Forty years ago today, Elvis Presley "died."

[MiltonBrown]

32. In my opinion Elvis is underrated as a historical figure.

Elvis wasn't gay but he wore pink and drove pink cadillacs back in the conservative 1950s. The idea of what an American man is, how he acted and what he wore changed and expanded.

Elvis wasn't black but he chose to record songs originally recorded by black artists because he felt they were important and had value. This was the music that 'moved' him. A lot of old folks back then did not like Elvis but he didn't care. Young people liked him and followed his lead. I think that the sentiments in the songs you posted speak for themselves. Elvis wasn't MLK or some civil rights hero but he helped along the idea that African Americans make great contributions to our country.

Elvis lost his way somewhere along life's trail. He was all of us. I was too young to know to cry when he passed, but I've shed a few tears since then.