The First American Idol

Some of my friends and family are really into American Idol. I'm not really into it other than singing a few songs on my American Idol Karaoke video game for the Sony Playstation 2. However, the "real," first American idol was Elvis Presley, aka "The King." He’s been dead for 30 years, but Elvis Presley through his estate earns millions more than he did when he was alive. New generations of young people continue to be fascinated by the man whose wiggling hips were once censored on TV and whose voice offered something special to listeners. Born in a simple shotgun house in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis’ life should have been one of mediocrity considering his humble beginnings. He was catapulted from truck driver to recording star when he cut a record during his lunch break. Elvis came from a poor-white culture but loved black music. His songs reflected the blues and his country roots. Later musicians admit that they wouldn’t have made it without him. Elvis Presley was the creative that made rock ‘n’ roll popular to the masses. Our society, for ill or good, has never been the same since.

Here's something else interesting about Elvis:

A photograph of President Nixon with Elvis Presley is the most requested item from the National Archives. More requested than the Bill of Rights or the Constitution, the photograph shows the president shaking hands with Elvis in the Oval Office of the White House. Elvis had written a letter to Nixon suggesting that he be given a badge and made a “Federal Agent-at-Large” in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. On December 21, 1970, Elvis paid the president a visit, bringing gifts, which included a Colt .45 pistol and some family photographs. Elvis asked Nixon if he could be given a badge, and the president honored the request. Elvis was so happy that he hugged Nixon and asked if he could bring in his bodyguards to meet the president. Permission was granted, and President Nixon passed out gifts to his guests. A movie called When Elvis Met Nixon humorously tells this strange but delightful story.