the momentb you were hooked on elvis

[memphis 77]

i was at the theatre back in winter of 70 watching von ryans express, at the 50 cent theatre, this was a really cheap theatre that ran old movies/new for cheap, i wanted to see the longest day, but they had trouble with this film so i got to see VON RYANS EXPRESS[with sinatra], my self and 2 friends watched it, agood movie, not spectacular but good, as soon as it was over came the cartoons and previews for other movies[killers], blackhand, etc, suddenly came the preview for thats the way it is, manb it looked exciting and ELVIS jumpsuit was really neat, i asked the manager when that film would be comming in and he told me in about 3 months[again this was a low budget theatre for teens], i told my buddies i would like to see this and they panned me , and said i was crazy ELVIS was old hat, but i didn't care, so i went through all my rolling stone mags, and found a list of elvis movies and the writers name , i wrote to the editor and asked to give my letter to the person who wrote the article,2 weeks later i got a letter with a list of fan clubs/resources, i wrote to the english fan club, and again 2 weeks later i had a letter and details about the movie, along with a zerox paper of ELVIS in the black comeback suit[i was HOOKED] from there i joined the fan club and also became pen pals with so many fans, and 4 months later saw THATS THE WAY IT IS[IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE] I was 15, and all i wanted to do was listen to ELVIS, WATCH elvis , YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, by then i was on the list at always elvis, for the album for THAT THE WAY IT IS, man when i got it i played it non stop, and would always look at the photos on the back, by then i had amassed alot of photos[all news print] from the fan club magazines,pen pals, it was like a total network of friends i had never met , i had my part time job at the gas staion, and i started to save up for a trip, i was hoping to take with AMERICAN fans/pen pals, i started buying previous albums, memphis..,68...it seems they just got better and better, by the fall of 1972 a girl from montreal had a little fan club and sent flyers to all fans asking if they would like to attend ELVIS PERFORMANCE, NEEDLESS TO SAY I SENT IN MY 14 DOLLARS[CASH] RIGHT AWAY, later MONIQUE sent lists of up comming shows and the dates we would leave, my first show i saw was BUFFALLO[THERE WERE alot of CANADIAN fans there] , i shall never forget the day i got HOOKED, i still am, i look forward now as i did then to seing photos i never saw before.

[Diane]

It was 1955 when I was 10-1/2 and I heard Elvis sing That's All Right Mama on the radio and loved it. The next year I cut out a modified photo of him in his pink shirt from the movie Love Me Tender. This picture was in the coloured section of my parents Sunday newspaper and I still have it in an old scrapbook. After I saw what the singer of that song looked like I was a fan forever.:D

[Polk-Salad-Annie]

The moment that i was hooked on Elvis was the day that the Aloha from Hawaii special was on TV.(y)

[vulcandude]

It was 1975, and I was five years old. I was in the car with my mother, listening to the radio, when they played "Heartbreak Hotel". The DJ said it was by Elvis. Not knowing anything about Elvis, I remember listening to the song, and was just utterly entranced by the music, the sound of his voice....EVERYTHING. I asked my mother who Elvis was, and she told me all about him. I remember wanting to hear more of his music, and it wasn't before long I started collecting his records. I found he was just awesome at everything he touched...his singing ability really amazed me. It was because of Elvis I formed my own band, and we are together to this day...all because of him. So, Elvis, thank you for your music, your movies, your just being you.:notworthy

[EP6873]

From the moment I was born in 1987; because my dad would play Elvis in the car and at home all time!

[ELV1S]

From the moment I was born in 1987; because my dad would play Elvis in the car and at home all time!

haha what a coincidence, i was born in '87 too and my dad did exactly the same, (y)

[mxshorty59]

I am fifteen years old & i really admire Elvis Presley. His music is awesome and he is absolutely gorgeous. My mom has always been an Elvis fan. Although these past couple years she really got into the whole elvis hysteria. I really didnt care for Elvis at the time since i really didn't know a whole lot about him. All i knew was that he had sideburns and sang My Way, being as my dad always imitated him! *laughs*. Then one day, my mom watching This Is Elvis, and i happened to sit down and join her and i was instantly hooked. These past few years i've explored Elvis' career/life and im such a huge fan.:king: There ain't nobody like the KING.:D

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I became an Elvis fan in 1977, it was on the news that Elvis had died, I couldn't believe all the fuss that was being made over some guy!

