This month marks 40-years since Elvis Presley passed away. Megan Aldous takes a look at your memories of The King.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sally and John Nice share their memories. Picture: JOHN NICESally and John Nice share their memories. Picture: JOHN NICE (Image: Archant)

Elvis dying was one of my first memories, writes John Nice from One Sixth form Centre.

“I was too young to see Elvis in his pomp unfortunately (I was born in 1973), but I’ve always admired him. He seems to transcend this life.

“He used to wear a ring that was inscribed with the letters TCB – taking care of business.

“He certainly ‘took care of business’ – if only he took care of himself a bit more.

“There is an album called That’s the Way it is (Live) and I listen to songs from this almost every month.

“I particularly like a song called Walk a Mile in My Shoes and version of Little Sister / Get Back.

“Both songs epitomise the word cool in my opinion. Even now they sound so fresh and alive. Elvis dying is one of my first memories.

“I remember sitting in the lounge of my old house in Bury St Edmunds.

“I remember watching the television and news of his passing was on. My mum was really upset and she was crying.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elvis Presley as he presents sergeant's stripes during his career as a soldier in the US Army. Picture: EPAElvis Presley as he presents sergeant's stripes during his career as a soldier in the US Army. Picture: EPA (Image: Archant)

“She was a huge fan of Elvis. She recently celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary.

“Naturally, Elvis was played a few times. Sometimes life conspires with you to make brilliant moments happen. Film occasionally does it as well.

“There is a bit in the film Dunkirk where an interpretation of Edward Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ kicks in, the boats start arriving from across the channel and tears “begin to well in the eyes of Kenneth Branagh’s character, as he realises he might get out of the situation alive.

“Everything came together in one epic and dramatic cinematic moment.

“Musically, Elvis on his day brought all of the elements together to create something magnificent that is hard to define. He is beyond iconic.”

Quaffed black hair, white leather suit, tassles that swung like crazy, writes Louise Wicks from Easton and Otley College.

“I remember his quaffed black hair and white leather suit with tassles that swung like crazy when he performed on the stage.

“I also remember the films he was in like Viva Las Vegas and GI Blues – I loved watching them.

East Anglian Daily Times: Louise Wicks shares her thoughts about The King. Picture: LOUISE WICKSLouise Wicks shares her thoughts about The King. Picture: LOUISE WICKS (Image: Archant)

“When he died I was camping with my friend and they kept playing Elvis on the radio we both thought it was his birthday until they eventually mentioned “that he had passed away.

“Elvis was a great entertainer and I was captivated by his performances. His energy on stage was inspiring and energising.

“But he also had a deeply calming voice on his slower tracks which had the ability to take all your cares away.”

I didn’t meet Elvis but I met Priscilla, writes Sally Nice from Saxon Monumental Craft.

“My favourite memories of Elvis are from when I was at school. We had two groups of people – Elvis fans and Cliff Richard fans.

“The Elvis fans outnumbered the Cliff fans. Some of my friends were completely obsessed.

“Writing to him and carrying on like that. When he came to Great Britain, my friend was convinced that she would meet him.

“I just enjoyed his music and I liked going to watch his films with my father.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elvis Presley, in January 1973, performing live in Honolulu, Hawaii. Picture: APElvis Presley, in January 1973, performing live in Honolulu, Hawaii. Picture: AP

“Personally I liked the ballads and I’ve never fallen out of love with him. He had the whole package.

“I felt really sad that he had died with so much talent in such a sad way. I think he was used by people – like most of the big stars.

“It’s not easy is it? I still love listening to his music and I was really pleased to meet Priscilla.

“I was walking towards Central Park with my daughter in New York and we saw a big queue. Being British, we were naturally intrigued by the queue so we “asked what people were doing.

“We were told that Priscilla Presley was doing a book signing so we joined the queue. She was charming.

“She asked us where we were from and she had time for you. I wasn’t jealous of her – I could see her appeal. She was very attractive. If I could meet Elvis “I guess I’d be tongue tied. I think I would ask him to sing for me – that would be nice.”

Elvis is not dead, writes Jane Peers, a sale advisor.

