The night of August 16,1977

[GirlHappy19]

In many ways, 1977 seems a long way back in memory, but in many other ways August 16, 1977 seems like only hours ago. I was on the air in Tulsa playing Country music for the Roy Clark owned radio stations, KTOW-AM and KGOW-FM. I had just come on the air when the news about Elvis hit the wire. The night turned out to be one of those gems that I wish I still had the tape replay.


Listeners by the hundreds called, we put them on the air, they cried, they lamented, they laughed about their Elvis experiences and we played wall to wall Elvis music. Since I worked for a well known music entertainer, who had offices in Nashville as well as Tulsa, I was able to get remarks by fellow performers and those in the music business.


Magical as it was, Sad as it was, it still lives in my memories... It is somewhat like where were you when Kennedy was shot. Most people remember. I had no idea that 27 years later, we would have an ELVIS section with millions of visitors each year. Actually I had no idea that I would be heard around the world on the Internet. Actually I had no idea what the Internet was or even if it existed.


But I did have an idea that night that America had lost someone special. I knew Elvis was the King but I never believed that night his legacy and talent would still be so popular as we go into the 21st Century. Elvis Presley is missed, but thanks to modern electronics, he can be seen and heard just like he was back then, today.


So every August, I am reminded not only of an icon in the entertainment business, but about the nature of this business and how things are captured and kept alive for all to hear and see years after the events occur. All of this is truly mind boggling, but so wonderful.


Long Live the King and I am sure he will, thanks to modern video and audio recording techniques.

"A man is dead only when he is forgotten"
ELVIS PRESLEY

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Thank you and beautifully said! I remember that day well too. Can you remember, off hand, any of the performer reactions? That would be great to hear. Thanks for the post. A sad day indeed, but also one to be thankful for the music and inspiration of the Man.

[FlamingStar]

Very nice history

Thanks for telling.

I wasen't alive in 1977, so i'm glad i never will remember that day

[Joe Car]

Beautiful story, thanks Girlhappy19. Elvis is timeless. His music, his genius as a performer and his incredible charisma and looks continue to amaze each generation and will do so for many years. You also combine that with his fascinating personal life, a life in which he crammed so much into his 42 and a half years, it's astonishing!

[polksaladhasie]

Girlhappy that was beautiful

Thanks for lettin us know