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    What Would Elvis Be Doing If He Were Alive Today?

    • Posted   by Spinner Contributors
    • Comments (103)
    Email This
    Elvis PresleyWhat if?

    Let's say Elvis Presley had lived to a ripe old age (or, if you're more conspiracy-minded, came out of his hiding place). In the following 10 scenarios, several contributors speculate
    -- some thoughtfully, some whimsically -- on exactly what the King would be up to in the present day.

    1. Elvis the Musical Trailblazer
    If Elvis hadn't died on Aug. 16, 1977, he would have eventually recorded a critically acclaimed album that showcased his complex psyche and soulful melancholy. Elvis would have delved deeper into his spiritual side and contributed a whole new genre to rock music -- Southern angelic fugue funk.

    2. Elvis the Weight-Loss Guru
    Elvis would have his own weight-loss program going today if he were still alive. After years of travel and bad eating habits, he would be taking a stance against obesity, especially in children. In his stand against obesity in America, Elvis would speak at schools across the United States about the negative health effects of being overweight. He would present facts that show how he could prevent the heart attack that could have taken his life and explain how eating healthier and exercising properly will prevent heart risks in kids their ages.

    3. Elvis the Fashion Icon
    Elvis Presley's controversial and uninhibited ways would have undoubtedly impacted the fashion world by 2010. He wasn't afraid to be different and, if he were alive today, the fashion industry would be inspired by his tendency to fuse together seemingly unmixable things. Think cowboy-punk or Parisian-goth, for example.

    4. Elvis the Protest Rocker
    'In the Ghetto' was a hit for Elvis in 1969. With the current state of the economy and the threat of terrorists, he would have recorded more political songs. 'In the Ghetto' was a career risk for Elvis that paid off. Similar risks would have pay off equally as well.

    5. Elvis the No. 1 Football Fan
    Had Elvis lived, he'd have brought the NFL to Memphis in the form of the Memphis Hillbilly Cats. The King's love of football is well-documented in numerous biographies penned by his Memphis Mafia entourage. Can there be any doubt he'd have lobbied the NFL Commissioner to bring a team to his beloved Graceland Stadium in Memphis?

    6. Elvis the Record Producer
    Elvis Presley would have naturally catapulted into a top-notch music producer. With more than 1 billion records sold, he understood music sales. Elvis' kind, humble personality was the perfect match with artists, musicians and engineers alike. His greatest asset in predicting winning tunes would have been his indisputable live performance success. Lisa Marie's music career would no doubt have ignited with her dad as her producer.

    7. Elvis the Philanthropist
    If Elvis were alive today, he would be involved with helping others. A little-known fact is that Elvis was very charitable; he just wasn't flashy about it, in contrast to other parts of his personality. He would be involved with charities that would relate to personal passions and faults. If alive, Elvis would be important to those serving in the military, battling addiction and combating poverty.

    8. Elvis the Industry Savior
    Although his live performances were legendary, the King of Rock & Roll made a fortune off record and, posthumously, off compact disc sales. If he were alive today, you can rest assured that he'd feel obliged to assist the struggling music industry in the throes of the Internet age. The former legend would undoubtedly carry a great amount of leverage in gaining fan support, as well.

    9. Elvis the 'Idol' Judge
    A pop culture phenomenon meets the King of Rock 'n' Roll! If Elvis were still alive today, he'd be a guest judge on the most influential TV show to impact today's pop culture scene -- 'American Idol.' Season after season, Elvis' work is covered by aspiring artists. By guest judging, Elvis could mentor singers and bring more authenticity to the show -- not to mention scold contestants butchering his songs!

    10. Elvis the '10 Comeback
    There is no one who can call into question the achievements of Elvis Presley. His music did more than move some feet and sell some records -- actually, it's nearly 1 billion records worldwide, according to some estimates -- it broke through racial barriers at the height of segregation and gave the US its first universally recognized icon of rock n' roll rebellion. While they may not like to admit it, every rabble-rouser who has captured the attention of the angst-riddled youth of their generation since owes Presley a debt. Now, on what would have been his 75th birthday, we take a moment to ponder what could have been had his life not been cut short.

    Like many artists of his generation, Elvis was facing an uphill battle in the industry he helped build. The times and tastes were changing as rapidly as the technology. Many artists of the vinyl era found it initially difficult to meet the extended album-length requirements brought about by the inception of cassettes and later CDs. And if the pressures of staying artistically relevant weren't enough for a veteran artist, the digital age has forced record labels who were shifting a million units a week less than a decade ago to their knees. Like Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond, Presley would need to find the right producer who could reintroduce him while still honoring his past.

    The obvious choice for this role would be Rick Rubin, who returned both Cash and Diamond to platinum glory after longstanding commercial slumps. The imagination runs wild with the possibilities of such a collaboration -- the weathered voice of a wise, but not weary, Elvis over Rubin's signature sparse and steady tracks. Perhaps a modern guitar hero manning the six string, or a contemporary crooner providing backup when the chorus kicks in. We can only dream.

