An Elvis experience I'll never forget

[songs4u]

I don't know if I've posted this before.

I had a particular experience at one of his shows that's always stuck with me. I don't know if this performance has ever been available to the public. Watching him sing it was part of the experience.

It was our bicentennial year and I guess that's why he sang this song.

It was "America".

When he started singing this song it was like he was in his own world when he sang it and he pulled you in with him.

I remember him speaking the part "and purple mountains, majesty" - saying majesty in a husky low powerful voice with his left hand stretched toward the ceiling and his head cocked toward the right as if he were looking at this magnificent sight. He almost made you see them, too. I can still see him standing there.

As he spoke the part "God, shed his grace on thee" he said God in such a powerful majestical way there was no doubt who he thought "shed their grace on thee". You almost expected a tear to come from his eye. As he said "and crowned thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea" it took me back to those old time camp meetings when the minister had control over the crowd. Elvis had these people in the palm of his hands, maybe not even realizing it.

-----------------------------------------------

"America" united the crowd that night in such a way I had never seen before, even in church. I can close my eyes and see him right now.
It was our bicentennial year and Elvis seemed privileged to sing that song. Anyway, that's the way it seemed to me.

I've mentioned before that during that whole show I mostly watched the crowd and the guys beside the stage and on the soundboard. But, when Elvis sang this song he took us all to a different place with him.

Thinking about this almost makes me cry.

I wish I had known it would be the last time I would see him sing so I could have soaked in every moment as a memory.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I saw him sing that in Memphis in 1976. It was very powerful.

[songs4u]

I've heard people talk about power ballads. I thought that was one of the greater songs he did. Maybe, because I watched him sing it as you did. You could see what he was feeling. That adds to a song, I think.

I've always kept that particular performance in my memory. It really touched me.

[Wendy56]

Thanks for sharing your experience. It is so touching to read. You're so lucky.

[songs4u]

Because my Dad was a singer and I was exposed to gospel and country artists I saw a lot of shows but, I never saw anyone who could mesmerize a group of people like Elvis.

[Diane]

Thank you for posting that wonderful story. This is exactly why his memory lives on.

[geordie]

marvelous story(y)

[songs4u]

Thank all of you for your replies.

It makes me sad to look back at that memory. I never thought about Elvis dying, I never thought about my father dying, and all I had to worry about was being a kid.

My Dad recorded gospel albums which I played at his funeral last year. But, when I hear Elvis sing an old time gospel song from my childhood it takes me back and also puts in tears.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

I've heard people talk about power ballads. I thought that was one of the greater songs he did. Maybe, because I watched him sing it as you did. You could see what he was feeling. That adds to a song, I think.

I've always kept that particular performance in my memory. It really touched me.


I was only a little over 10 years old, but there is alot I vividly remember. That song sticks out as well as a few others. There are alot of moments on video that are like that for me as well. "Peace in the Valley" from Ed Sullivan, "If I can Dream" for 68 comeback, "Bridge...." from TTWII, "How Great Thou Art " from "On Tour" as well as the 77 CBS special ( which I think is more powerful), same with "Hurt, MY Way and Unchained Melody" from then, and of course "American Trilogy" from Aloha.

There are others too. He was at his best when he was "feeling it" and not running through the motions. Even some of the rehearsal footage and recordings have moments.

I don't think any other singer, before or after, has really had the ability to reach down that deep in their soul.

[joanne]

It kind of astounds me to hear people telling stories of seeing Elvis in Concert as I can`t imagine it. I hope that doesn`t sound crazy its just that living in England and being a younger person I can`t envisage how beautiful that experience must of been.
You are truly priviledged people and its wonderful to hear your stories.

[songs4u]

joanne

My brother was exposed to the same music and musicians as I when we were small but, he didn't grow up to become an Elvis fan. He likes other types of music. But, if you ask him today he'll tell you when Elvis walked in a room he didn't even have to speak. Just his presence was enough to put everyone in awe.

We were kids then so if he touched us in that way you can imagine how the grown Elvis fans felt.

He was just that individual that was totally captivating.

[FlamingStar]

It have to be a good experience to see Elvis sing "America."

He sing it fantastc ;)

[Donut]

Oh guys you are so lucky .... (y) i wish i was born 3 decades earlier to see him perform live LOL. I?m happy for you though i?m just a little jelous :D

[EnigmaticSun]

I keep wondering what Elvis wanted America to be like (and what not) and how he would have reacted to the way things are now.

It was a powerful song anyway you look at it! I wish I could be a lucky woman like you, songs4u - I was born after he had passed away, which means I have never seen him live.

I think it's valuable to have known a father who was creative and loving. I don't think it's recommendable having a father who looked at you as if you're the ugliest thing in the world, though it may be a source for literature at some point.

[songs4u]

Elvis was the ultimate American when he sang that song, as far as I'm concerned.

