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Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
A Remembrance In Words & Music Today, January 8, 2010: Elvis’ 75th (!) Birthday; What Do You Remember?
Friday, January 8th, 2010
Today is the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birth. He was Tom’s idol when Tom was back in Wales and, in response to a question that asked, “Who, of anyone you could have met — at any time in history — would have been a dream come true to meet?” Tom responded without hesitation, “I met him. Elvis.”
Tom’s oft-told stories about Elvis — from the hidden gun to their first introduction when Elvis came toward Tom, hand extended, singing With These Hands — and his performances of Elvis’ music are always terrific to hear.
Elvis habitually came onstage during Tom’s shows at Caesars and, here, are two photos from September 4, 1973, when he did just that. Although I did have the unforgettable opportunity to see Elvis in concert and have gotten to see Tom a couple of times, I never saw them together. Did you? If so, please tell us about it. Failing that, if you saw Elvis in concert, let us know how it was.
In an article today in the Las Vegas Weekly writer John Katsilometes, one of the best in the city, talks to people who knew Elvis well about his life and about the possibilities that died when Elvis did. Among those he talked to is Joe Esposito, Elvis’ Army buddy, best man and Chicago-born member of the Memphis Mafia. Today Joe is a casino host at Wynn Las Vegas. I met him when I brought Ruth Brown to one of Tom’s shows (have to get some photos to him, too!) and he’s a very nice man.
Also interviewed is Linda Thompson, Elvis’ girlfriend from 1972-76. Asked what he’d be like today, she says, “I’m sure, had he lived, he would not have changed the integrity of what he does, but still be like Tom Jones, aged in a way that has been graceful. He sings his butt off, but he’s nurtured his voice.
It’s a terrific article, not too long, nice photos and, even, video from the press preview of the new Cirque du Soleil show, Viva ELVIS. Check it out at the link above.
Tom, too, has over the years paid tribute to Elvis in the best way he could — with his music. On the Midnight Special on March 24, 1978, Tom spoke of his friend and sang two of his songs — Are You Lonesome Tonight and Can’t Help Falling In Love. The video here is a transfer from videotape, so it’s not great, but the point is well made and it’s lovely.
Surely Tom, at some point today will, like all Elvis fans, pause and remember and, perhaps, think of what might have been.
You can watch it in the TJI.com Video Library
In the next day or so we’ll have the video of the new BBC special Elvis In Vegas, in which Tom was interviewed about The King.
January 8th, 2010 at 12:13 am
I don’t remember anything about Elvis and I’m sorry for that!
But his songs last forever in our heart and his character remain in our minds…. Happy birthday “King”
January 8th, 2010 at 1:23 am
Elvis was my brother’s idol,so I grew up listening to his music,but once Tom came on the sceen Elvis did’nt stand a chance,but I still like his music and voice today.I think he will be on the local radio station a lot today!
January 8th, 2010 at 6:58 am
Oh, Tom and Elvis–what a performance that would have been…supposedly they often sang together in private. Must have been magical.
January 8th, 2010 at 11:52 am
VIVA ELVIS
January 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I believe it was 1957 I saw Elvis in concert here in Ottawa – it was absolute mayhem. It was really hard to hear him as the crowd was screaming so loud abut I well remember how he draped himself around the microphone – he looked like his arms and legs were made of rubber – a fantastic entertainer. I know he was only 22 years old so it had to be 53 years ago – am I dating myself?
January 8th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Put on earth to rock n roll Elvis the King is in our soul, if you dont like it , then i can tell you this, you are not a fan of our KING ELVIS
R.I.P 1935 AND ON FOREVER
January 8th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I saw Elvis in the early 70s at the International Hilton in Vegas. This was the first show my husband and I had ever gone to in Vegas. I remember the line of people waiting to get into the showroom was wrapped around the entire casino. My husband mentioned if I wanted to sit up front he would have to givew the usher who sat us extra money. Now, we were very young and I was appalled at giving them more money after we bought the tickets. Consequently, we were so far back in the room that anyone could have been on stage in a white jumpsuit and Elvis’s records playing in the background and I wouldn’t have known the difference. (I learned quickly and always sat up front for Tom!) I saw Elvis a second time shortly before his death when he performed in Cincinnati. It was so sad; he could barely walk across the stage and when he leaned over to give a scarf to someone in the audience, there was a man behind him holding on to his belt and lifting him back up. I will always regret not sitting up front at the Hilton. I’m going to an Elvis Tribute concert next weekend. I look forward to hearing all his music. I understand D. J. Fontana will be there. Viva Elvis!
January 8th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I did get to see Elvis in concert in 1973 right after his special from Hawaii. His concert was a once in a lifetime experience and is something that I will always think of. Happy Birthday Elvis……..
January 8th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I am still a big fan of ELVIS. He was great. I have a lot of his movies and still watch them from time to time. When TOM came on the scene I naturally became a TOM JONES follower also. If they had ever performed together what a concert that would have been!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS.