King still reigns 25 years after death
by Ashley Clark, reporter

    Elvis Presley’s music career and legacy continue 25 years after his death with his new CD, Elvis 30. Featured are 30 remixes of familiar tunes that topped the charts from 1956 to 1977.

   Presley has sold over one billion record units worldwide, more than anyone in music history. He has received 14 Grammy nominations with three wins for his Gospel albums. At the age of 36, he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

   Currently, more than 625 active Elvis fan clubs exist worldwide. His popularity is at an all-time high as his legacy continues to reach new audiences. Surprisingly, over half of Elvis’ fans are under the age of 35.

   With the variety of contemporary pop culture available and constantly growing, to some, Elvis’ appeal may still be a mystery.

   Classics such as Hound Dog and Heartbreak Hotel may have dominated charts at their release; however, today their sound is definitely a reflection of the time. So is it the genre of music fans hold on to? Do today’s audiences have a craving for the rebirth of rock-a-billy or is there something unique about Elvis Aaron Presley, the boy from Memphis, that causes fans—new and old—to join clubs, invent ghost stories and release yet another greatest hits CD? Maybe it’s the sideburns.

   “I like his music,” said NE Campus student Jenell Underwood, 22. “I think he was talented and sexy in the earlier years.”

   Ironically, Underwood said she will purchase the new CD, but would not consider herself a fan if Presley were alive today.

   “Most of the fascination is the legacy. I think it’s a cult attraction, for most,” she said.

   “It’s interesting to think about what Elvis would be doing now if he were still alive,” she added.

   NE Campus drama instructor and actor Jakie Cabe is also among those under 35 years of age who see Elvis as an inspiration.

   “He changed the face of musical history by merging cultures,” he said.

   Indeed, Presley’s controversial choices have been duplicated in today’s media.

   Elvis introduced hip thrusting and sexy musical croons before Madonna and Britney. He brought soul and gospel to suburban culture before Eminem topped rap charts.

   However, Presley’s ability to mix controversy with conservative times and black music with white culture is not what inspired Cabe’s original song about The King.

   When portraying a twin during a theatrical production, Cabe asked his counterpart what he could do to make their mannerisms and actions more akin.

   The other actor replied, “I just ask myself in every situation, what would Elvis do?”

   Cabe titled his ode to Elvis If Elvis Were Hamlet. It starts “If Elvis were Hamlet, he would choose ‘To Be’ (or not to be)/and fight against the ways of his twisted family/He’d keep his cool even when he saw his dead father’s ghost/Elvis, you’re my Dane of choice/Elvis, you’re the most.”

   Clearly, Presley’s appeal extends far beyond his musical talents, his good looks and his charisma.

   Elvis has also been remembered and commended for his charitable endeavors.

   In 1961, a benefit concert in Hawaii raised more than $65,000 to help build the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

   Tickets for the pre-broadcast rehearsal of the Aloha from Hawaii television special carried no price. Audience members were asked only to make a donation to the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. Donations and merchandise sales raised $75,000 for the organization.

   Some friends of Elvis were occasionally surprised with Cadillacs, cash and jewelry. He also quietly paid hospital bills, bought homes, supported families, paid off debts and did much more for other friends, family members and total strangers.

   Kate Nuttall, NE Campus foreign exchange student from Britain, 19, said this aspect is what most attracts her to the Elvis legacy.

   “He’s well respected for his generosity in England as well,” she said.

   Graceland Mansion, Elvis’ home for 20 years is one of the most visited homes in America, now attracting over 600,000 visitors. It was named the most famous home after the White House.

   His home did not receive the only posthumous honors. Elvis received the Academy of Country Music’s first Golden Hat Award in 1984 recognizing his influence on country music.

   In 1986, Elvis was among the first group of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1998 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2001, he was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame making him the first person in history to become a member of all three halls of fame.

   In 2002, whether it’s the music, the charities or the sideburns, Elvis Presley is again topping charts at #1 and receiving generous amounts of airtime.

   Perhaps the answer to the on-going fan question of whether or not Elvis is still alive is “yes”—in his music.