“Elvis is not dead to me as far as I’m concerned. He was just wonderful. I used to like Blue Suede Shoes.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jane Peers shares her Elvis memories. Picture: JANE PEERSJane Peers shares her Elvis memories. Picture: JANE PEERS (Image: Archant)

“I’ve always wanted to go to Graceland. My friend is actually going this week.

“I’m a fan of his music. It was so tragic when he died. He was just fantastic and he had so much charisma.

“If I could meet him I’d say it’s a great pity that he couldn’t cope with his success more. But his legacy lives on.”

I have an Elvis tattoo on my leg, writes Sophie Davies, a mental health nurse.

“Ultimately I don’t have any memories of Elvis when he was alive as he passed away 13 years before I was born.

“I do have lots of memories of growing up and listening to his music though.

“I remember feeling happiness when I heard his songs. I still get the same feeling now when I hear his music.

“I also remember being teased at school because whilst other girls had picture of boy bands on their bedroom walls, mine were filled with pictures of Elvis.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sophie Davies has an Elvis tattoo. Picture: SOPHIE DAVIESSophie Davies has an Elvis tattoo. Picture: SOPHIE DAVIES (Image: Archant)

“Elvis meant a lot to me and I have a tattoo of him on my leg. His music has got me through some tough times.

“If I feel sad and listen to his music it always cheers me up. I can really relate to some of the lyrics even though the songs are over 40 years old.”

I have visited Graceland three times, writes Paul Evans, a Civil Servant.

“I’m 42 this year so was only 2 when he died.

“I became a fan in 1987, the tenth anniversary of his death and the BBC were showing the concert documentary “Elvis on Tour” from 1972.

“I suddenly heard which to this day is still the greatest performance if Bridge Over Troubled Water, he sang the hell out of it with such passion, power and soul, I was hooked and still am 30 years later.

“I count myself very lucky as I have visited Graceland three times.

“For me there is no question he is the greatest live vocalist and performer of all time, he could sing anything from Rock, Blues, Country, Folk, Opera, Ballads, Gospel even Hawaiian.

East Anglian Daily Times: Janet Gregory's Elvis record. Picture: JANET GREGORYJanet Gregory's Elvis record. Picture: JANET GREGORY (Image: Archant)

“Simply he was the king!”

I wish I could have seen him live, writes Ben Lord, a business man.

“As I’m only 30, I wasn’t around in August 1977 however the music of the king has shaped my entire musical repertoire.

“You cannot beat the music of the 60’s and 70’s and Elvis left an indelible, eternal mark on that genre of music.

“I only wish I could’ve seen him live! There will only ever be one Elvis Presley and by crikey will his music legacy live on for generations to come!”

Long live the King, writes Rebecca Jasper, a mental health first aider.

“From aged 4 in 1976 I had a massive Elvis poster in my bedroom and have been a fan ever since.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sally Ann Watkins Elvis tattoo. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINSSally Ann Watkins Elvis tattoo. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINS (Image: Archant)

“I was 5 when he died so not sure I knew it was the end, however, he’s been a big part of my life through his music.

“He just had such charisma which mesmerised! I do feel I’ve missed out never having the chance to see him perform live, long live the King.”

I can’t believe it has been 40 years, writes Jane Aldous, a sales assistant.

“I remember it was 1977 Summer I was 7 everyone was crying and saying Elvis is dead, as I was so young I didn’t really know what was going on.

“But I use to watch Elvis films in the school holidays they were on the TV so I knew who he was.

“I can’t believe it has been 40 years since he has died.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Laura Stiff a fan of Elvis. Picture: LAURA STIFFLaura Stiff a fan of Elvis. Picture: LAURA STIFF (Image: Archant)

I had an Elvis impersonator for my 18th birthday, writes Laura Stiff, a sales assistant.

My Grandad used to sing his songs and I’ve seen impersonators of Elvis. I even had one for my 18th birthday.

Our whole family loves Elvis. His songs are just so uplifting. When he died I wasn’t alive but my family remember what they were doing. It was just so unexpected. My favourite song of his is Burning Love. I just love the build up to it and it’s a great song to dance along to.

If he was still alive and I was able to meet him I’d ask him how he started. He went against the rules – he rebelled – so I’d ask him how he had the motivation to do that.

