Great information - thank you! I always say that the term "the king of" doesn't mean "the first of", it means "the best of".

Well done ,great and true

I am reading this book right now and really enjoying it.

Thank goodness Elvis isn't in the 27 club.

To add... Elvis and his parents were one of very few or possibly the only white family in the area where he first grew up in Tupelo. So the first culture he was exposed to and identified with was the black culture of the south. As a child he probably thought himself as being a part of that culture as that's all he knew. He didn't "steal or misappropriate" the cultural music of the black community, it's fair to say that it was truly a part of him internally. Which would help explain how he related to it so well and would stay true to it. You want to point fingers at a white performer for misappropriation of black music? Look at ,IMHO, the white washing (&insulting?) treatment that Pat Boone did with the songs written by Fats Domino and Little Richard. 🤮

your video "Elvis Presley - The Blame Game, Pity Party and Hatred" is such a mistake, Elvis fans - as they always did - are protecting Elvis. Elvis ex wife - as she always did - plays the poor victim of a man who unfortunately was wrong when he thought that she would have been his soulmate. Coppola's movie which makes ignorant people comparing Elvis to the worst criminals is a shame. Elvis is not responsible if the wife he mainly chose to divorce produced that movie, despite the fact that her project was so hurtful for her grieving daughter. How many people are misinformed about Elvis because they trust witnesses "who were there" ? By keeping silent, these misinformations are spread all over the world.Since when a witness never lies ? Since when the victim of a lie (or worse) made by a closed one is responsible ? No blame, no pity or hate. Only regret that an auto proclamed expert could take such a wrong way for Elvis

I love your analogy of the early automobile and Elvis’ innovation with rock and roll. It makes perfect sense to me-right down to the correlation between the assembly line and television. A great way to discuss Elvis when people criticize him for “stealing” black rock and roll. I’m always impressed too by the fact that he always gave credit to those who came before him.

Sally, I am commenting on both this and the latest "Elvis Presley - The Blame Game, Pity Party and Hatred", since the comments are paused on that one, which I understand given the barrage of attacks at you that I have seen. I am seething. I have been a fan since 1962. I can not thank you enough for the "Elephant" in the room discussion. It disgusts me with the amount of venom and vitriol that some feel they need to regularly spew in the name of "Protecting" Elvis' legacy, at the same time claiming to be "Elvis Historians". Like a bad accident they draw a certain following of those who want to see the bloody bodies. "They are the ones who have to do this dirty work." as one just said in a quick post. Though I have my own form of addressing these TMZ wannabe's , I thank you for the class you show. And for defending the legacy through your works and your ongoing commentaries.

The whole idea of cultural appropriation in a negative way is stupid. Everyone should be allowed to wear whatever they want, use whatever music they want (as long as it is paid for or is in the public domain) without being criticized.

Great video! I would slightly modify your comparison of Television for Elvis to the Assembly Line for Ford. Television certainly put Elvis in front of more eyes than he ever could have done otherwise, but his success or assembly line came from the introduction of 45rpm records by RCA just before Elvis started his career. The 45s made Elvis financially accessible to the fans, many of whom saw him first on TV. But all of that is just a quibble as Elvis capitalized on many new forms of technology, culminating in the Aloha From Hawaii satellite special.

When people talk about the beginnings of rock and roll music, the first names that should come up are Fats Domino, Bill Haley, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins. A second wave of performers followed them in 1956-57 - Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Rick Nelson.

Several individuals are twisting this video and putting words in my mouth. It is incredibly unethical to do that to further a different agenda. I simply asked for more respect and less hate. The haters are proving to go full steam ahead with the hate. Elvis is the only one who loses. I know most of you understand that. Let's all be careful what we support when what we should be focused on are creating positive conversations about Elvis Presley. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this video and for sharing your perspective. I was a teenager when he died, but only recently became a big fan of the man and his music. I've found there's a disturbing level of toxicity in some corners of Elvis fandom, and it's rather offputting and I feel as you do that it detracts from Elvis' legacy. I just found your channel and have subbed. Today I bought the Audible version of your book Destined to Die Young and look forward to reading it.

