Somedays it seems like lifetimes ago.

Other days it seems like yesterday.

The news that Elvis had died made the world…pause.

Many cried. Many thought it a cruel joke. Thousands reached out to friends and loved ones. Even without the internet word spread in minutes.

While I had seen the deterioration in the outward appearance of Elvis, starting in 1974 on that August day I never imagined that God would take Elvis home so soon. You see I was, and am, the final generation who grew up with Elvis. Who lived during his tremendous career. Who were fans. Fans sho spent our money on the latest album, 45 and/or 8 track followed by cassettes. Man, I kept all things Elvis a habit I’ve continued much of my life. You see Elvis was a bridge. On one side of my family they loved Elvis’ gospel. And only gospel. On the other side of the family they loved Elvis’ voice and range. Thus they had many Elvis albums. Both sides admired his humility, his talents, his passions, his triumps, his failures, his 4 1/2 vocal octave range, and his uniqueness.

August 16th of every year brings a sadness even now. Maybe its because I have lived decades longer than Elvis did (i.e. my 7 decades versus his 4) or maybe its because we will never again see the likes of Elvis for many good reasons.

I think one of the things that endure is the fact that my granddaughters like certain Elvis songs. They have them on their playlists. And these are teenage girls. Young women with virtually any song ever made at their fingertips. Yeah, they may get tired of hearing “Always on my mind” for the 11th bazallionth time but hey, life is short.

Thank you WordPress. Thank you to those who visit this site and/or follow me. May God bless you all.

Jeff Schrembs