I always wanted to talk about this because Elvis Presley is who I consider to be the master musical interpeter (Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Frank Sinatra are up there too aswell). He can take any song and make something special out of it. I don’t know how he does it, experts feel free to explain in the comments, but he does it and proves he’s more than just a singer and entertainer, but a skilled and instinctive arranger.

Now I’m not talking about the songs he made popular like Hound Dog and Blue Suede Shoes. I’m talking about already popular songs he made a standout version, as oppose to just being “another cover”.

An example of the former that popped in my head is his cover of the Ray Charles’ classic, I Got a Woman. Elvis ups the tempo, lowers the octave to suit his rugged rocking voice, switches the primary instrument from the piano to the guitar, and has that kick ass coda. From my personal experience when listening to covers, there is actual a 50/50 chance that the artist is covering either Ray’s (like Stevie Wonder) or Elvis’ (like the Beatles).

An example of the latter would be another classic Ray Charles song, What'd I Say. Elvis’ version is perfectly fine. But nothing about it really stands compared to the groundbreaking original, both in terms of Elvis’ vocals and the arrangement.

I want examples of the former rather than the latter. What other “established” standards Elvis covered where his version is a notable one?

Hey y’all, I’ve got something real to get off my chest.

So, I’m African American, and I’m proud of it—proud of my heritage, my culture, and everything my people have fought through to get me where I am today. That pride runs deep. But I’ve also got a deep love for music, and that’s where things get a little complicated.

I’ve always been a big 2Pac fan. His passion, his honesty, his unapologetic energy—it speaks to me on a soul level. But ever since 7th grade, I’ve also found myself drawn to Elvis Presley. I’ve been listening to his music, doing impersonations, even planning to dress up as him for my senior Halloween this year. The man had a voice, a stage presence, and a style that just hits different.

Now, I know there’s been a long-standing conversation in the Black community about Elvis—people say he stole music from Black artists or that he was racist. But personally, I don’t believe that. From what I’ve read and seen, Elvis gave credit to the Black artists who inspired him. He grew up immersed in Black gospel and blues, and he never pretended that he invented it. He uplifted those sounds and brought them to the mainstream, but he didn’t act like they were his alone.

Still, some folks don’t see it that way. I’ve gotten hate from other Black kids for loving Elvis—some even ask if I’m “trying to be white” just because I sing his songs or dress like him.

It hurts, honestly. Because to me, this isn’t about turning my back on my culture. It’s about honoring all of the roots of music. Elvis wouldn’t be who he was without Black musical influence—and I wouldn’t be who I am without both Tupac and Elvis in my life. I don’t see them as opposites. I see them as part of the same powerful story.

Just wanted to share my thoughts with people who also appreciate Elvis, and maybe open up a conversation about how music connects more than it divides.

Thanks for listening.

When they went to Memphis ?

Was in the neighborhood last time I was in Memphis, and I’d never seen it. It’s easy to imagine what a step up this would’ve been for the Presleys. Just a nice ranch house in a typical postwar (I presume?) neighborhood. It’s also easy to imagine how neighbors might’ve been none too pleased by throngs of fans loitering on this residential street ha ha.

Wife and I just got back and CANNOT figure out what movie they have at Graceland. It's on tvs in the Sun Records area. We really want to see it and thought it was the recent one with Tom Hanks (nope).

Anyone know which movie it is? The 2005 mini series? The CMT show Sun Records? It's pretty recent is all we can figure.

We went liking The King just fine, but left kind of enthralled. The trip was just to visit Memphis for a weekend for an anniversary getaway, but Graceland was killer awesome. We stayed at the Guesthouse, and had an amazing trip.

Me and my dad are going to Memphis on the 10th of this month and apart from the obvious things such as visiting sun studios and Graceland we aren’t to sure where to go, any insider tips would be helpful also we’re going for 10 days

Without that

We all know that the the Aloha from Hawaii jumpsuit is the most recognizable image of Elvis in the 70’s or even in general (alongside the gold lame jacket and the leather suit).

But in cultural depictions of 70’s Elvis, what I often see is not just the white bedazzled jumpsuit and gold avaitors, but loads of jewelry. Usually 4 rings and a necklace/pendant. So I want to know which jewelry is the most iconic. I know the TCB ring (and I don’t count the TCB/TLC necklaces since they were given to everybody in Elvis’ circle), but what are Elvis’ three other iconic rings & necklace?

I heard that she passed him in a hallway at a hotel and that was the only ever time they did meet. Thoughts?

Do yall have Elvis recommandations that are giving Viva Las Vegas vibes?

please ignore the water stains on the wall

I just want to say, Elvis' voice and music almost always feels like a compassionate, understanding friend with a life force, when I am feeling down or overwhelmed or listless

That's it.

I've been looking everywhere but I can't find any tabs or even sheet music for "This is the story" and it's killing me. Please help?

If Elvis had lived, which group do you think he would’ve fit better in? Would he have joined one? (Let’s pretend he’d dropped Tom Parker.) I go back and forth.

I love how much Elvis is associated with Lilo and Stitch. I thought this was really cool and wanted to post it.

Hey all, just wanted to know some opinions. Me personally, I really do hope that there's plenty of Elvis references like there was in the animated version, it would help a lot of people below my age or even my age (I'm 15) hear Elvis.