It seems even though you Sally have talked about this in an intelligent, logical manner there still seems to be a few on here pushing the negativity aspect when they bring up about Priscilla. It seems that they have difficulty understanding what it’s all about! You mentioned about the Colonel getting blamed and trashed, but I don’t see that anymore it’s all about the hate of Cilla. You explained it all very well and what it is doing to his legacy and they just don’t get it! I get everything you have said it’s not the love for Elvis coming across anymore it’s commenting to say something negative it’s more focussed on the hate and making Elvis out to be pitied and a sap! It would be a lot more effective if they stopped with their personal opinions and more about the way Elvis made them feel, what he did! It’s like all the people putting him down for not writing songs and forgetting about what he did do and how he made people feel.

This needed to be said. As Billy and Jo Smith said "Nobody was around Elvis that he did'nt want there." Read Lisa thought the Memphis Moffia were "snakes " sounded like she blamed Elvis's problems on them.

I am big elvis fan for 36 years and Lisa Marie l miss Lisa Marie and elvis so much I wish Lisa Marie will still there I will defend elvis and Lisa Marie terry ❤

When i was 14 15 16 i used to go see Elvis he was allways happy to see me And uncle vester was allways so nice to me they were very protective of me Because i was so young one time elvis Called my parents to tell them hi and that i was allright. Great memories

Always teaching us and showing us the way! Thank you, Sally!!

I am absolutely embarrassed that Elvis channels are trying to stir up shit with you over "something you said..." WHY? I have always been so grateful for buying your book and understanding the MAN. Two channels now accusing you of "causing problems with fans..." WHAT? HOW? Conviently literally days before Elvis week. I thank you for the years of research you have done. And all you do for us. Elvis would NOT like their behavior. This is not what Elvis would want. Love, Rindy. TCB TLC ⚡️

I can’t agree more to these words Sally, thank you for putting them together in these video. Your book “Destined to die young” had such a great impact on my view of Elvis…reading it it was a difficult journey, but truly enlightening in the best sense of this adjective. I was reading it when we lost Lisa Marie and although the grief for her blended hard with the compassion for him, it all didn’t give birth to pity at all, but a beautiful admiration for his strength. Your definition of him as a provider was game changer for me: that was it. So many thanks again !

A very reasoned arguement. Thank you

Thank you Sally. I feel that Elvis has not been given more credit and legacy for all that he did and and was.

I don’t get why everyone who defends Elvis is getting so offended by this video . I’m pretty sure sally is talking about the bullies among the ppl that knew Elvis that are still alive and their ride or die followers and obsessed fans acting really unprofessional in their videos spreading catty bs and misinformation . There are old videos of interviews from people who knew Elvis that completely contradicts what they are saying now while they bully the remaining contacts that elvis enjoyed being around . There is juicy fact / gossip surrounding certain members that are at war with each other , but it is very obvious who is the class act and ignores the lies . Unfortunately , ignoring them spreads rumors to fans that don’t know and they go on the attack . Hmmm 🤔 apparently there are “book wars” interestingly enough , the known bully of the female mm lost many professional contacts who now support the other team but don’t go crazy stirring up “fans” . So , getting back to the subject , I highly doubt sally is speaking about anyone with less than 30k and especially less thank 4K subscribers who are so offended by this video . I’m not being a jerk, but I’m kind of laughing at the arrogance and self pity for attention videos about this video . Maybe I’m wrong , who knows . Maybe sally can clarify . I just know I found out who thinks they are that important that they would assume it’s about them without taking into consideration the real time harassment people get over all this or tried to understand her message .