    Contributors: Wendy Gould, Karen Barnes, Misti Rainwater-Lites, Colleen Larson, Candy Parker, Karen LoBello, Paul Ruth, Brian Young, Missy Jess and Michael Bilinski
    • Filed under: The Hit List
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    Reader Comments(1 of 6)

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    the bridgesat 1-08-2010

    I will always love Elvis and love that someone correctly assessed how Elvis would be in todays world. Thank you for that! He is the KING of Rock-n-Roll always!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHigh Ranked

    Charlie Parksat 4-15-2010

    You are so right. He was the most dynamic entertainer music has ever known. He could have been the best in any field of music he wanted to perform in. He is the only entertainer that could sing other people's songs and make them his own.I have been lucky enough to have played music with most of the people that worked with him on a steady basis. From them, you get the real stories. Like John Lennon said, "Before Elvis, there was nothing." I have worked with most of the best ETA's (Elvis Tribute Artists) in the business. All the good ones do their shows as a tribute to Elvis and his music. His music will live forever.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Debbieat 1-09-2010

    Elvis was a gift from heaven. He was one of a kind. No one before him or after him has affected music like he did. He was loved by all world wide. He might not have like the name King but he was the King of rock and roll and will always now and forever hold the title. I loved him as a little girl and I love him now as a grown woman. Long live the King. We love and miss you

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Wayneat 4-15-2010

    Earthly kings have no place in heaven.The ONLY way Elvis is in heaven is if while on earth,he had accepted Jesus,(the real king),and seved him here on earth

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    kathyat 4-15-2010

    He was saved. It is a known fact Elvis was a Christian!

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Janiceat 4-15-2010

    Perfectly stated. I mirror your sentiments Debbie!

    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    Joolsat 1-10-2010

    If Elvis was still alive I think he'd be trying to claw his way out of his coffin!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLow Ranked

    heidiat 4-14-2010

    that is so stupid he never had a wieght problem it was all the medication he was on it put the weight on him and even if it was from his eating habbits it herreditatry he carried alot of his mothers jeans cant you see the similarities some people just look like their parents and cant help the weight issues.... as for the recordeding a critically acclaimed album that showcased his complex psyche and soulful melancholy he already topped all the charts and couldnt have gotten any better than what he already was ..he was the soul leading icon for rockn roll and micheal jackson was only cared about because he died ,elvis was cared for before and after and always and didnt have incrimminating court issues in my mind he was the king nd always will be try and be realistic when you guys write about him and not so commecal unless your talking about wacko jacko...=)

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    susanaat 4-15-2010

    Heidi...get over your self...you want to talk down about Michael Jackson NEWS FLASH ELVIS too was a drug addict. he did COCAINE AND PILLS and GOD knows what else. He had a weight problem also by the food he ate. Both Elvis and Michael are equally icons. one is Rock and Roll the other Pop. okay so dont get your panties in a roar by trying to knock Michael from his title. Michael was a legend for 40 years in the music industry Elvis what 10-12 years no comparison. A white man can not break barriers YET a African American can! I am not an Elvis fan never have never will but i respect him and you need to do the same for Michael.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    NICKat 4-15-2010

    Note to Susana:
    Without Elvis there would be no Michael Jackson.
    There's a reason you stopped and read this article.
    There's a reason you took time out to read the comments all the way through and took the time to respond.

    What you don't seem to understand is you're a closet Elvis fan and are infatuated by him.

    It's OK Susana. We all still love you.

    Elvis is the King! And we all miss him.
    "If I can dream..."

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    Elsieat 4-15-2010

    I always have been an avid fan of Elvis. I am 63 years old, have his music, saw every film he ever made. I am also an avid fan of Michael Jackson. One is the King of Rock and Roll and the other is the King of Pop. Elvis had the most amazing voice and was ok at acting. Michael Jackson also had an amazing voice, but his talent in the entertainment business was at a much higher level. He was a great all around entertainer, singer, dancer, some good acting, wrote most every song he sang, was a business man and yes, one of the greatest humanitarians. Let's give the just due where it belongs. And both were very giving; they both started out with very little in life and when they made millions they both used it to help those less fortunate, Elvis to those down and out; Michael to really sick children and those poverty stricken. It wasn't the amount of money they gave that counted to them; it was the fact that they had it and what they used it for. They were both very caring people; one just had it over the other in entertainment and that was MJ and I love them both.

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    KATHYat 4-14-2010

    ELVIS WOULD STILL BE MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC!!!!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    knowat 4-14-2010

    Elvis Isn't coming out,he has a new life. you wouldn't know him even if you seen him.

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    sharonat 4-15-2010

    he could still be alive and be one of the impersonators we would never know as there are so many that look so much like him.....hmmmm i will have to look closer next time i see one

    vote downvote upReportNeutral

    startinover2009at 5-24-2010

    I agree with your way of thinking! If the man named Elvis Aron Presley were alive, he would be insecure to come out with his "style and sound of his music." I mean after all he is 75!! How many kid's of todays generation would "truely" buy his music? I feel not many! Instead it would be people like us that were fortunately born into the era of hearing and then loving his style!! God Bless you Elvis (or whatever your name is). Live in peace knowing your music will always be alive in our hearts of your era!

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    Ronny Ballardat 4-14-2010

    Elvis and I are the same age. He was my Idol and I loved his music more than anything. He sure made a better life for all the kids in the 50's & 60's. My wife bought every record that he made.
    Thanks Elvis for everything.

    Reply
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    lydiaat 4-15-2010

    Elvis lives! His music, to this day is inspiring!I love Elvis and I always will!

    Reply
    vote downvote upReportLowest Ranked

    SkyBlueat 4-15-2010

    If Elvis were still alive, he'd be porking out on every bit of food and medication he could stuff into his fat face.

    Elvis was a second rate singer and a third rate actor. He's dead. Get over it already.

    Reply
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    Gigiat 4-15-2010

    Idiot!

    vote downvote upReportHighest Ranked

    sharonat 4-15-2010

    ya know just cause YOU didnt like or dont like him doesnt mean there arent others that do you probably eat more and take more drugs than he ever did when he was alive so YOU get over it

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