Today is, of course, The King's birthday, may he RIP in Graceland, USA, eternal flame burning bright.
Back in 1970, Elvis had a sudden hunk'o'burning love for Tricky Dick Nixon -- he sent him this note (no joke: original in the US National Archives) that inspired a pistol-bearing White House liaison:
[Undated, December 1970]
Dear Mr. President:
First, I would like to introduce myself. I am Elvis Presley and admire you and have great respect for your office. I talked to Vice President Agnew in Palm Springs three weeks ago and expressed my concern for our country. The drug culture, the hippie elements, the SDS, Black Panthers, etc. do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it the establishment. I call it American and I love it. Sir, I can and will be of any service that I can to help the country out. I have no concerns or motives other than helping the country out. So I wish not to be given a title or an appointed position. I can and will do more good if I were made a Federal Agent at Large and I will help out by doing it my way through my communications with people of all ages. First and foremost, I am an entertainer, but all I need is the Federal credentials. I am on this plane with Senator George Murphy and we have been discussing the problems that our country is faced with.
Sir, I am staying at the Washington Hotel, Room: 505-506-507. I have two men who work with me by the name of Jerry Schilling and Sonny West. I am registered under the name of Jon Burrows. I will be here for as long as it takes to get the credentials of a Federal Agent. I have done an in-depth study of drug abuse and Communist brainwashing techniques and I am right in the middle of the whole thing where I can and will do the most good.
I am glad to help just so long as it is kept very private. You can have your staff or whomever call me anytime today, tonight, or tomorrow. I was nominated this coming year one of America’s Ten Most Outstanding Young Men. That will be in January 18 in my home town of Memphis, Tennessee. I am sending you the short autobiography about myself so you can better understand this approach. I would love to meet you just to say hello if you’re not too busy.
Respectfully,
Elvis Presley
P.S. I believe that you, Sir, were one of the Top Ten Outstanding Men of America Also.
I have a personal gift for you which I would like to present to you and you can accept it or I will keep it for you until you can take it.
[The meeting took place on December 21, 1970; also in attendance, taking notes -- and in the photos with President and King -- was Watergate co-conspirator and subsequent convict, Bud Krogh]
Happy birthday also to David Bowie! Must be hard to live in the shadow of The King, but he does have the distinct advantage of still being alive. He turned 61 today.
Rune: The Self.
5 comments:
For years, WXRT, the "prog-rock" station here in Chicago would have both of them as featured artists on their mutual birthday. It was a little surreal, particularly since it was the only time of the year that they'd play Elvis.
Elvis loved me.
Didn't know Bowie was born on the same day.
Awesome. The letter hints at some of the changes going on in Elvis' head by the 70's. You know the gift was a pistol, right? Understandably he was not able to present it in person. Yow.
I had no idea Bowie had the same birthday--I'll have to tell my eldest. She loves Bowie more than Elvis.
I'll have to check that out w/my old high school bud--now a US Gov't archivist. ;)
Bowie's 61??? What is this world coming to???
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