Here I was listening to people talk so much about our bicentennial. It was a big thing for our country. But, watching Elvis sing "America" made me appreciate our country more than any words I heard people speak.

I've sat in the audience and watched my father sing. I've watched him preach in churchs. My father was my hero. He could incapture a crowd, I thought, like no other with his charismatic deliverence of a song or sermon.

I grew up listening to more gospel music than any other type.

I've wondered, since Elvis came from the same roots, if he ever turned his career in a different direction what would have happened. It's true his voice was unique and wonderful but, in my opinion, I think he would have touched everyone no matter what profession he was in. He had that charismatic personality that was over-whelming.

[EnigmaticSun]

That's just wonderful, Gayle. Your dad seems to have been blessed by God and so are you.

I guess it's great having a father who is not a very sick and dangerous man.

[Awickedreigndrop]

That's so cool that you've got to see him live!:notworthy You're so lucky!:clap: Elvis passed four years before my birth so, I wasn't so lucky. :'( But I do have a lot of his concerts on tape & DVD and I see what you're talking about. Even if it's on tape he still have that effect on you.:cold: It was apparent that this was a special person. :clap:

[songs4u]

EnigmaticSun, thank you for your posts. I get an underlying message in them. Send me a personal message if you like.
This is something I wrote.

You Saw The Death Angel

All my life I heard him described as a great man.
Some said a sightless gift from God
with a luminous halo that adorned his head.
How DO YOU describe a man 10 feet tall in your eyes,
standing on a pedestal he was born to occupy?
As high as he stood this child could hardly reach his hand
to be his guide in a colorful world he never knew.
This man truly did look deep inside
because he could never judge with his eyes.
As I grew he became not a statue but a man
that was capable of being more human
than I could ever understand.
This man that was bigger than life to me
that I didn't need to lead
but let me think he should be.
He turned to a shell
but I, as I promised, was always still there.
This man described as great
but to me was just Dad.

You were there when I came into this world
and I was there when you went out.

Dad, how far away is Heaven?

[songs4u]

Awickedreigndrop

Yeah, I went to 3 of his shows. I visited Graceland a few times before he died. One time when I was there I got to ride one of the golfcarts.

[songs4u]

..........

[polksaladhasie]

Gayle I had tears in my eyes :'( reading your posting ... thank you for telling us your thaugts :'(

I?d love to see him live.. but I was born in ?74 and far far away in Germany :blush:

[songs4u]

polksaladhasie, thank you for your reply. When I think about that memory it takes me back to my childhood. I, sometimes, wish I could go back there.

I was young when I saw Elvis but, the thing with Elvis was - it didn't matter what your age was. He could reach down inside you.


I wanted to post this link someone gave me if anyone wants to hear Elvis sing "America". You'll hear for yourself what I was talking about.


http://mjbco.powweb.com/epGodblessamerica905.html

[songs4u]

Next to my Dad, Elvis had the most affect on me as far as music.

I had a childhood thought when I was young that when I grew up I might be Elvis' girlfriend. I didn't see an Elvis getting heavier, I didn't read how the tabloids ripped on him. I just saw someone who could change your life with just the experience of seeing him and listening to him sing.

I'm grown now. I hear all the talk about the weight gain, the pills, and the tabloids and people trying to rip him apart. It's not fair. There was a human being there. A man with feelings just like the rest of us. It's just that God gifted him with something he chose only for him.

I loved my Dad and I miss him. I loved Elvis and I miss him.

If he had to leave us, then you have to accept it, I guess. I don't pull out any of my Dad's music and listen to it and I don't pull out any of Elvis' music and listen to it.

Someone told me once that you'll be past your grief when your tears turn to precious memories....I haven't gotten to those precious memories, yet.

I'm grieving for my loss of them. They're not suffering anymore, so I don't have to grieve for them.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Next to my Dad, Elvis had the most affect on me as far as music.

I had a childhood thought when I was young that when I grew up I might be Elvis' girlfriend. I didn't see an Elvis getting heavier, I didn't read how the tabloids ripped on him. I just saw someone who could change your life with just the experience of seeing him and listening to him sing.

I'm grown now. I hear all the talk about the weight gain, the pills, and the tabloids and people trying to rip him apart. It's not fair. There was a human being there. A man with feelings just like the rest of us. It's just that God gifted him with something he chose only for him.

I loved my Dad and I miss him. I loved Elvis and I miss him.

If he had to leave us, then you have to accept it, I guess. I don't pull out any of my Dad's music and listen to it and I don't pull out any of Elvis' music and listen to it.

Someone told me once that you'll be past your grief when your tears turn to precious memories....I haven't gotten to those precious memories, yet.

I'm grieving for my loss of them. They're not suffering anymore, so I don't have to grieve for them.

