Elvis

Today is the 35th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.  I was only 4 years old when Elvis died.  I was too young to realize who he was before and during the time of his death.  When I was 6 years old my Daddy bought 2 Elvis albums and gave them to me - Elvis Sings Hits From His Movies, Volumes 1 and 2.

I knew nothing of this man.  All I knew was that from the moments I put those albums on my little record player, I was mesmerized.  My first taste of music came from going to church with my Grandparents, and then after my Grandmother passed away when I was five, with my Granddaddy.  I don't remember much about the sermons, but I loved the music.  

Then came Elvis Presley.  His voice was pure magic, velvety, beautiful, soulful, and spiritual, and I played those albums over and over again.  I learned every song by heart and would spend hours upon hours in my little bedroom singing along, and even acting out the songs.  I would pretend that Elvis was singing to me, and then he would pull me on stage and we would perform together, for my dolls and stuffed animals, as well as the thousands of imaginary fans.  These are some of my most treasured and favorite childhood memories.

One of the items on my bucket list is to go to Graceland one day and pay my respects to the man that lit my heart on fire for music and singing at such a young age.  Although I couldn't be there last night for the candlelight vigil, I was and always am there in spirit.  

Throughout the years, many singers and performers have thrilled, delighted, entertained, and moved me, but I can honestly say that Elvis was the first to truly capture my heart and soul, and for that I will eternally be grateful.  Looking back on that time in my life, I truly feel like he was a guardian angel to me, and still is to this day.

Thank you Elvis Aaron Presley.

I will love you for eternity. 

xoxo Tina