Elvis and Vinyl

After decades of music, uploaded and streamed on various devices, it's not surprising that Vinyl has made a resurgence. The hunting and shopping for your favorite artist, past and now present, is a time those of us old enough remember with great fondness.

Elvis himself owned well over two thousand vinyl discs in a collection that spanned everything from gospel to jazz.

All vinyl collectors can attest to the excitement of cracking that wrapper; a mix of scents, yes, the vinyl and the insert paper. The thrill of placing the needle and letting the music wash over you is an event all within itself. Vinyl is a hobby full of intimacy; to be shared or not, your choice.

There's a relationship with memories and heart within the sleeves.

So when did the vinyl craze rekindle? Some believe the deaths of iconic musicians David Bowie, Prince, and George Michael are directly responsible for sending us 80's kids "back to the future." We want what we remember; a piece of the past. And in our excitement, we've passed this on to the generations ahead of us, and some say, reminded those behind us of what once was.

Who ever is responsible, 2017 reported the highest number of vinyl sales since 1991! And music lovers everywhere are grateful! Especially Elvis Fans!

Sony, BMG, and FTD releases are all turning back to Vinyl options, and once again we can enjoy the hunt for old and new releases, just like we once did. The warmth, the event of just placing a record, and sitting back to enjoy the light scratch and smooth sound is with us again.

A few weeks back, Dan and I spun the A and B sides of 45's on Blue Suede Connection. We were bursting, holding back the secret of what was to come--a full Elvis Vinyl BSC show!

 Between the two of us, we have Elvis LP's stacked in the closets of our home, and it was a thrill to finally unravel the treasures and set our minds to sharing them.  It was also a moment of good laughter, remembering which albums I removed, and cut up the inserts, just to stick them all over my wall--thus devaluing the item all together! Or when the ten year old me decided it was important to write my name across the front, essentially defacing them all. (LOL) Did you do that? Ah, to be young again.

Whatever your memory of vinyl may be, we hope you'll join BSC for the All Vinyl Show, Sunday, Dec 2, from 2p to 4p, est, LIVE on 93.7 WRGG and repeated all week long on many of our wonderful affiliates. Don't forget to click on the "listen" tab and find a channel near you.


Come spin (literarily) a tune with us.
Dan and TL

Elvis Tribute Artists: All Roads Lead to Memphis

While some are called to be teachers, law men and women, some become pastors and clergy. But few are called to be pastors AND Elvis tribute artists!

Unless that is, you're our good friend, David King, local Greencastle, Pennsylvania, pastor and long time Elvis fan/ETA! Or as we call him; the humblest guy you could ever meet. And to prove this, he showed up in the studio sporting his best Clark Kent attire--aka the real David King look! A look that comes easy and is complete with glasses. No. We aren't kidding. As normal, his heart is on his sleeves, and his warmth is palatable. Sound like anyone we know? Elvis maybe? Well, yes, as a matter of fact! And its with that same genuine spirit that David reaches the masses for God, not just on the pulpit, but on a stage, through Elvis' music. It's something he's been doing for more than 20 years. It's taken him all over the country, and on many stages with some of entertainments finest, like Ronnie McDowell and Trisha Yearwood.

(Photo: Courtesy of http://davidkinginconcert.com/)

So, we were thrilled this past weekend when David joined the show--Blue Suede Connection, that is--and inside all the music, fun, and laughs that went on (this is what happens in more than two Elvis fans are in the same room!) we even managed to squeeze in a Podcast for the Blue Suede Lounge. We could not wait to sit down with David and talk about his experience, as a long time ETA, with Graceland's Top ETA contest in Memphis this past summer.

"I prayed and really just asked God, if he wanted me to do this, I would really love to take my little girl to Memphis." God must have approved because David found himself in Memphis, smack in the middle of what has to be a dream for any ETA; to entertain Elvis fans right in Elvis' back yard!

 
TCB/TLC
Dan and TL

  

Elvis & The Presidential Medal Freedom

On Nov 16th, 2018, Elvis Aaron Presley will be given the highest civilian honor on behalf of the United States of America -- The Presidential Metal of Freedom

Upon hearing the announcement, this past week, Elvis fan's from around the world have bombarded Social Media with their excitement; "We are so proud and happy," rang clear as a mutual consensuses. "As it is in your power to bestow awards to your fellow Americans, this year Presley should be top on your list," wrote Todd Slaughter, president of UK's ELVIS PRESLEY FAN CLUB, to our President Donald J. Trump.

It goes without saying we all feel Elvis has long deserved this metal, and we are happy that he is finally going to be recognized for his patriot spirit and giving heart.

Elvis loved his country; he did not hide or run any time he was needed, serving two years in the US Army. When he could have used his fame and money for "light" duty, he pulled KP and Guard duty, slept in the snow with his fellow Americans. He would not have any special treatment and was remembered for his dedication by his fellow soldiers. 

Better late than never, some say. But why did it take so long? Politics is most likely the answer; that and Elvis' manner of death has caused unjust judgement from the media and some public opinion. The Presley family has spent 40 plus years helping America to understand who Elvis was as a man. He was not just an entertainer whom passed untimely; he was the very foundation of what our country stands for--a boy of poverty, rose to become not just the KING of the USA, but the KING of the world! Only in America!

Who will be accepting the honor on Elvis' behalf? That is the biggest question we're all waiting for. I know who we all want to see step up and accept this award, and in just a few days time, we will find out if our hops are realized.