I just don't get it.
Now, I understand that Elvis was a cultural phenomenon, marrying the music of the white and black cultures, giving teenagers their own music, etc. But I can never listen to his music and enjoy it. In fact, the only time I listen to him is when I hear "Blue Christmas" in December on the radio and think of my mom, who does a spot-on imitation of this song. (Take a minute and imagine that!)
This I DO get. I think that we're all born with the Beatles' music in our DNA. Their music changed so much over the years that it's entirely possible to like something from 1962 but could do without the 1969 stuff. Plus, I have a funny Beatles story, that again features my mom.
When the Beatles first came to the U.S., my mom would have been about 16 years old. She grew up, of course, in a conservative LDS family. There was to be no "Summer of Love" or Woodstock for the Nelson family. BUT - she and her cousin Stephanie were CRAZY for the Beatles (because what teenage girl wasn't at this point) and the Beatles were coming to DETROIT! That's so CLOSE! We SO have to go! Amazingly, my grandparents allowed Mom to go along with Stephanie and her dad - who had a lovely limo to drive them in. As they arrived at the concert venue, their car was mobbed (everyone thought Diana, Stephanie and Chuck were John, Paul, George and Ringo). When they finally started to watch the show, Mom didn't have a very good view, so an obliging police officer hoisted her onto his shoulders to get a better view. (Yeah, sure, Officer. I bet.) It was probably the most exciting moment of her life, even including having her two daughters.
I'm just saying...I don't understand Elvis. Go ahead, enlighten me.
Monday, August 11, 2008
I Just Don't Get It
Posted by Beth Soelberg at 6:53 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
two words: Suspicious Minds
I just wanted to let you know that I told mom how to find your blog. Even Aidan loves the Beattles. He has some dollar store kids sing the Beattles and he loves it. Twist and Shout baby. If you want to get Elvis I think you have to watch some movies of him when he was young and watch Lilo and Stitch. Cause who doesn't love hunk hunk a burning love.
Hmmm...I totally agree. I don't get it either.
I can enjoy Elvis- atleast the upbeat songs. I think he sounds cheesy singing anything slow. The Beatles- I can enjoy, but don't love them. Greg HATES them with a passion! ( I think part of that is political).
My Dad LOVED Elvis, and still enjoys him. He got in trouble in Scouts for it though. During the "I Like Ike" pin craze, Dad wore an "I Like Elvis" pin on his uniform. Scoutmaster didn't like that I guess.
Hey, lay off of my blue suede shoes.
Just kidding. I'm not a huge Elvis fan, but I do like some of his stuff. I'm old, so I DO remember when he died. I lived in Florida. It seemed like the world stopped churning. All we heard was, Elvis this, Elvis that. I was just a kid, but we went out and bought some of his 45's to listen to after he died. I bet I still have on somewhere.
What a fun memory about your Mom! I can't picture her on someone's shoulders tho! Taking a limo and being mobbed must have been AWESOME! haha
Post a Comment