The King rocks...as always

It is full three decades since he breathed last. Even then music lovers, especially those who are not confined to their genres, all over the world are swayed by his music as they were in old days. The magic that the name of Elvis Presley spells is as strong today as it was thirty years ago. No one could match his enthusiasm nor could anyone attain his unique style...few of them could indeed went in their skills as far as the King himself, but the public acceptance always illuded them...it was the unique domain for the man.

I remember hearing for the first time the name of Elvis Arron Presley way back in 1992. I had some good habits accompanying me in those days. One of them was to wake up early in the morning and tuning to the Doordarshan news in the breakfast show was next to ritual thing. In one of those aquainatcnes I caught this name in connection of a news item. The story referred to a postal stamp issued by the US Postal Department in Elvis's memory. That piece of news, information provided with it and few clippings of his movies and songs...that was the stuff I was prevy to. That memories have long been remained with me.

It took some five years before I realised, albeit partially, what Elvis meant and who he was. Around that time itself, a piece in the Telugu daily 'Eenadu' caught my attention which reported the annual festival at Graceland. That aroused my curiosity. What I got to knew was enough to take me further searching for him...a singer and musician who died at the bare age of 42, one who took US rock music to some new heights, which were never attained before. It would not be unworthwhile to say that he singlehandedly popularised rock music in the masses.

During those dreamy days, I happened to hear `Jailhouse Rock' and something clicked in me. Haven't I heard this same song already, somewhere...somehow? And I got the answer suddenly...The movie 'Dil' featuring Amir Khan and Madhuri Dixit has a peppy and popular number 'Khambe Jaisee Khadee Hai.' The rhythm and beats were unmistakable. On the same line, one could graps the inspiration behind `Bachana e Hasino,' from Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahee. Numerous songs in Hindi films owe their existence from Elvis songs and music.

One question remains: What Elvis did? The answer is simple. He brought the Rock music to the centrestage of musicworld. When Elvis was but a rising star, Jazz and Blues were dominated by the Blacks. Whites had had only country music to tell the world. But the world cared a damn to hear the music. And classical western music was of only a few elite. Elvis made the world to lend an ear to the Rock music. Much as his movements were eye appealing, but they were equally matched by his crooning abilities. He gave voice to all the anger of the youth...that of the post-War generation, the flower children or even a restive young generation of the Seventies.

The name given to the elvis, The King, could not have been more apt. Many dressed in his attire, many aped his hairstyle, but the royal aura built around him could not be created by anyone. The King reigned supreme. It was his sole domain...none dare come there. As every year, many of his fans congregated at his memorial at Graceland. If asked, they would tell only one thing...

The King rocks...as always.