I'm a fan (and you should be too) because...I first listened to Elvis in 1955 (Heartbreak Hotel)
I was 13 years old and Elvis was just starting to grow in popularity. Throughout my teens, I
tuned in to all of his appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Purchased all of his hits on 45
records and listened to him on the radio. I never missed any of his movies, some twice. The
high point of being a Elvis fan came in the summer of 1957 and he came to Portland for
a concert at the Multnomah Stadium. I will never forget that night. Watched him kinda fade
away and then had excitement anew when he made a spectacular comeback. Had planned
on going to Las Vegas to see him on stage, but never made the trip. I remember that I was
washing my van in our driveway when my wife told the news of his death. I didn't understand
the sense of loss at the time, but today I look back and it was like a close friend had died.
My memory of Elvis is also of growing up and in that respect he was a friend. I still listen to
his music today. He was and is a great rock 'n roll star.