Elvis (no last name necessary) passed away 39 years ago today. This mug made by Dawn with a copyright date of 1977 shows they were pretty quick to jump on capitalizing his death.
The phrase on the mug "Elvis The King Lives On 1935-1977" is somewhat prophetic to the conspiracy theory that quickly developed that he did in fact live on, having faked his death in order to retire peacefully. Indeed, there's even a new made-for-tv movie on AXS TV premiering tonight that follows this premise.
I couldn't find much on the Dawn company other than other mugs they had produced, but they appear to be a Thermo Serv competitor.
I recall the day he died. I was 10 years old and I remember a neighbor boy asking, "How can you die from being too fat." As it turns out, the cause of his death is still in question, although his overuse of prescription drugs can't have been a small contributor.
If Elvis were still alive, he'd be 81. For those of you awaiting a comeback, I don't think it's going to happen. I think it's time to let him finally rest in peace.
Thank you, Elvis. Thank you very much.
I was on a family vacation in a hotel in Wyoming when we heard the news and it really struck me. I was a big fan.
ReplyDeleteI was only 10 at the time, but even I realized it was a big shock. He was better known to me for his films which were fairly popular on the local TV stations late nights and weekends. Over the years, I've developed an appreciation for Elvis beyond the typical jokes.
DeleteI remember it well. We were taking my sister for her first year of college, and the radio played all Elvis all day. I listened to it the whole ride from NJ to NC.
ReplyDeletewell, from what i heard, he died from a heart attack brought on from a couple things: the drugs he was addicted to caused constipation, and also weakened his heart. so he was, uh, busy shall we say, STRAINING in the bathroom, and the rest of his sad story then became history.
ReplyDeletei do remember when he died, as you say, it was big enough news that even to 10-year-old me heard about it. i mostly remember the coverage of all the weeping girls camped outside Graceland.
My mother always told us "Never strain at stool"
Deleteyour mom was a smart woman. clearly, elvis's mom either didn't warn him or he didn't listen (combined with getting hooked on prescription drugs). at any rate, i think of this rule, uh, almost daily now, thinking of the king's fate.
DeleteAll I remember of his passing was my mom being upset, sorry I was only 7 (Jab Jab Wink Wink) we have a few cups that look like that for Star Wars and Happy Days I wounder if its the same company.
ReplyDeleteI was 10 at the time and it didn't really mean much to me. I remember my brothers and sisters being more upset when John Lennon was assassinated.
DeleteThose cups may have been Dawn or more likely Thermo-Serv which pretty much owned this market. I'd love to find a Happy Days one.