Happy Birthday, Elvis!

Today would’ve been Elvis Presley’s 73rd birthday. For many of us, it doesn’t feel like he died 31 years ago, and we can remember where we were or what we were doing when we heard about it, even those of us who were only nine years old. Elvis died at the young age of 42, however he did more than most people do in a lifetime. It is estimated – only in sales that were documented- that Elvis has sold over one billion records worldwide, more than anyone else in history.

As the King of Rock and Roll, his music inspired many musicians. Many people danced to, fell in love to, and continue to listen to his music today. Most people only know the songs we’ve heard on the radio or the ones that appear on the #1 complications, however his best aren’t as common. He recorded albums continuously, and they vary in genre from rockabilly, rock and roll, gospel, blues, and country.

Everyone has a opinion about Elvis Presley. Some people are harsh in judgment, while others put him on a godly level. Regardless, Elvis was a strong influence that people couldn’t ignore. Below, are some things influential people said about him.
And since it’s Elvis’ birthday, we’ll only focus on the positive.

There have been a lot of tough guys. There have been pretenders. And there have been contenders. But there is only one king. – Bruce Springsteen

His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense. And he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness and good humor of this country. – Jimmy Carter

He was a unique artist… an original in an area of imitators. – Mick Jagger

A lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black man’s music, when in fact almost every black solo entertainer copied Elvis’ stage mannerisms. – Jackie Wilson

Before Elvis, there was nothing. – John Lennon

Vote for your favorite Elvis song below!

The Mystix: Blue Morning CD Review

The Mystix serve up a delectable mix of blues, R&B, country, and rock with Blue Morning. These musicians are at their finest, and have crafted an album full of soul that could easily become a new favorite of any music lover.

Jo Lily – the band’s front man – plays acoustic and slide guitar, and sings with the raspy voice of Tom Waits, Dr, John, and Bob Dylan. Bobby Keyes, who has recorded with greats like Jerry Lee Lewis and Ben E. King, plays guitar and his excellent skill dazzles. He can switch from funky blues style to rock riffs effortlessly. Bassist Marty Ballou and drummers, Marty Richards and Dennis McDermott, round out the Boston-based group. Keyes and Lily co-produced the CD.

While all ten songs on Blue Morning are good, some standout a little extra. A Change in Jane is a ballad that would fit nicely on one of Dylan’s later albums or pass for one of Van Morrison’s movie songs. It’s strong on images, and because it’s a short song, it leaves you wanting more. The spirited rhythms on the aptly named New Orleans set the scene for a rollicking street party in The Big Easy. New Orleans is the liveliest song on Blue Morning. Another lively tune is The Mystix’s cover of Rattled. And while the Traveling Wilburys: Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison are and were the masters, The Mystix’s version just might beat the original.

The title track slows things down a bit. It’s a heartbreak song that offers the hope that there’s always a new day, offering a new start. Which Side of Heartache is a weepy country tune and is reminiscent of The Tennessee Waltz. Hi-Line closes Blue Morning. It conjures up the image of an empty bar when the last shot of whiskey has been served and the final song is coming to an end.

The Mystix’s Blue Morning is a solid album that mixes genres seamlessly. It’s got something for everyone. Blue Morning is an excellent example of how good songwriting and instrumentation can create a perfect listening experience.