Elvis My Inspiration

by Annmarie Swarts

 

The concert hall is filled to capacity. Almost touchable electricity permeates the air. The lights start to dim; the applause is deafening. Then the first powerful notes of Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) fills the air… "Why do they start an Elvis concert with this theme?" I ask myself.

The date is August 2000. The place is South Africa. The concert: The Elvis Las Vegas Extravaganza, a tribute performed by local talent. I'm 42 years old and sitting right in the middle of the 5th row. Until this day, I have never heard any Elvis music. I have grown up in a very conservative home. But I knew about the man.

I've had 3 chance meetings with Elvis before this evening: In August 1977 while on leave from a year of voluntary service in the SA Army, I read an article on Elvis in a very popular weekly magazine. I'm fascinated by the details. On a rainy honeymoon 5 years later my husband and I hit a video store and to my surprise

I find a video on Elvis. The other videos get preference, however, and I only get a glimpse of a man in a white jumpsuit. I'm intrigued by the response of the audience. A few years and 4 children later, I make the usual visit to the local video store and see a video on early Elvis on the shelves. I'm captivated by the picture on the cover. One day, maybe… but for now there are too many other movies to be watched.

Music has always been a big part of my life. I have a music ministry in church. Over the years I have attended many concerts. I love a beautiful voice. So I buy a ticket to this Elvis concert. And here I am, on my feet, clapping and dancing with the rest of the crowd. It is an unforgettable two hours. I even attend a second show.

Now the ultimate test: What did Elvis' voice really sound like? I buy my first Elvis CD and become an instant, diehard fan. That voice - it touches you deep inside where no one and nothing else ever will. I come across his live performances and develop the one, universal wish of every true second-generation fan: If only I could've experience the thrill of seeing Elvis live in concert … Now I know why they started that night with Also Sprach Zarathustra and his live concerts become my favourite Elvis music.

I discover his genius in the studio, on stage and on screen and become an avid collector. I discover the beauty of country music and the blues and my soul is enriched. I discover his delightful sense of humour and never take life so serious any more. I discover his pain and the loss of my youngest son become bearable.

I discover his gentle soul and I'm encouraged to look at people with an open mind, for I have never walked in their shoes. I discover the strengths and weaknesses of the man behind the image and I'm inspired. I discover his generous spirit and start the first Official EPFC of Africa.
Elvis Aron Presley deserves to be remembered with only the highest degree of respect for all he aspired to be and has achieved - on his own - in his short lifetime. His inspiration to millions of hearts and minds with his tireless effort of "making people happy" encourages us to go out there and make a positive difference in the lives of the people in our sphere of influence.

In Africa his legacy shall be carried far into the future to be a joy and an inspiration for generations to come. I've taken part of that responsibility on to my shoulders. And when, in the process, I get "tired and weary in the struggle of it all", I just go back to the music and find Elvis - my Inspiration.