[Newsdawg2002]

How could I forget something as basic as that? It's Rich. Also, thanks for the replies. I've been a fan of FS for years and have corresponded with Nancy in the past. The handle, "Newsdawg2002", reflects what I do for a living as a writer and reporter. I've worked in Michigan radio/television/newspapers for 18 years, so I guess this is what I'm going to be when I finally get around to growing up.

[Adam]

Hello Rich,

You should be an interesting contributor to this forum, working in the media for that time should provide you with some interesting opinions, im glad that you came here!

Keep posting!

Adam

[Nancy]

Elvis Presley was the best white interpreter of the blues/rock/gospel
music he performed. His heart was as big as his talent. He had the ability
to express the feelings, needs and "rhythms" of a generation (mine).

When I was a teenager we did not have much of a choice in terms of
finding our own music the way teens do now. Meaning no disrespect to
these artists, all we had was our parent's music: Patty Page, Percy Faith,
Perez Prado, Eddie Fisher etc.

Our alternative was the r and b radio stations who featured a rebellious
(for it's day) type of music that was intriguing to our growing awareness
and libido. Groups like the Crows, the Flamingos, the Clovers, the Penguins
and the like, gave us double entendre lyrics and interesting, funkier music
which we made our own. It was the white kids picking up on the black
music that made rock and roll.

Elvis was the white interpreter of this music of "ours" and he was gorgeous
too. A white boy, who wanted to be a preacher, took the music to heart and
gave us a new way to express ourselves. My entire generation owes a debt
of gratitude to this dear, deeply involved, beautiful man. He was a brilliant
communicator.

He also was one of the funniest people ever. His humor was silly and self-
deprecating. He made fun of himself which is a very endearing quality to have.

I feel kind of sorry for those who don't get Elvis. A little more openminded study
and they would discover a fabulous soul who contributed plenty to the history of
American music. He was the best at what he did and, like Frank, there will never
be another to equal him.

[June]

Excellent Nancy...Our music................. ..........

Elvis is lucky to have a friend like you Nancy!!

That's worth looking into. Everything from Sun Records in the 50s to Stax Voltz in the 60s. Booker T. Jones' MGs means "Memphis Group". Just when Motown was dealing in choreography and high fashion, Memphis got more into funk.

Elvis was soulful, especially if you compare him to somebody like Pat Boone.
I liked "In the Ghetto".

[Nancy]

In the Ghetto was written by Mac (sometimes he used the name Scott) Davis
and I was fortunate to have published the song originally. When Lisa Marie
was born, E.P. (the name he used with friends) phoned me to say how he
was so moved by the experience and how he felt it was not fair that she would
have such great blessings and the same child born in a ghetto that very night
would suffer poverty and want, and God knows what else, perhaps all her life.

His heart was so full of love and pain that night. I will never forget it as long as
I live.

I treasure him.

He seems to be someone who never forgot how it felt to be less fortunate. It was sad when he lost his mother early. He definitely sounds like a man of deep compassion.

Nancy,
(I hate to be a pest, following you around here)
But on the way home earlier tonight I stopped at a nearby spot...to visit a friend who bartends on Monday nights...He is a fan of Elvis the way I am of Frank! The kid is very smart and articulate..
He appreciates history and is working towards
his degree. He worked at Graceland at one time. He has a similar hairstyle of Elvis(though in no way cartoonish looking)so I call him the blonde Elvis.
He has a 1955 Cadillac(he is a president of a Cadillac club or chapter) I like talking to him
because we discuss You, Frank, Elvis and Cadillacs...he is also an aviation nut. I think he was in the U.S. Air Force. The kid is a rare gem.
NOW to the point...I always digress...
I played some Elvis on the juke box tonight...which he really appreciates!
I played 'In The Ghetto'...I told him how highly you speak of Elvis. He said that he knew you were
in a film or two together. I told him that there has been a long running discussion of Elvis here!
He just got back from a trip to Hawaii with his wife...and he said he checked out all of the Elvis related sights. I pointed out that you were friends with my other idol Jack Lord... who also was an Elvis fan!