The saturday following Elvis' death my mum took me and my brother to town and bought us both an Elvis single, I picked "Good Luck Charm" & my brother picked "The Wonder of You" from then on I was hooked.

I can't believe that I have been a fan for nearly 30 years (I'm 37) I know some of you out there have been a fan since the begining but when i think about it, its the longest relationship other than my family :supriced:

Matt

[ForeverTheKing]

It was 1992, I was 14 years old.

I had the flu so I was at home from school that morning and I was watching TV.

On a channel they were broadcasting the movie "This Is Elvis" and I started to watch that documentary, curious to know something more about that famous "Elvis Presley" I knew only for his popular name.

It was love at first sight.. :wub: ...with everything....music, voice, charisma, man .... my life changed in that istant.
I started to buy everything to know more about his life, music and this passion has grown up with the years. :clap:
After have discovered him others seemed so poor to my eyes and ears :lol:

I thank God everyday to have had the flu that day........Elvis camed into my life and he never went away. (y)

[elvislady]

The first time i loved elvis was when my dad used to play elvis records all the time he had lots it was in the seventies when i was about 12 and i heard (wooden heart, and return to sender.) i love these songs and i loved elvis from then.
elvislady:cool:

[rick]

it was around 1973 when I watched TTWII at the Terang Drive-In (in Victoria, Australia) and when he sang Polk Salad Annie I was hooked. My friends were already Elvis fans and dragged me to the double-bill. A few weeks later I bought On Stage when I noticed it included PSA.
My best mate kept the daybill movie poster that night. Sadly about 10 years later he was killed in an accident that I narrowly avoided. About 15 years after that I managed to get that poster. It had tears and tape marks but it takes preference over my mint copy of the item and is now framed on my wall.

[Tommy]

I was hooked after watching Elvis on the Dorsey Brother's Show! The young man with the then strange name "Elvis" I had never heard that name before. Good thing my parents watched the Dorsey show. Elvis was so hot back then, one day the local radio station played Hound Dog about 200 times in a row. It was an awesome time for Elvis' music was like no other ever heard before, and Elvis changed the world!

[eiluvial]

1989. My brother was driving me to school and he had Wooden Heart on and I really liked it, he introduced me to Elvis, and I've loved him since!

[lawdy_missclawdy]

I've always liked Elvis. You can say I sorta grew up with him, 'cos my dad has been an Elvis-fan his whole life. When I was very little I went down into our livingroom and took all my dads Elvis cds, and just listened to them. but it wasn't untill summer 2005 that I really became a huge fan ;)

[Terry the Ted]

I became hooked in 1987 when I was 5 years old, it was the tenth anniversary of his death and a radio station called 'Capital Gold' in London were playing a weekend of Elvis to celebrate.
I got listening to the show and was instantly hooked, even at 5, he caught my attention with his voice.
Then I watched the season of movies on tv and thought he was so cool, the voice and the image just made me an instant fan.
Over the years, I have never stopped being a fan and will always be proud to say i'm an Elvis fan!! (y)

Terry

[robbiejones]

i have love elvis since i was born in 1969 my dad played him all the time.robbie nottingham england

[MauriceColgan]

On my way to school one morning in Birmingham UK early 1957 I stopped by a cafe to play the jukebox...I would have to walk to school after using my busfare to play the jukebox! I was going to play Bill Haley and his Comets, but spotted a name I had heard about the previous year.......E l v i s Presley! What a name, try forgetting it:-)

I picked out "I'm Playing for Keeps" stood back and watched as the record was selected by the mechanism, placed on the turntable, and then the needle touched the disc and sshhhhhhhh. A few seconds later a voice came out of the speakers.a voice like no other on earth! I was transfixed by the sound. So were the guys eating breakfast!

