Elvis “The King” Presley, born on January 8, 1935, would have celebrated his 80th birthday today. Elvis changed the course of Rock and Roll throughout the nation and world. He was one of the few music performers of all-time to become a world wide cultural icon.
Throughout his career, “The King” became a world-class performer, an actor, and even a member of the United States Army.
South Dakotans may remember Elvis Presley’s performance that grand-opened the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City on June 21, 1977. He was significantly less mobile on stage during that time, but because of his legacy, it was still a monumental moment for those in attendance.
Elvis Rapid City June 21 1977 from Jenny Maher on Vimeo.
Two months after his performance in Rapid City, on August 16, 1977, Elvis passed away from a drug overdose. With anyone at that celebrity status, conspiracy theories were created into his death being a cover up. One report even stated that aliens took him away….
Whatever the case, Presley’s legacy will live on for generations and generations to come. The King of Rock and Roll will never truly be forgotten.
