James Burton Remembers Elvis Presley
Source: www.elvis.com.au
August 22, 2020
It's so hard to believe it's been 43 years today since we buried my friend, Elvis.
What a heart-wrenching three days we had that August in 1977. I'll never forget flying out of L.A to Las Vegas that morning of the 16th, then we headed out from Vegas to our first show in Maine when we got word to turn around.
None of us knew why.
We stopped to refuel in Colorado to head back to Las Vegas when we heard the news that Elvis had passed.
My first question was, 'Is this a joke?'
Unfortunately….it wasn't.
My wife Louise and I immediately met up in Memphis to go to Graceland to check on Elvis' Dad, Vernon. As you can imagine, he was just heart broken.
On August 18th, they held a private service for Elvis' family and close friends.
We could hardly talk to each other, we were in so much shock. So many people that loved him showed up.
James Brown spent hours in there with Elvis, as did so many others. Louise and I sat there with Vernon and did our best to comfort him. We loved that man.
Thousands of fans lined the streets of Memphis on the day of the funeral to say goodbye to the king. Thousands! We had never seen anything like it, man.
Royalty had never seen anything like it.
We were honored to ride in the third or fourth white limo in the procession that day and were amazed at all the love people showed and how people came together in such a short amount of time to honor him from all over hthe world.
Elvis constantly gave to those around him and that was such an inspiration.
Yes, he was a legend….but Elvis was also my friend.
His talent, style, sense of humor and 'in the middle of the night' phone calls just to talk.
He is dearly missed, and I know he's in Heaven singing and playing with my Son, Jeffrey… and I'm looking forward to seeing them both again someday and we'll all jam together.
We want to thank the fan clubs and websites, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, Jack Soden, Graceland, the EPE family and Joel Weinshanker for all of the hard work in keeping Elvis' legacy alive and we love the fans and friends who loved Elvis as much as we do.
Make each day count and love one another!
GOD BLESS YOU!
James
Elvis Presley 42 Years ... Gone too soon
Elvis Presley & The Events of 1977
The Death Of Elvis Presley | August 16, 1977
A Broken Heart... Hastened Death
World's At Standstill For Elvis' Fiancee
Firemen's Call To Graceland Was Anything But Routine
Elvis Presley's Epitaph & Eternal Flame Memorial
The Priceless Gift : To Lisa Marie from Daddy
Elvis (A poem, written August 1997)
Elvis Presley (1935-1977): Echoes of Love
Elvis' Last Will And Testament
Elvis dies and the age of Rock is over
Australian Press 1977
Elvis Presley Phenomenon Becomes History : Forest Hill Cemetery on Aug. 18, 1977
Interview with Vernon Presley
Elvis returning to Graceland
Elvis Presley on Holiday in Hawaii : March, 1977
Elvis Presley Louisville Kentucky : May 21st 1977
Elvis Presley Macon, GA : June 1, 1977
Elvis Presley June 25, 1977 : 8.30pm Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Oh
Elvis Presley June 26, 1977 : 8.30pm Market Square Arena, Indianapolis, In.
Elvis Presley on Holiday in Hawaii - March, 1977
Interview with Joe Esposito
Friends Remember Elvis Presley
Friends Remember Elvis Presley - Part 2
Kathy Westmoreland Remembers (August 16, 1977)
Read more Anniversary Articles;
Why Elvis? By Paul Simpson
Elvis: 42 years on ... and the world turns ... ... By Mark Cunliffe
Elvis Presley | 30 Years On and Still The King By David Troedson
A personal Presley pilgrimage By Scott Jenkins
Elvis Presley Family History : 1669-1935
Gladys and Vernon Presley - Elvis Presley's Mother and Father
Jessie D. McDowell (J.D.) Presley - Elvis Presleys Grandfather
Elvis Presley's Graceland - 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard
For a more (very) detailed history of Elvis Presley see our pages; starting at Elvis Presley 1935-1953
© Copyright 2024 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au
https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/james-burton-remembers-elvis-presley.shtml
No part of any article on this site may be re-printed for public display without permission.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
