"Before Elvis, there was nothing."- John Lennon

Remembering the 50's you think of pink, black and white, greased hair and sideburns. But that didn't just happen by accident; Elvis happened. Elvis' pairing of the black leather jacket, pink shirts and pink pants that became the 1950s rockabilly style. The style of the 50's as we know it was because of the King himself. He was ridiculed by peers for his fashion choices, until he became an overnight sensation and those choices became the new cool. He was actually told by many people, you look funny and you can't sing. Guess he showed them huh? The slicked back hair and sideburns that became a common site of that era, but it could be seen on Elvis years beforehand.  You know, most people know this man as an entertainer and the King of Rock n Roll, but the truth is he was way more than that; he influenced a generation, he paved the way for those who would come after him. 

“...it was like he came along and whispered some dream in everybody’s ear, and somehow we all dreamed it.” -Bruce Springsteen 

“Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it’s a whole new social revolution - the 60’s comes from it.” -Leonard Bernstein, 1960s

And who could forget the pink cadillac that he made so famous?

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. Although I wasn't even born before he died, he is my absolute favorite person who ever lived. He will most likely never be matched in my lifetime and maybe not ever. He was a very spiritual man, he believed in God and he believed in heaven. I like to think he is in a happy place, with no sadness and no pain, singing with the angels for all eternity, exactly what he'd want to be doing. 

~BB