Electronic Highways
All Shook Up: Elvis @ 75
Get a grip, boomers and rockabilly fanatics—Elvis Aaron Presley would have celebrated his 75th birthday on Jan. 8, 2010. Arguably the most enduring icon of the second half of the 20th century, Elvis was born in humble circumstances in a two-room shack in East Tupelo, Miss. His twin brother, Jessie Garon Presley, was stillborn. Although he is crooning and swiveling his hips in the “great beyond,” Elvis is still very much “in the building.” He shook up a buttoned-down world and you can channel the spirit in this new year and new decade by indulging in his sideburns, gyrating hips, mold-breaking music, luscious lips, flashy wardrobe and raw sexuality at the official Elvis Presley Web site.
All of you “Hound Dogs” can join the anniversary celebration action by flying off to Las Vegas. You won’t be “Lonesome Tonight” at Viva Elvis™ by Cirque du Soleil® now rocking in the custom-built theater in Vegas’ newest mega destination/hotel, ARIA Resort & Casino. Opening along with this “Heartbreak Hotel” in December and in partnership with Elvis Presley Enterprises, the extravaganza is a fusion of dance, acrobatics and live music. The tribute to the life and music of Elvis is powerful, sexy, whimsical and larger than life.
Elvis is virtually channeled in the Elvis in Concert European Tour 2010. Reuniting some of Elvis’ former band members live on stage with a state-of-the-art video-projected Elvis, the show’s pyrotechnics explode in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. The large-screen video Elvis is mastered from his finest concert performances. All music is live, except for Elvis’ voice.
Stuck in Buffalo? Well, the Elvis mantra, “Don’t Be Cruel,” makes sure there is something for all fans. You can purchase a smokin’ black ELVIS 75 Born to Rock T-shirt or sweatshirt. Get lots of friends “Stuck on You” by sending Elvis E-CARDS with audio…how about “Return to Sender”? Join “Elvis Insiders” and be part of a “private” Web site with live Webcams, an audio and video gallery, and a quarterly online newsletter. You can also sign up for the SIRIUS XM Elvis Radio Graceland Beat Podcast and the Elvis RSS Feed.
Where’s the MUSIC? If you are really feeling the “Burning Love,” the “definitive retrospective re-mastered” collection of 100 Elvis classics in a four CD set is titled “Elvis 75—Good Rockin’ Tonight.” There also is “Elvis 75,” a single CD with 25 of his biggest hits. Both are available for purchase or download on the Official SONY Music Elvis Presley Music Site on Amazon.com and on iTunes.com (download only). The SONY site also features ringtones for “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” among others. Can’t remember the lyrics to “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes” or “Guitar Man”? Try AOL Music, print the lyrics and choose from hundreds of Presley singles to download while you are there.
From on high, Elvis sends this promise:
I’ll be yours through all the years
Til the end of time.
Love me tender, love me true
All my dreams fulfill, for my darling I love you
…and I always will.©
Send “Love Me Tender” Ringtone to your cell via AOL Music.
—Judith Adams-Volpe, University Libraries
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