P.S. Hi there Peggy (above)I see we are on at the same time tonight! I always enjoy your input!

[Adam]

I wish i had not chosen the title for this thread that i did, it seems a little stupid to ask such a question when i think about it.

I must admit i had never thought of the intergration thing when talking about Elvis, i was just focusing on his voice. But if he did do so much for intergration, then i applaud it. And i can also appreciate people who grew up with Elvis, sticking with him.

People of all ages 'get' Elvis, the same as Frank.

My Mom was born late into Elvis's life but didnt really take much notice of him. Now she is a really big fan, and i have many arguments, or should i say quiet debates, about who was the bigger star, the better singer, bla bla bla.

Adam

Adam,
That is the beauty of this place...'Sinatra University'...we can all get an Education here!!!and the tuition is Very reasonable!!!(Thanks Nancy!)

[Adam]

I have read an article over here recently, and i think some may find it interesting.

The people of the UK voted for their favourite popular singer of all time, here is the Top 5 (If i've remembered it correctly)

1. Elvis Presley.

2. Frank Sinatra.

3. Elton John

4. Michael Jackson.

5. David Bowie.

Very interesting i think.

Correct me if im wrong, but i dont think Elvis ever performed here in England did he? Did he ever come here at all?

Adam

[Edwin]

I could write a volume on this topic, but in brief: Elvis sure reached his market and continued to do so even after he became, in my opinion, a sad obese jumpsuited joke.

Elvis was an innovator, excellent singer and fine all round talent. That, though, is just about where the similarity between Frank and Elvis ends. Elvis did not have the intelligence, the savvy, the confidence, the perfectionism or the drive that Frank had.

The silly records and silly movies he made during the 60's were criminal. And while he didn't have Frank's savvy and intelligence, even Elvis knew he was going down the wrong road so that his manager could make quick bucks. And of course there was the drugs.

Early on, when Hy Gardner interviewed him and shen he appeared with Ed Sullivan and in his first couple movies, he had it all but failed to grow although he clearly could have. He was so real and so likeable then. Perhaps he stopped liking himself or believing in himself, I don't know. All those crummy "Kissin' Cousin" type movies and those boring recordings from movies like that.

Great fame and adoration can be tough to handle and became more than Elvis could deal with, especially without proper guidance and management.

He died tragically at 42 when he should have been at his peak. Frank Sinatra recorded the "Come Fly with Me" album at 42 with "Only the Lonely" straight ahead.

Nancy, you knew Elvis. I'd like to read any further observations you are willing to share on him and his talent.

Ed

[Adam]

Bump up.......

For new members, an interesting thread.

Adam

[Lourdes]

No, Adam, Elvis never sang in England. Only in America and Germany where he served at the Army.

He was marvelous, and like Frank, there'll be never another Elvis again.

Lourdes

[Ronald Sarbo]

I'll say this about Elvis. His fans are certainly catered to alot more than Sinatra's fans. His fans have to mortgage their houses to keep up with the live material and session material RCA rains on them. Yes he changed music but while Sinatra welcomed him back in 1960 to get good ratings in 1956 he sarcasticlly called Hound Dog and BeBop A Lula masterpieces and the marshal music of every sideburned juvenile delinquent.Presley was a great singer who should be remembered with love like Bobby Darin. Considering what came after they should be treasured.

[Ronald Sarbo]

What does that say then about Sinatra's demographic?

[Ronald Sarbo]

I hope also that Sinatra continues to grow. That is why I constantly advocate for more product.Sinatra competes in the marketplace with these other artists for attention from their labels and fan bases.

[Tony]

Early years great RnR.

Go man

Frank Sinatra is the epitomy of vocal expertise and talent, but when somebody has the audacity to suggest Elvis Presley couldn't really sing...well, that's just absolutely moronic! Furthermore, I think Frank would be the first to agree with me! God.....I feel stupid even replying to a statement like this, so let's suffice to just shrug and listen to the recordings. I love Frank, and I also love Elvis........they were the absolute tops.....you can't see that????......