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ROCK DEATHS IN AUGUST

16th August 1977 is perhaps the date of the most significant death in Rock history (apart perhaps from 8th December 1980). It was the death of The King.

ELVIS AARON PRESLEY - BORN 8TH JANUARY 1935; DIED 16TH AUGUST 1977
The most influential popular singer of the 20th Century – yes we know Sinatra fans will hate that, but it’s true. The Chairman of the Board may have entranced a generation with his singing, but culturally, Elvis really is the King – and Kings outrank Chairmen anyway. And if you don’t believe us…

• There are over 500 Elvis fan clubs in the USA alone
• 84% of Americans say their lives have been touched by Elvis Presley in some way
• 70% have watched a movie starring Presley
• 44% have danced to one of his songs
• 31% have bought an Elvis record, CD or video
• 10% have visited Graceland
• 9% have bought Elvis memorabilia
• 9% have read a book about Presley
• 5% have seen the singer in concert

And in the words of the man who died on 8th December 1980:

“Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been the Beatles.”

BEST SONGS:
HEARTBREAK HOTEL and HOUND DOG, before RCA got hold of him and smoothed him over.

BEST FILM:
JAILHOUSE ROCK with Elvis’ choreography on the eponymous song.

Another great Rock hero also died in August.

JERRY GARCIA – BORN 1ST AUGUST 1942; DIED 27TH AUGUST 1995 The Grateful Dead played 2,413 shows in their 30 year “extended tour” and we salute Gerry Garcia, not so much for any single great song or guitar break, but for never preparing a set, improvising some great riffs and above all for living the ROCK dream until the end.

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	ROCK DEATHS IN AUGUST 16th August 1977 is perhaps the date of the most significant death in Rock history (apart perhaps from 8th December 1980). It was the death of The King. ELVIS AARON PRESLEY - BORN 8TH JANUARY 1935; DIED 16TH AUGUST 1977 The most influential popular singer of the 20th Century – yes we know Sinatra fans will hate that, but it’s true. The Chairman of the Board may have entranced a generation with his singing, but culturally, Elvis really is the King – and Kings outrank Chairmen anyway. And if you don’t believe us… • There are over 500 Elvis fan clubs in the USA alone • 84% of Americans say their lives have been touched by Elvis Presley in some way • 70% have watched a movie starring Presley • 44% have danced to one of his songs • 31% have bought an Elvis record, CD or video • 10% have visited Graceland • 9% have bought Elvis memorabilia • 9% have read a book about Presley • 5% have seen the singer in concert And in the words of the man who died on 8th December 1980: “Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been the Beatles.” BEST SONGS: HEARTBREAK HOTEL and HOUND DOG, before RCA got hold of him and smoothed him over. BEST FILM: JAILHOUSE ROCK with Elvis’ choreography on the eponymous song. Another great Rock hero also died in August. JERRY GARCIA – BORN 1ST AUGUST 1942; DIED 27TH AUGUST 1995 The Grateful Dead played 2,413 shows in their 30 year “extended tour” and we salute Gerry Garcia, not so much for any single great song or guitar break, but for never preparing a set, improvising some great riffs and above all for living the ROCK dream until the end.