By Doc Lawrence
ATLANTA-I saw him perform twice, both times just before he
took off like a Rocket 88. On one fine day before his show in Atlanta’s
Fabulous Fox Theatre, I actually met Elvis in the lobby of the regal Georgian
Terrace Hotel as he was talking to the most beautiful girl I ever saw. Very
approachable and friendly, Elvis asked me my name and introduced me to his
friend, Carole Joyner, who I later learned was part of the duo that composed a
mega-hit, “Young Love.”
When I heard his sing “Mystery Train,” and “Baby Let’s Play
House,” I proudly admit that I lost my innocence. Paul McCartney, John Lennon
and Bob Dylan pretty much said that Elvis had this same effect on them. I still believe that Elvis, Johnny Cash,
Carl Perkins, Hank Williams and Merle Haggard came in on a spaceship, did their
duty magnificently, and returned to their home in a faraway paradise.
My image of Elvis is frozen into those moments just before
fame and fortune: A supremely gifted young man blessed with Hollywood good
looks who, on stage, electrified an audience. It was totally unimportant that
some thought he was too sexy. I wanted him to be wilder and more uncontrolled.
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| Elvis at the Fabulous Fox |
Elvis was a music man. His early recordings on Sun Records
have, in my opinion, no genuine counterpart. The songs are real, rugged and raw
and oh, so Southern.
Along with millions of fans, I understood then and now the
power of rock and roll. For those baby days of unbridled joy, I feel a debt to
Elvis. He didn’t invent rock, but he sure brought in into my Atlanta home
before I could drive a car, join the army or vote.
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