Next thing you know another sixpence was dropping into the Jukebox and I selected "Too Much" WOW! I'd be walking the long miles home from school that evening.

Just weeks later "Love Me Tender" arrived a the local Cinema and I lined up with all the rest of the youngsters to see Elvis. I was 15. I had a role in life now. But first I had to buy a record!

[Brian Quinn]

I first became aware of Elvis after seeing the film 'Love Me Tender'. His movements and voice 'blew me away'' and the audience reaction in the cinema was just like being at a 'live' show. 'Loving You' and 'Jailhouse Rock' were also fantastic and I have been 'hooked' ever since. There has never been anyone like Elvis and there never will.

Always THE KING.


Brian :D

[amzietamzie]

I became a fan in 2004 when they re-released some Elvis songs. It was virtually the only time I ever watched Top Of The Pops so it must have been fate or something!

The BBC weren't allowed to have a clip of Elvis singing and so an impersonator sang instead. I felt really sad about that and also intrigued by this great star, and so asked people about him, as, although of course I knew of Elvis Presley, I didn't know very much about him at all. I was told that he was a great singer who became fat in his later years :( and reminded that he was the singer in the black leather who I had been captivated by when I couldn't sleep aged 10 and so had briefly seen on late night TV :lol:

I needed to know more as I truly felt sympathy and admiration for him, and so tried to get some songs. I immediately loved his voice but it was when I first saw a clip of him that I completely fell in love. It was You Don't Have To Say You Love Me from TTWII :wub: That performance is so special to me now... as soon as I saw it I realised that there was no turning back!

It feels as though I've been a fan for so so much longer though as I truly can't imagine not listening to his music now and hearing more about his amazing life. He is the only singer ever to have such a hold on me. And he is, without a doubt, my number one entertainer :clap:

[robbiejones]

being a elvis fan is like being in love .my daughter is 3years old and loves gi blues .lets carry his name though out life.elvis is and always will be king.

[ELV1S]

I became a fan in 2004 when they re-released some Elvis songs. It was virtually the only time I ever watched Top Of The Pops so it must have been fate or something!

The BBC weren't allowed to have a clip of Elvis singing and so an impersonator sang instead. I felt really sad about that and also intrigued by this great star, and so asked people about him, as, although of course I knew of Elvis Presley, I didn't know very much about him at all. I was told that he was a great singer who became fat in his later years :( and reminded that he was the singer in the black leather who I had been captivated by when I couldn't sleep aged 10 and so had briefly seen on late night TV :lol:

I needed to know more as I truly felt sympathy and admiration for him, and so tried to get some songs. I immediately loved his voice but it was when I first saw a clip of him that I completely fell in love. It was You Don't Have To Say You Love Me from TTWII :wub: That performance is so special to me now... as soon as I saw it I realised that there was no turning back!

It feels as though I've been a fan for so so much longer though as I truly can't imagine not listening to his music now and hearing more about his amazing life. He is the only singer ever to have such a hold on me. And he is, without a doubt, my number one entertainer :clap:

great to see a fan from the modern years (2000's+) I'm really pleased the new remixes make new fans, great to meet you (y)

[amzietamzie]

great to see a fan from the modern years (2000's+) I'm really pleased the new remixes make new fans, great to meet you (y)

Great to meet you too :)

I agree, it's good that the remixes brought in, and continue to bring in, so many new fans. It wasn't actually a remix that did it for me, but I know several people who were introduced to Elvis by the A Little Less Conversation Remix and really loved it (y)

[MIElvis]

I bought the single Suspicious Minds then a week later took my paper route money and bought the album Live at the International Hotel after listening to that I was hooked.

[elvisdownunder]

I remeber the very day, not date though, i became a fan. I was 12, it was a friday, my mum had bought the new number 1's cd in October 2002, and the first song i was hearing was 'Crying in the chapel', then 'In the ghetto', then 'Suspicious minds'. Even not being a fan, i was fascinated at that minute how much he put his soul in to the music. So i decided to borrow the cd, and put on Heartbreak hotel..........