I hope it's ok that I ask this. I love your stories and how sincere your feelings are about your dad and Elvis. I am curious about your dad. I'm guessing he was a musician? Can you tell us about him? I'd love to know.

Thanks

[songs4u]

Menwithbrokenhearts

I thought you might have seen some previous posts I've put on this forum.

My Dad was a gospel singer at first and he and Donnie Sumner's father, Mark, where preachers in our church when we lived in Baltimore. Donnie played the organ and my mother played the piano. That's how we met all the Sumners. My Mom and I sat by J.D. and his wife in church. J.D. and Mark were brothers. We didn't stay in the north very long. My Dad was born and raised in the South.

My Dad was also a singer/songwriter. Knowing the people he did was how I got to go to Graceland a few times. I rode a golfcart around Graceland and around the driveway. I went to Graceland a few times before Elvis died. Elvis would always be inside.

My Dad did some recording in Nashville. He did some shows with people like Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph, Floyd Cramer, Mickey Gilley. He did some shows in Nashville. Gospel was his first love as it is for most people from the south. He turned to country later on.

I grew in in the music industry. I was never exposed to books. I heard music everyday. Mostly gospel until my Dad switched over to country for a while.

I saw Elvis do a few shows. I was standing beside the stage when I saw him do a show in '76. I loved watching the soundboard guys. Even at an early age I had such an interest in the music industry. What it was all about. Once when my Dad went to Nashville to do some recording he took me with him. Elvis was there at the same time.

You know J.D. Sumner was the head of the Stamps Quartet. Donnie left the quartet when Elvis wanted him to form a group called "Voice". "Voice" lived with Elvis most of the time. Elvis wanted a group on 24 hour call basically whenever he wanted to hear or sing gospel music.

Anyway, that's a quick reply, maybe a long one.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Menwithbrokenhearts

I thought you might have seen some previous posts I've put on this forum.

My Dad was a gospel singer at first and he and Donnie Sumner's father, Mark, where preachers in our church when we lived in Baltimore. Donnie played the organ and my mother played the piano. That's how we met all the Sumners. My Mom and I sat by J.D. and his wife in church. J.D. and Mark were brothers. We didn't stay in the north very long. My Dad was born and raised in the South.

My Dad was also a singer/songwriter. Knowing the people he did was how I got to go to Graceland a few times. I rode a golfcart around Graceland and around the driveway. I went to Graceland a few times before Elvis died. Elvis would always be inside.

My Dad did some recording in Nashville. He did some shows with people like Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph, Floyd Cramer, Mickey Gilley. He did some shows in Nashville. Gospel was his first love as it is for most people from the south. He turned to country later on.

I grew in in the music industry. I was never exposed to books. I heard music everyday. Mostly gospel until my Dad switched over to country for a while.

I saw Elvis do a few shows. I was standing beside the stage when I saw him do a show in '76. I loved watching the soundboard guys. Even at an early age I had such an interest in the music industry. What it was all about. Once when my Dad went to Nashville to do some recording he took me with him. Elvis was there at the same time.

You know J.D. Sumner was the head of the Stamps Quartet. Donnie left the quartet when Elvis wanted him to form a group called "Voice". "Voice" lived with Elvis most of the time. Elvis wanted a group on 24 hour call basically whenever he wanted to hear or sing gospel music.

Anyway, that's a quick reply, maybe a long one.

Thank you so much for the story! I grew up in a house full of music, but no musicians. It has always been in my soul and heart. I would have loved to have been in your shoes! It sounds like you had some wonderful times! Now, I married into a family of musicians and am myself, (or try valiantly to be) and it is strange. They love to play music, it is a pasttime or a hobby, if you will. I'm not knocking that but, somehow it is different. They don't feel it, or it doesn't affect them as much as it does me. It's hard to explain. I love to play, jam and sing with them. But, when I'm by myself, or just with the kids, it affects me in an entirely different way. playing or listening. Nothing can settle my mind, soul and body more. I expect you are somewhat the same. Am I right? It's hard to explain to others that don't experience music that way.

By the way, I would have loved to have known your dad. I bet he had some stories! Any interesting ones you can share with us?

thank you

[rick]

Nice stories Gayle.

My most memorable experience was attending the 1997 concert in Memphis. I also attended in Melbourne a few years later but it wasn't quite the same as first time around with Scotty Moore, Lisa Marie etc.
being in Memphis is always a great experience but ofmy three visits that was the only anniversary time and I felt right at home.
I'd love to be able to afford to return.
rick

[Diane]

Those are wonderful experiences you had Gayle and the beautiful memories will come. Thanks for sharing with us.