I have an Elvis tattoo on my foot, writes Sally Ann Watkins, a cleaner.

“I have been an Elvis fan since I was about 7, I am now 49.

“I have lots of memorabilia, including a life size cardboard cut out, Elvis wallpaper, clothing, books and an Elvis tattoo. I think I am his biggest fan!

“I admire him in all he achieved but mostly it’s a personal feeling, my nana and mum were big fans which is how I got into him, so it always gives me a warm and happy feeling as my nana passes away a long time ago.

East Anglian Daily Times: Janet Gregory's Elvis cups and saucers. Picture: JANET GREGORYJanet Gregory's Elvis cups and saucers. Picture: JANET GREGORY (Image: Archant)

“But it always takes me back to those happy childhood times, I just love him.”

I have created my own Elvis song from two Elvis interviews, writes Jacen Bruce, a musician.

“Elvis died on my 11th birthday and I was allowed to stay up late that night, we had the old black and white television on and there was a newsflash with the globe revolving (if you remember that).

“The news reader said Elvis Presley has died and then stopped to say wait a minute this is not confirmed.

“A few minutes later the newsflash came again and this time the sad, tragic news was confirmed.

“I was in a state of shock as Elvis was my hero and by far my favourite singer since I was just 5 years old when my parents gave me their vinyl from the 50s.

“Of course there was a huge amount of Elvis to discover and I’ve been a massive fan since.

“Don’t Be Cruel is not just my favourite Elvis song but my favourite track of all time.

East Anglian Daily Times: Some of Sally Ann Watkins Elvis merchandise. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINSSome of Sally Ann Watkins Elvis merchandise. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINS (Image: Archant)

“It’s my ring tone on my phone as Don’t Be Cruel is the only song that I can play over and over without getting bored of it.

“It was back in 1995 when I first went into a recording studio, I’d chosen a few tracks to cover and top of my list was Don’t Be Cruel, which was, and still is, my favourite song of all time.

“Even after so many years I still feel a buzz of anticipation when the bass-driven intro starts.

“The original recording is packed with great moments: from its pace and melody through to the superb musicianship, the less-is-more backing and, of course, Elvis’ incomparable vocal.

“For me, covering Don’t Be Cruel was about showing my appreciation of both Elvis and of a great piece of song-writing.

“If Elvis walked in the room right now - what would you say?

“First off I’d be speechless, meeting my hero, I’d probably just be a jittering mess and try not to talk nonsense.

“At the end of the day I’d probably say how does it feel to know that you’re music has changed the course of popular music and touched the lives of so many people all over the world?

“I’ve also written and recorded a song called I Can’t Stand Still which is taken from two Elvis 50s interviews where Elvis states why he can’t stand still. “I thought his words and sentiment made great lyrics for a song so I put them to music.

East Anglian Daily Times: Janet Gregory's Elvis puzzle. Picture: JANET GREGORYJanet Gregory's Elvis puzzle. Picture: JANET GREGORY (Image: Archant)

“I’d also ask Elvis what he thought of the song and if he would consider recording it as the words were his very own.”

He was an icon, writes Rob Castellani, a music lecturer.

“I was born in 87 so everything is retrospective looking back on his career.

“I grew up playing music around the house. I was a Beatles fan but inevitably you knew about Elvis and this impact he had.

“It was obvious he was a leading figure in the immergence and popularity of rock n roll.

“I liked his early era in the fifties and some of the TV specials he did. They show a snap shot of the best popular music of that time.

“As a musician learning about different styles you can go a lot deeper into the music.

“The very fact that his music is so popular decades after his death is a testament to how good he was.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sally Ann Watkins Elvis wallpaper. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINSSally Ann Watkins Elvis wallpaper. Picture: SALLY ANN WATKINS (Image: Archant)

“His passing was an important landmark and looking back at the footage of people going to Graceland to lay flowers – it was clearly an important moment in history.

“It is important figures like him that pushed the development of music throughout the generations –he was one of the first mass pop stars.

He was an icon.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Janet Gregory's Elvis key. Picture: JANET GREGORYJanet Gregory's Elvis key. Picture: JANET GREGORY (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Jacen BruceJacen Bruce (Image: Archant)