The voice went right to my soul. The most creepy, wonderful voice i'd ever heard. That song was it. I listened to the whole cd, and was absolutely hooked. Never had i ehard anything liek this. Elvis, i believe, with the way he sang, could even slightly convince the non fan that though so little of him. Truly the very greatest singer and entertainer of all time

[vulcandude]

"The voice went right to my soul. The most creepy, wonderful voice i'd ever heard. That song was it. I listened to the whole cd, and was absolutely hooked. Never had i ehard anything liek this. Elvis, i believe, with the way he sang, could even slightly convince the non fan that though so little of him. Truly the very greatest singer and entertainer of all time."

THAT'S HOW I FELT ABOUT THE SAME SONG! WELL PUT!

[Cryogenic]

I think I take "Heartbreak Hotel" for granted. Like it's always been there. But there is something enchanting about that record, isn't there? It's like Elvis found the perfect conduit for his voice.

I have been a very casual fan of Elvis all my life. Who knows...? Maybe I heard him in the womb. But I did not become a serious fan who looked into his life and legacy until 2004. The past year or two before, I had these bouts where I began searching for Internet material on Elvis, particularly material centered on his death. I guess I'm a morbid soul, but it fascinated me. One thing I do remember from a few years ago is a girl commenting that I reminded her of Elvis! Now that's a compliment! But she was quite young and stupid and probably said it more as an insult. I dunno. I probably had sideburns back then, as most of the time, that's what I liked to sport, both then and now. I also used to quiff my hair up. My hair is relatively dark and I have a fairly pencil-like neck. So I guess the image fit. Anyway... I also became obsessed with contrasting the "fat" Elvis with the "thin" Elvis. And you know what? The contrast wasn't as great as I hoped (yes: "hoped" -- told you I'm morbid). It turned out that I couldn't find more than a handful of pictures that lived up to the size of the "fat" myth. My interest was about to dwindle, but during this period, I became aware of something called his "Comeback Special"...

When I began searching for more information, I discovered that it was about to be released on three DVDs. Wow! Then I saw some promotional clips for both that and the Aloha set. I must have watched "An American Trilogy", or the latter half of it that was shown, a hundred times. I kid not. But I teased myself for many months, for while I snapped the Comeback Special straight up on its day of release, I did not buy the Aloha set for many more months. (I remember the lady coming out of the store room at WH Smith and commenting that she thought the DVD was a book!). Of course, both blew me away, though I did not truly love either until I had watched them several times. It took me a while to get used to the songs! I'd never heard many of them before. I had to settle into a groove, even with the might of Elvis, but he sure made it easier for me! Before 2004, or before the purcashing of the Comeback Special, I do remember buying the first volume of the Platinum/A Life In Music CD set. I had no idea as to what separated one release from another, you understand, so this was a blind purchase! I think I was seduced by the nice over. I must have made that purchase a few years before '04, for back then, I didn't even have any idea Elvis sang gospel music. :lmfao: Boy, was I an ignoramus!

I also remember an Elvis night or Elvis week on the BBC in, I think, 2002. I dunno. It must have been his 25th anniversary. I *think* they showed the Aloha telecast and Blue Hawaii. Well, they definitely showed the telecast, but I fell asleep during the film! It was so tedious. But Elvis looked *amazing*. I remember being slightly disappointed with Aloha, too, though it certainly held my attention. Elvis seemed to do some songs majestically and others not-so. He wasn't on top form for his most famous numbers (e.g. "Hound Dog", "Suspicious Minds") and that surprised me, especially as those were the numbers I was already familiar with, and looked forward to him performing. But I really learnt to love it all in time, even if he still did those other numbers in his sleep. One thing I particularly remember about the DVD purchase, which was like watching Aloha from scratch, was the ending to "It's Over". I had chills on those high notes! And the way the camera zoomed in on his features. I remember being impressed with the shape of Elvis' nose and lips. He looked like a Greek god! It was a perfect fusion of singing ability and looks. I immediately thought: now *this* is Elvis. He had suddenly come alive. The rest of the show had me enraptured, even if there were some sleepy numbers still to come. I remember thinking how *easy* he made it look. The gaps between some songs, like "You Gave Me A Mountain" and "Steamroller Blues and "American Trilogy" and "Big Hunk O' Love" are minute! He just went straight from one to the other before the latter performance had even sunk in. That's what remains deeply impressive about Aloha to this day. The sheer *ease* with which Elvis does the show. I think it became my favourite for a while. But the more and more I watched the Comeback Special, the greater and greater it become. I'm talking about the sit-down shows. Now I cannot think of a purer musical experience in history. It's spell-binding.