Sally I have been afan of Elvis since I saw him on Ed Sullivan show in 1957,I was 7years old and loved Elvis Presley .I agree with every thing you have said thank you !!!!!😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Elvis presley was a butefule man and he put all of my people music 🎶 up front in the world and I think him for What he as doune for the music 🎶 love.the man❤thank you my.lady on comments of the grate Elvis presley ❤Roy hurst

Hi sally - I will be reviewing this video on my Live Stream this morning - your welcome to watch and join in - I love your book but cannot agree with Many of your comments - I do respect you but I feel you are not in tune with many Elvis Fans

dear MRS. Hoedel . You were kind enough to autograph the 2 books I ordered from You!!! It was very much appreciated! I urge EVERY Elvis fan to purchase the book! Well worth the read! And I will also say that you are a very special lady! Thank You for your insight. Elvis was such a Huge part of my life, saw him 4 times in concert. And if he were alive today and still recording and touring, I would still buy his music and go watch his concerts! Thank You for the honesty!! As far as the movie, I was really pissed off after watching it the first time! Baz Luhrman needed his ass kicked! After seeing it now 7-8 times, my thoughts have softened somewhat! Historically it was awful! Didn’t care for the music! The modern heavy base beat is just dreadful! I remember Elvis as the absolute GREATEST SINGER and ENTERTAINER the world has EVER or Ever will see!

I love how you explain things. Great video. You are so correct. We all love Elvis

I agree with all you said. I wish a movie would be done to show his true life, like you said. I wish you would be asked to talk at Graceland during Elvis week. Im not a Priscilla fan, i dont hate her , i dont like what she says and does, the untruths and i think she was the person Baz went to to get info, and was given her version, but thats his fault too

Your absolutely right about the mean spirited gossip and the need for it to STOP! Out of respect for Elvis and Gladys. Also LisaMaries children and grandchildren are hurt by this middle school mean girl spirit. I am not thrilled about some of the Priscilla antics or her movie. But it’s best to say nothing, the people had their say but not going to watch it. I want to honor Elvis by being respectful to his bride. He cared for her, so therefore I do too. Gossip is not good for anyone. I also realize many of the good things the colonel did for Elvis. The Memphis Mafia as well protected Elvis like a firewall. Humans are frail ego driven, but they did a their job. Elvis taught me that there is a God above and we must let Him be the guiding force in our life. I love him for sharing this truth with the whole world. You are on to something very big, keep it going. Much ❤️.

You make some very good points. I think we let our anger at attacks on Elvis get away from us. It's best to focus on Elvis and the beauty he brought to the world.

Finally thank you for sharing this and doing research much ❤

Thanks Sally! Your enthusiasm for Elvis and his historical context is infectious!

Well Said! Thank you, Sally.

Wonderful ! You were able to put into very intelligent words what a lot of us feel and understand but need to be reminded of - because we are also human. Thank you. Can’t wait for your next book.

Thank you so much for this. It’s so spot on and so important for every Elvis fan to listen to

Thank you!😂

Elvis is the G.O.A.T.

I feel exactly the same way about Lamar. It says a lot about him that Gladys wanted him with Elvis in the beginning because she trusted him with her heart but after Elvis’ death, his decisions were questionable about his loyalty. Especially after death loyalty is important.

We cannot ever accept that he left us early and the way he left us circumstances that happen but being person in medical field it is so heard to reverse perfect storm that can happened and outcome is fatal if you are not at that point in the intensive care unit. But us who love him so much and lost part of us when he left grieving that dream he created for us we lost something ideal beautiful he create for us every time we saw his face and hear his voice I think and I say we can never go over that . I am so proud of him what he accomplish and which person he was that above all makes me love him forever , God bless his sweet soul Rest In Peace our dear Elvis!

Sally, I think you're fantastic. I watch all the reaction channels that react to Elvis. Every time I see a negative comment about Elvis I reply with the link to your video where you talk about your book and talk about all of Elvis's illnesses plus so much more. I'm so thankful I have the link to share. It makes me feel better that I can maybe make a difference because of you.

Thank you for continuing to provide humane and eloquent clarity about Elvis, as you did in your book. My most recent pet peeve is this notion you address that somehow Elvis was weak, mostly because he didn't do what other people thought he should have done. But I don't buy that - there had to be something steely inside him in order to perform as he did and become a lasting cultural legend. We may not understand his reasons and we may presume to think we would do something different in the same situations, but he was acting based on his values and desires and yes, even his fears (because we all do that!). And of course, none of us could ever really understand what it was like to be Elvis Presley, so we have no idea what choices we would have made in the same situations. Thank you again and keep up the good work!

