis had truly embodied the highs and lows of super stardom and that whatever time he died it would have been earth shattering event.

[utmom2008]

Lisa can't talk about her father passing so maybe she saw more than you think she did.

I think what she meant by that comment was that Lisa was too young to have to see what she saw. Lisa did see alot, and it's hard at any age, but really hard for a child that doesn't yet quite grasp the finality of death.:blush:

[Vegas King]

That's Intaresting question.
I think he would be more famous if he lived on because he could give us much much more.

[renapap05]

I think what she meant by that comment was that Lisa was too young to have to see what she saw. Lisa did see alot, and it's hard at any age, but really hard for a child that doesn't yet quite grasp the finality of death.:blush:

I guess you're right Rosanne....But Jen,she did saw a lot...She may was a child,but could understand that Elvis had died,as long as she screamed "My daddy,what happened to my daddy???"or something like that,when he saw him.;)

[utmom2008]

I guess you're right Rosanne....But Jen,she did saw a lot...She may was a child,but could understand that Elvis had died,as long as she screamed "My daddy,what happened to my daddy???"or something like that,when he saw him.;)

Yes, and that had to be very traumatic for a nine year old child.:blink::blush::'(

[kathy parkinson]

When my mother died in 1992 i was 40, and i was devastated, i lost the most precious lady in my life, goodness knows what Lisa went through.

[MJ27]

My mother died when I was 6 and my dad died when I was 20.

Do I miss them? Of course.

Am I still grieving? No Way.


Grieving over people who have died a long time ago is a very unhealthy way to go through life. It is simply the nature of life that all forms will eventually dissolve. Every person and everything will one day be gone,so I believe you should honor the memory of the people who have been in your life but eventually you just have to get on with it.

Lisa Marie lost her dad at a young age and that would have been difficult but
just because her dad was Elvis Presley does not mean she went through more heartache than anyone losing a parent at that age.


BTW, I stood at Elvis' grave several times when in Memphis and I did not cry once. If I did I would have made an appointment with a physciatrist straight away! I was moved by the fact that Elvis had brought me so much joy through his music, but to cry over a man I never knew personally who had been dead for nearly 30 years was something I couldn't do.

[kathy parkinson]

My mother died when I was 6 and my dad died when I was 20.

Do I miss them? Of course.

Am I still grieving? No Way.


Grieving over people who have died a long time ago is a very unhealthy way to go through life. It is simply the nature of life that all forms will eventually dissolve. Every person and everything will one day be gone,so I believe you should honor the memory of the people who have been in your life but eventually you just have to get on with it.

Lisa Marie lost her dad at a young age and that would have been difficult but
just because her dad was Elvis Presley does not mean she went through more heartache than anyone losing a parent at that age.


BTW, I stood at Elvis' grave several times when in Memphis and I did not cry once. If I did I would have made an appointment with a physciatrist straight away! I was moved by the fact that Elvis had brought me so much joy through his music, but to cry over a man I never knew personally who had been dead for nearly 30 years was something I couldn't do.

With all due respect, i will always cry for the loss of my mother, if that makes me unhealthy then so be it.

[TotallyInsane]

With all due respect, i will always cry for the loss of my mother, if that makes me unhealthy then so be it.

We'll be unhealthy together Kathy!!

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

With all due respect, i will always cry for the loss of my mother, if that makes me unhealthy then so be it.

Being upset and shedding a tear for a loved one is completely different to mourning their loss many years later. If you are still grieving and overtly emotional and not over the loss of a relative 30 years later, there are clearly issues that need to be dealt with.

[Diane]

I not only lost my parents but a little sister when I was 7. I don't grieve constantly but I do tear up now and then when their memories come to me really clear. I will always miss them.

Diane

[presley31]

With all due respect, i will always cry for the loss of my mother, if that makes me unhealthy then so be it.


nothing unhealthy about it Kathy.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I not only lost my parents but a little sister when I was 7. I don't grieve constantly but I do tear up now and then when their memories come to me really clear. I will always miss them.

Diane

Completely understandable, my comments are with regards to Elvis fans being emotionally unbalanced over someone they never knew. IMO if you are grieving the death of a pop/rock star it indicates an underlying issue in your own life in the first place.

[KPM]

Completely understandable, my comments are with regards to Elvis fans being emotionally unbalanced over someone they never knew. IMO if you are grieving the death of a pop/rock star it indicates an underlying issue in your own life in the first place.
I think that the emotional connection people feel toward Elvis-someone most never met or knew personally-is a tribute to the huge personal charisma he exuded. It shows how he easily made people feel they knew him on a personal level. Strange how his effect on people continues.:blush:

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I think that the emotional connection people feel toward Elvis-someone most never met or knew personally-is a tribute to the huge personal charisma he exuded. It shows how he easily made people feel they knew him on a personal level. Strange how his effect on people continues.:blush:

Hi Ken, I understand there is an emotional tie that some have with Elvis but as others have touched on this thread already, why would you cry over the death of someone who has passed over 30 years ago? It seems misplaced somehow.

I realise we are all individuals and we express ourselves differently but I find it hard to attach that much emotion to a person who I look up to as a fan not a close friend or family member! It seems to me people get the emotion with their family life tied up with Elvis, transference if you like.

I suppose there is always the emotion we can attach to a record that reminds us of a particular event in our life and that can be a trigger.

[KPM]

Hi Ken, I understand there is an emotional tie that some have with Elvis but as others have touched on this thread already, why would you cry over the death of someone who has passed over 30 years ago? It seems misplaced somehow.

I realise we are all individuals and we express ourselves differently but I find it hard to attach that much emotion to a person who I look up to as a fan not a close friend or family member! It seems to me people get the emotion with their family life tied up with Elvis, transference if you like.

I suppose there is always the emotion we can attach to a record that reminds us of a particular event in our life and that can be a trigger.
I think the emotional trigger idea is right on-songs which we recall at a special moment in our life have a way of touching us IMO
I understand what you are saying Matt- and let me be clear I was not speaking about people who are still crying at the drop of a hat when Elvis is mentioned which does seem to be pretty over the top. I was speaking in general about why people have such a connection to this man that we never met. I mean we could be writing letters to friends we use to be close to in childhood, or distant relatives, our Congressman etc.... but we all seem to spend a lot of time discussing someone who died 31 years ago-that we never knew in a personal way.;) That to me is a statement in itself to the special qualitites which attract us to him.
(y)

[TLC67]

I mean no direspect by this question, but don't you religious people believe that any death comes at the "right" time, and is all part of God's plan?
I think this belongs in another thread somewhere, lol.
I can only speak for myself. My answer is no. I believe God can allow or stop things that could happen that weren't in the original plan. He can change his mind, as well as we can.
I agree...no right or wrong time for death.
And...no offense taken, I may have a Q for you sometime.

[kathy parkinson]

nothing unhealthy about it Kathy.

Thank you.

[Unique Dog]

The timing of Elvis` death had nothing to do with his popularity or continuing popularity.
It was his time to go, it was what God wanted.