I AM The Universe: Random Thoughts

If you know me at all, you know I’m a huge Elvis fan! Sure, I was born five years after he died, but I’ve loved his music, his style, his story, his legacy. . . everything.

So, as a small tribute to the Rock ‘N Roll legend, I decided to write down little fact I’ve come to know about him in over six years (I’m 21, so that’s a pretty large number ). So here goes!

• His hair was actually sandy blonde, and not the jet black that he is usually associated with. He and his wife Priscilla used to dye their hair jet black.
• When he was inducted into the army, thousands of letters flew to the president, pleading that his hair not be cut. It was, however, standard procedure, and his hair was cut. The process was broadcast on national television.
• On one of her birthdays, he asked his daughter Lisa Marie Presley what she wanted for her birthday. She asked for an Elton John CD. Elvis flew to meet a touring Elton John, saying that he had to  meet the guy whose music his daughter would prefer over his for her birthday.
• Several years after his death, a box was found in one of his stores labeled ‘Next Show’. Ironically, there was no  next show. 
• Believe it or not, Elvis was the most unpopular guy in high school.
• ‘Elvis’ comes from the Hebrew word Alviss, meaning ‘all  wise’.
• His middle name, ‘Aron’, is spelled with two A’s on his birth certificate, and with one on his tombstone, leading  many fans to believe that he was still alive!
• His mansion in Memphis, Graceland, is flooded with grieving fans every year on his death anniversary. Even after the gates are closed at sunset, hundreds of fans can still be seen in a line, extending to the horizon, with candles in their hands.
• His favorite snack were deep fried peanut butter sandwiches. Towards the end, Elvis would gain several pounds in between concerts, and would lose the equivalent before public appearances.
• Elvis had an identical twin! He was stillborn. Elvis’ mother took this as a sign that Elvis was destined for great things.
• Elvis used to be a truck driver. Yep! But he wanted to be an electrician!
• When given a guitar for his 11th birthday, Elvis was disappointed because he wanted a bicycle
• Elvis once wrote to President Nixon, asking to be appointed as an undercover detective. He was given an honorary Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. Ironically, the cause of his death was drug abuse.
• In his earlier videos, when video culture in the US wasn’t as free, Elvis was only shown from the waist-up, because his hip movements were considered obscene.
• Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide, of which 20 million were sold after his death. This means that he sold more records than anyone in history.
• He has 18 No.1 hits in the UK (30 in the US), which means he has more number 1 hits on the UK charts than anyone else (including the Beatles, who had 17).
• To his last concert, a woman brought her 1-year old, saying that she didn’t want her child to grow up without knowing who Elvis Presley was.
• When Elvis was 10, he entered a talent contest. He was unable to reach the mic, and had to stand on a stool to sing to the audience. H didn’t win, but he came in second.
• Unchained Melody was actually composed by Elvis for his next album. Again, there was no next album.

"Before Elvis, there was nothing."
- John Lennon

"If you’re an Elvis fan, no explanation is necessary; If you’re not an Elvis fan, no explanation is possible."
- George Klein