August 17th, 1977 – We Can Make The Mourning If We Try

“There’s a long line of mourners driving down our little street”

-Elvis Presley, Long Black Limousine, 1969

Waking up on August 17^th, 1977, I can imagine the air was different. Though I was not alive, I see the way people talk about Elvis’s death. They remember exactly where they were, what they were doing, and it would last with them for the rest of their lives.

The headlines I’m sure seemed so surreal; how could Elvis be gone? It seemed he had so much more ahead of him. An entire world to see and tour. That was the dream that would never come true for Elvis. Knowing this, it truly makes me sad. As the world mourned the loss of the King of Rock and Roll, it would seem that nothing would ever be the same again.

Fans gathered at Graceland and many were able to get a glimpse of Elvis and pay their respects as he laid in an open casket in his home. Each time I visit Graceland I think of this moment. What it must have been like for his fans and his family. Elvis touched so many lives and continues to do so even today.

It is still unbelievable to me that he has been gone for 40 years and remains to be one of the most recognizable people to ever live. Elvis will forever be a household name. Although he passed away much too soon, he lives on and has achieved immortality.

Until we meet again!

TCB and TCE,

ABC and CBS News Coverage