‘Greatest entertainer ever Elvis Presley’

At the turn of the last century, Elvis was voted as the ‘Artist of the Century’ in a worldwide survey conducted by the TIME magazine, largest selling news weekly.

He came in like a Pan American flash, and the impact of his arrival sent shockwaves in every direction. He out-sold, outraged and out-witted more people, than any other entertainer that came before or after him.

The music scene buckled before him, for he changed it forever. He hit like a sequined tornado, his heavy-lidded leer and throbbing hips wringing arms sent shrieks from teenage worshippers and shudders from their scandalized elders.

Preachers and parents took one look at those gyrating hips and declared the end of American civilization was at hand. But their sons and daughters shrieked happily at his songs, fought for his autograph, fainted at his glance, and bought his records by the millions.

‘Rock n’ Roll is soon to become a household name. In 1955, schoolteacher, Mae Axton asked her students why they were so excited about Elvis. “Oh Mrs. Axton” one girl replied, “he’s just one big forbidden fruit”. Soon thereafter Axton co-wrote Elvis’ Chart busting hit “Heartbreak Hotel”

He was a devoted son, a generous friend, a model army recruit, a gifted entertainer, a beloved hero to millions. This is Elvis Presley, the world knows and cherishes. Here are some 50 amazing facts about this great humanitarian, Elvis.

When Elvis died there were worldwide scenes of grief. But it was not just for Elvis they were crying. They were crying for their lost youth, because the reflection had gone from their mirror, for Elvis represented youthfulness, vigor, and innovation.

He not only changed the music forever, but also changed the lifestyle of the generations to come. For the first time, US telephone system packed up – it could not handle the calls that came flooding in from around the world wanting to know more about Elvis’ untimely death.

Following are memories from people who were touched by the ‘King’. Elvis reached many people, whether it’s in person, by his music or with his movies. Once they were touched, they never forgot.

Pat Boone: “Elvis and I were of the same age, and from Tennessee. When he came on the scene I couldn’t compete with him. Nobody could. We often had the same fans, but we just appealed to the different sides of their personality.

We were great friends until his death. Even when he left Bell Air mansion to Graceland, he couldn’t live a normal life due to his unimaginable popularity. There is no way to measure the impact he made or the void he has left.”

Elton John: “He completely changed the way I felt about music. He combined everything that a star needs: looks, charisma, talent, and originality. He broke the ice for all of us.”

Frank Sinatra: “ There have been many accolades uttered about his talent and performances through the years, all of which I agree with whole-heartedly. I shall miss him dearly as a friend.”

John Lennon: “ Befoe Elvis there was nothing. No nothing. Whatever the people say, he’s it. Those who picked up paint brushes wanted to be Van Gough. I wanted to be Elvis. Nothing affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hasn’t been Elvis, there wouldn’t have been the Beatles.

Paul McCarteney: “We started imitating Elvis, Drifters..... we just copied them. When I got interested in music as a 13 year old kid, trumpeters were still heroes. Guitars hadn’t really come in – they were just for Calypso accompaniment. Then Elvis came along, and suddenly guitar seemed better, plus, I realized I couldn’t sing with a trumpet in my mouth. Now every time I feel low, I just put on an Elvis record and I’d feel great.”

Jimmy Carter (ex-US President): “Elvis Presley’s death deprives our country of part of itself.

His music and his personality changed the face of American pop culture. Elvis may be gone, but his legend will be with us for a very long time to come.”

Bill Clinton (ex-US President): “It’s always been my dream to come to the Madison Square Garden, and be the warm-up act of Elvis.”

George Bush (ex-US President): “You Memphis politicians better watch out if Elvis ever decides to enter politics.” (George Bush seems to be a little afraid of Elvis, politically. But recently it appeared in the press around the world, George Bush visiting Graceland with the Japanese Prime Minister).

Barak Obama (Us President): Is also a great Presley fan, and at his inauguration ceremony he specially requested Elvis – song “You’re Always On My Mind” to be played.

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