[MISSCLAWDY]

thanks gayle;)

[Fire-Eyes]

My Elvis experience was not like the ones who had the chance to see Elvis alive, but it is really special to me...
The year was 2001, my first and only visit to Memphis, August 10th...I was walking in the airport through the stairs down to luggage place. All of a sudden i heard Elvis's voice, than turned my head through the same direction where the voice came from. The first thing i saw was Elvis on the T.V. screen, turning his head through me, and our eyes focused for a while. It may sound a little bit weird but for a second i thought it was real, Elvis was alive...
It was a moment really precious to me, a moment i will remember forever and ever...
:'(

[songs4u]

[B]Menwithbrokenhearts wrote

it affects me in an entirely different way. playing or listening. Nothing can settle my mind, soul and body more. I expect you are somewhat the same. Am I right?
You are right with this statement. Music can take me places like nothing else can.

My father was the most unique individual I have ever known in my life.

He was doing a show with Mickey Gilley (Jerry Lee Lewis' cousin) and after the show Micky wanted to hang out with my Dad. This was the first time he and Dad had met. My Dad told Mickey he was busy, he couldn't. When we were leaving I asked Dad - what is it you have to do? - My Dad said - Nothing, I'm just not in the mood for company. A lot of people would have been happy to spend the evening with Mickey Gilley. This is just something I remember that stands out in my mind. Celebrities did not impress my Dad at all. Don't get me wrong he was the most likeable person you'd ever want to meet but, to him everyone was the same, no one person was more special that another. And, he was in it for the music. He loved music.

[songs4u]

Diane and MISSCLAWDY

Thank you for your replies.

Fire-Eyes and rick

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Very interesting.

[songs4u]

About Elvis



When you saw the sparkle in his eyes when he smiled...you knew there was goodness there...and you wanted to go where he was.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Menwithbrokenhearts wrote

You are right with this statement. Music can take me places like nothing else can.

My father was the most unique individual I have ever known in my life.

Here's a short little stsory. He was doing a show with Mickey Gilley (Jerry Lee Lewis' cousin) and after the show Micky wanted to hang out with my Dad. My Dad told Mickey he was busy, he already had plans. I asked my Dad - why did you tell Mickey Gilley that you were busy? - My Dad said - I'm not in the mood for company and I just don't feel like sitting around and talking to anyone tonight. A lot of people would have been happy to spend the time with Mickey Gilley. Celebrity status never impressed my father. It was all about the music for him.

Don't let me forget to tell you of a "soon-to-be" famous singer/songwriter he met in Printer's Alley in Nashville in the 70s.. I'll put it on another post.

thank you. I look forward to hearing more. Being the owner of a radio station I'd bet you have stories of your own.

[songs4u]

Menwithbrokenhearts

Yes, I have some things here and there that have happened to me.

[MISSCLAWDY]

About Elvis



When you saw the sparkle in his eyes when he smiled...you knew there was goodness there...and you wanted to go where he was.
such a truthful sentence;) I couldn't agree with you more!it's exactly like that:D

[Diane]

Music to me feeds the soul. I can't put it any plainer than that and Elvis seems to be able to go the deepest.

I have to tell you Gayle that my dad was also into music before I was born. My mother told me he was in a country and western band and they played on the local small town radio. I have a photo of them. He played a steel hawaiin guitar and I used to love to hear him play and sing at home. He had a nice voice, nothing spectacular but I loved the sound of it. Never was a great success but he was extremely talented artisticly. He could draw, paint and build anything. He painted most of the street signs of our home town and the large pictoral one depicting our town - welcome to.......He was also an announcer for the town's baseball games and when the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn he got me a baseball autographed by Jimmy Fox. I don't know what happened to that ball:'( but I keep a baseball in my dresser drawer in memory of my dad. and no matter where we live, I plant some Brown Eyed Susans as that is what he used to call me - that and Calamity Jane.:lol:

Just wanted to tell you this so that you would know that someone knows how you feel about your dad and that I'm looking forward to your other stories. Keep them coming. Your posts are so enjoyable!

[songs4u]

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[songs4u]

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[sH]

Seems like America was the only song your heard. :blink:

[Diane]

Yep, our group is still here. That was an amazing story about Kristofferson. I knew he'd had problems at one time but didn't know he'd been down and out that bad. Sure great that he pulled himself out of it though and you never know, your dad might have been the trigger.

[songs4u]

Diane, I was looking back at the posts and I read yours about your Dad being a musician. Did he continue to play after you were born? Did he travel around and play his music as well?

It's really a great feeling to be a little girl and watch your Dad sing isn't it?

_________________________

rick,

When you said in your post you went to a concert show in Melbourne? Was that the Elvis Concert that tours the world?
How many times have you been to Memphis? Did the town turn out to be like you thought it would be?

[songs4u]

Seems like America was the only song your heard. :blink:

I wanted to clear something up. I have heard more than "1" song.

[Diane]

My dad did play with his band in the small surrounding towns but nothing other than that. He had his guitar his whole life and I did grow up hearing him sing and play. I always loved that. He even taught me a couple of chords.