did you know that...

• Elvis sang eighteen different songs with the word "blue" in the title?
• he's the only performer inducted into all four music halls of fame (Rock and Roll, Country, Rockabilly and Gospel)?
• his Aloha from Hawaii special was the first satellite television broadcast?

Although that special, as well as the '68 Comeback Special, are both spectacular, my absolute favorite is the Live at Madison Square Garden show from I think 1971.

And my favorite songs at the moment are: From a Jack to a King, Mess of Blues, Fool Such as I, and White Christmas. I wish he would just sing that "I-I-I-I'm dreaming....of a white Christma-as.." oh so softly onto my neck.

I know, I know. He may disgust a lot of people. And I even know stories. Stories that my mother-in-law told me about him and someone she knows. Stories that would break your heart.

But just look at him. That photo is from Stay Away Joe, (one of his 31 films). He plays Joe Lightcloud, a Navajo trying to raise cattle on a reservation. Of course.

Steve Binder, director of the '68 Comeback Special said it best:

"I'm straight as an arrow, and I've got to tell you, you stop, whether you're male or female, to look at him. He was that good looking. And if you never knew he was a superstar, it wouldn't make any difference; if he'd walked in the room, you'd know somebody special was in your presence."

Happy Birthday, Big Fella. Thankyouverymuch.