Today (August 16th) marks the 42nd anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. Elvis died of a heart attack on August 16th, 1977 at his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42-years-old. Thousands of fans have been gathered all week long at Elvis' Graceland mansion for the annual "Elvis Week" celebrating the life and times of "King Of Rock N' Roll" who would now be 84-years-old.
The 50th anniversary of Elvis' watershed American Studios recordings and his Las Vegas comeback are being celebrated this month. Just released is the massive, 11-CD box set of his performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, titled Live 1969. Also out that day is the special two-LPLive At The International Hotel, Las Vegas, NV - August 26, 1969. The vinyl release features Elvis' complete set from August 26th's Midnight show.
Coming on August 23rd is American Sound 1969 featuring 90 rare and previously unreleased outtakes from "The King's" American Sound Sessions in Memphis, including the classics "Suspicious Minds," "In The Ghetto," "Kentucky Rain," "Don't Cry Daddy," and "Rubberkneckin'," among many others.
Filmmaker Baz Luhrmann has tapped actor Austin Butlert o portray Elvis Presley in the still-untitled upcoming feature co-starring Tom Hanks as "The King's" infamous manager Col. Tom Parker. Luhrman said in a statement announcing the casting update: "I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist." The upcoming movie will focus on Elvis and Col. Parker's 20-plus-year relationship.
Here is Elvis just two months before his death in Rapid City, South Dakota.