gottawonder

I can understand how Elvis was kind of an unexpected phenomenon. He was probably the first mega-celebrity, or at least among the first people to be in that wave of mega-celebrity. It was kind of the beginning of the era where television, film, radio, and magazines could really propel a person to a fame never heard of before.

I can kind of understand too, how he was such an idol for teens because Elvis was right on that wave where rock n'roll took off, and he represented something completely belonging to that generation.

I am amazed at how history seems to forgive his penchant for "young girls", which would now be an outrage. He actually had procurers bring teen-aged girls to his mansion for him to pick from. He was obsessed with virgins. Priscilla Presley was only 14 when he met her. None of this is unknown.

It seems to do nothing to tarnish his memory in the minds of his fans.

What does amaze me, is how hard core his fans really are. People collect MOUNTAINS of "memorabilia". Just his image on every object possible. Plates. Posters. Clocks. Mugs. Shirts. No one intends to use this stuff, just display it. Or hoard it. Like one more commemorative stamp or coin will somehow tie them closer to Elvis.

Being a fan is really kind of a wild thing, isn't it? I can see having all of his music, if they like the music. I can see having a few things around like a picture or two, if he meant a lot to them. But a whole room full of stuff?

My husband worked with a guy who literally would only play Elvis's music. My husband's job at the time meant a lot of driving to work locations, and this guy drove the truck. Only Elvis on all of these long truck rides, and the whole time on location. This guy had been listening to only Elvis for most of his life. Maybe he heard other music when other people played it, but HE only played Elvis.

Elvis was like a religion for many people of that generation. A cult.

I've liked some music a lot, or certain celebrities. I could see me having a band shirt, or something like that. I'm not sure any one person made me feel like I needed to be surrounded by their image.

Anyone else have thoughts or insight?