I also bought the "A Little Less Conversation" remix single in 2002. What a great item that was! I think I'm gonna put it on when I finish this post. Oddly, though, I don't remember that particular item having much influence over me, but I guess it must have. My Elvis fandom was still forming at that point. One thing I *do* remember, however, is that remix coming on in an indie nightclub where the least thing you'd expect people to like is Elvis -- but everyone was dancing to that tune, let me tell you! Of course, they might have danced to anything, since it was a very crowded place where people packed the dancefloor like sardines in a tin, but everyone seemed to be enjoying it immensely. Anyway...

One other thing, again showing my ignorance: in 2003, I downloaded a clip of Elvis performing "The Wonder of You" from TTWII. I remember being *floored* by the video and sound quality. I had *no idea* that Elvis was ever captured on stage in such pristine quality. It looked like new! And, while he seemed slightly chubby in the face, he was *incredibly* slim, which leapt out at me, as did the immaculate features of his face. It was a great video to have. In time, I would learn the clip came from TTWII, and I would eventually own a full copy. But in time, I would also come to learn that that version was heavily compromised, and develop a craving for the original. It's a craving I *still* haven't satisfied. I will probably buy a good bootleg on ebay. The Internet has really brought Elvis to life. My hardcore fandom wouldn't exist without it!

The road to Elvis has been a long one, with many stops and starts, but now the motor is purring sweet, I can say with complete honesty that I'm well away! (y)

[Unchained Melody]

It was toward the end of 2001 when i became hooked on Elvis.

I was staying at my grandmothers house and was going through some of her movies and saw That's The Way It Is Special Edition. I put the tape in and began watching. I was amazed at how much energy and passion he put into each and every song. The suites he wore during the movie were the most beautiful clothings i had ever seen.

Didn't take long after that, that i bought my first few Elvis cds...i believe they were Aloha from Hawaii and Burning Love. So that was 5 years ago and still going strong! ;) (y)

[ThatsAlrightMama]

I was totally oblivious to Elvis Presley, only into new stuff and I didn't care about the "classics" so to speak. I was also 16. I had (still have) this friend that was (and still is) completely obsessed with Mr. Presley. At first she would talk about him ALL the time and I would normally just roll my eyes and put up with it. She'd pop in his cd's all the time and usually I'd just deal with it, unconsiously tapping my foot the whole time. And one day I found myself buy a couple of posters and hanging them on my wall!!!! And around this time my little cousin who was 6 was obsessed with Elvis as well. Her grandfather was an Elvis impersonator and got her into Elvis before he passed. She still loves him to this day! So basically being surrounded by people who love him so much he kinda grew on me and I started to like him just as much! I've since aquired favorite songs and movies and of course eye candy (pictures). :)

[orwell1976]

I was about seven years old (so it must have been 1983) and I heard Elvis on the radio. I was visiting my grandparents and they listened to an oldie-station called "RTL Radio". I liked to listen to music, but this voice really blew my away. So I asked my grandmother and she told me who Elvis was and that he had died a few years ago. Fortunately it was the summer holiday season and there where quite a few Elvis movies on TV. So I got to see him the same week. When I got home again I told my parents that I wanted an Elvis record for Christmas. I didn't get one (they thought some regular toys would be better) but when I still wanted an Elvis record for my birthday I finally got one. I played it over and over again and so my father gave me his old record player, that I could play that record in my own room (I guess my parents where already pissed by me, because I played "All Shook Up" and "Too Much" all the time and they simply wanted to get rid of me and my music). But from than on I would call myself an Elvis fan. And "All Shook Up" and "Too Much" are still two of my favorite songs.

:king: