Elvis & the Coal Miner's Daughter

Dan Goble, Owner of the Strand Theater in Prestonsburg, Ky. He traveled around with megaphones on his car, keeping the coal camp of David and other rural areas updated on music and movies.




Today, I started thinking of Elvis and why I am still such a fan. I decided to re-release this little piece I wrote a few years ago. Imagine 1956, rock 'n roll is just beginning to arrive on the scene.I lived up a hollow in the coal camp of David, Kentucky and our only access to new music was radio--WDOC and WPRT in Prestonsburg, Ky. Both stations had disc jockeys who use words like, "bop, bop, a loo bop" and "away we gooooo". Recorded music moved slowly in those days, so, when we could tune it in, WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana was always first with the new tunes. There was also Randy and Ernie's--I've forgotten where they were based. We had heard of Elvis and actually had a hi-fi and owned two 45s,"That's when your heartaches begin" and "Love me Tender". I would swoon and lie down on our fuzzy red couch and just cry. I couldn't stand up during those songs, I got so weak.

One day, we heard Elvis singing outside. Everyone in the hollow ran out and there came a car with loudspeakers on top blaring "Blue Suede Shoes". It was one of the most exciting days of my life. It was Dan Goble, owner of the Strand Theatre in P-burg, advertising the new Elvis movie. As I remember, my friends and I just stood there and cried with joy. My mother, Nova, said Elvis was a good boy. He respected his mother and his moves were sexy, not sinful. So I have given my self lifetime permission to adore The King. There was a time in my life when I was "forced" to give up everything Elvis. I couldn't even watch his movies or TV specials. I felt guilty when he died that I had not stayed loyal.

Forty years ago my son, Tom, bought me a priceless collection of  Elvis 45s. I have given it to Dawson, my rock star grandson. In turn, Dawson gave me an Elvis book for Christmas. Now, in my little loft apartment, I have a large photo of Elvis in his gold lame suit. It hangs in a place of honor in  alongside my "serious" art collection--my Ruth Bernhards, my Amado Pena, my Picasso etchings, Tibetan art--and my priceless pieces by East Kentuckian artists--Tom Whitaker, Tim Sizemore, Ann Meade, Peggy Wells, Mike Keesee--and originals from Lexington friends , Elsie Harris & Chris Eaton. I love them all!

Do any of you have a velvet Elvis? I regret not buying one when they came out-I thought they were tacky--now, I'd love to own a Velvet Elvis.

To the King!
RIP Dear Elvis