The Songs We Will Sing.

#1 You were Always on my Mind.– Elvis Presley 1972-3

On January 8th, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, twin boys were born. One died at childbirth but the other went on to change forever the type of music that we listen to and the songs that we sing.

Elvis Presley was a multi talented performer; his dark, smoldering, sensual good looks, his charisma and stage presence combined with his singing range of two and a half octaves and a clearly executed voice that just melted hearts, was a recipe for a type of success never before known in the music industry. Apart from the movies in which he starred Elvis, could perform across genres of Rhythm and Blues; Country, Rockabilly, Gospel, Ballads and Rock and Roll; thus earning the title King of Rock and Roll.

As is often the case, people who are gifted beyond measure live difficult lives of loneliness and torment of soul which can make their gift more of a burden than a blessing. Elvis’ meteoric rise from simple, church going, country boy to riches and golden fame was not without its heartbreak. Although still performing, he was also being cruelly manipulated by fame, wealth, managers, drugs and indeed rock and roll.

Like many of my vintage, I can remember where I was and what I was doing when the news broke that Elvis had died at the age of 42 on 16th August 1977. Many folks refused to believe that Elvis had died, simply wanting to hang on to the fairytale; it was all over too soon and too fast and folks felt they just had not yet had enough of Elvis for him to leave the building as it were.

Elvis recorded between 600 and 700 songs but he was not a song writer. Many of his songs were covers, many others were written for him and he had co writer status for others; but sing Elvis could and he did! There is much written about Elvis so it is not my intention to say more; I just want to point you towards my favourite Elvis song, You were Always on my Mind.

Elvis Presley – Always On My Mind (Official Audio) – YouTube

What a beautiful, hauntingly sad song! And what a message! I wonder how many marriages and relationships have failed, because people forget to tell each other that they are loved, that they are valued, that we are so thankful to have them in our lives and that they are always close to our hearts and minds. We actually need to say the words for even in the best of relationships, mind readers are scarce!

So go on! Say it! Blessings.