Three Questions

Hindsight is typically 20/20. We can look at the actions of another and wonder what she/he was thinking. We're not in the cauldron with them, and we don't share any of their life's experiences that helped lead to the choice they made. 

I think I'd like to meet some makers of history, away from the bombast and TV cameras. I get that these people need to have a certain public persona in order to inspire. I think that can be done without sacrificing who you are. I'd sure like to speak to some people in a down-to-earth, relaxed format. We'll assume that they're still alive and that we'd get honest answers. In return, treat them kindly and fairly. 

So here are three questions I'd ask The King, Elvis Presley. From a list of millions, I'll narrow it down to three. Instead of speculating as to how he'd answer, I'll try to explain why I'm asking and maybe let you think about his reply. 

First, a few words. Elvis is still one of the most talked about people in America, even 35 years after his death. His music still resonates, and Graceland is a major tourist attraction. He is a musician who still had so much to contribute, which means we are lesser for his not being here. I am not a music savant, and I only have a basic knowledge about the man himself. I was six years old when he died and I remember seeing all the news coverage, not understanding why this was such a big thing. I get it now, though.

Question one: 

Thousands and thousands of fans loved your music and your act, but talk show hosts like Ed Sullivan didn't seem to appreciate them and took steps to sanitize your on-stage presentation. Those guys talked about the bad influence you had on society. But obviously there was a huge demand. Given where our culture has gone, do you think your music played a bad role in society? Was the sentiment already out there and just needed someone (not necessarily you) to express it? How much of a part do you think you played in this shift?

Question two:

Your twin brother was stillborn, you were picked on/bullied as a kid, and a lot of people said you had no talent. You didn't seem interested in color lines in the segregated South when it came to music. With those things in mind, what role did your experiences as a youth play in creating your musical identity?

Question three:

Though you made a lot of movies in the 1960s, there were some other more substantial and golden opportunities to stretch your horizons throughout your career. In addition, the music late in your career sounded different than the songs that made you what you are. But things did seem to go pretty well there for a long time. So-- Colonel Tom Parker: good choice or bad choice? 

Bonus question:

You spoke of loneliness/emptiness, your marriage to Priscilla didn't work out, and of course there's the way it all ended. Is there one thing or one decision you look back on that could have changed how those things played out?

Wow. The more I wrote and thought about this, the harder it became to narrow it down. What a fascinating person. 

And for the record, my favorite Elvis tune is Kentucky Rain. It's sung with such emotion and feeling, and it paints a vivid, colorful picture of a man who is looking for answers to a question he never thought he'd have to ask. You can almost hear his heart breaking.