Are you going to make an audio book

Hi Sally, this is another brilliant video, I would love to sit down and talk to you about this subject! Whenever people say to me in person, or I see comments on line about Elvis having a drug problem, I jump to Elvis' defence, quoting your book and Dr Nick's book, the only two books I have read that state the facts about Elvis' health. Things were so different 50 years ago. My husband had heart and lung disease, diabetes, and liver disfunction, but lived for 20 years after the diagnosis, because he was in a time where medical science was able to keep him alive and relatively free of pain. My heart aches for Elvis when I think of the physical pain he suffered, that could have been fixed if he had lived in this day and age. You are so right about the people in Elvis's life being blamed for everything that went wrong. I believe that Elvis's family, friends/entourage, and fellow musicians loved him and did their best to protect and support Elvis. I have read all the books by those people closest to Elvis and believe they have been written from the heart. I think the Colonel has been unfairly demonised over the years, and the newest book about him has put a lot of the myths and untruths to bed. I got so tired of seeing videos for and against Priscilla, I posted one video on my channel titled '"The first and last time I mention Priscilla". I pride myself on keeping my channel dedicated to Elvis -his music, movies, concerts, books about him, and discussions with the Elvis Community around the world, but not about his family or anyone else in his life. There is enough stuff about Elvis on his own, I don't need to talk or post about his ex wife or anyone else! I have over 200 books about Elvis now and have read them all. Some good, some rubbish, but I have to read everything! Of course now I know there are over 3700 books published about Elvis I will never read 'everything' but it's fun working my way through them. I think the 2022 Elvis movie has been misunderstood by many. What you say is right - Elvis was not a weak person, far from it. He would never have lasted for so long in the entertainment industry if he was. Baz is a huge Elvis fan, and what he wanted to portray in his movie was more about the environment that Elvis grew up in, the culture of America in the 1950s and 60s. There was no way Baz could include everything in that movie - his other girlfriends, his kindness and generosity toward the whole human race - it was more about the music. Are you aware of a book by Trina Young (one of the few journalists along with you that I respect!) called Fact vs Fiction in the 2022 Elvis Movie? It is a scene by scene analysis of the movie which discusses the context of the scenes and perceived inaccuracy. Sorry this is so long, but I got carried away after listening to you talk, nodding and smiling at you on my screen Hugs from Gina in Australia.

Another excellent video, thank you Sally. When I think of rock'n'roll, I automatically think of America. It could not have started anywhere else in the world, at any time. America had the mix of humanity to create the music - the soul of black music, the appeal of country and western, and America had the media of tv and film to spread their culture to the rest of the world. I am 76 so missed out on the beginning of music for teens in the fifties, as I was brought up in a household dominated by classical and church music, but in 1960 I was old enough to form my own opinions and didn't take long to pick up the threads! Gina in Australia.

Hi Sally, I don't know how I missed seeing this for so long! So much Elvis on RU-vid, it is easy to miss the good stuff! I enjoyed this video so much, as I can relate to your feelings about Elvis and the legacy he left the world. I bought your first book about 6 months ago I think....took me a while to obtain it but well worth every cent, and I have recommended it to all the fans I know who haven't read it. I haven't got your second book yet, but certainly intend do. I love hearing how you discovered Elvis through the Satellite show LP and the cassette of his Golden Records. I have posted a video on my channel of how I discovered Elvis when I was 12 years old in 1960. Saw GI Blues and was hooked! I'm off to catch up on your more recent video

What an outstanding video. Thx a million sally, id love to hug yr neck for yr contributions to ELVIS'S life n legacy Cool on you honey👍👍

I agree with you Sally. I hated the movie and I too think Lamar fike lied after Elvis passed away.

thanks For the great coverage about Elvis, he did a great job to the greatest entertainer ever Elvis thanks a lot. I enjoyed it and of course I love listening, listening to Elvis and I did see him four times. He was unbelievably great.❤

Sally, I agree with you 💯 %....Totally proud of you for speaking the truth. You spoke the words I've been trying to convey for yrs . Many thanks 👍♥️