Michael: Just Like Elvis?

Michael: Just Like Elvis?

Topic Author: Ralph Hipp

Posted: 11:39 PM Jun 25, 2009

Replies Posted: 12 comments

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Thursday was one of those very strange days in the newsroom that comes along once in a generation. When a controversial but iconic figure in the music world like Michael Jackson dies, it sets off a massive outpouring of sympathy.. and it certainly set off what was surely an unprecedented tidal wave of Internet and Twitter hits. Michael Jackson's death is now THE story of the new media age. But if you're at least 35 years old, I want to take you back to another eerily similar day.

That was the day Elvis died at his home in Memphis.

The circumstances of Elvis Presley's death are so similar it's almost like his death and Michael's were scripted in a parallel universe. Add to that, technically speaking, we are talking about the completely unexpected passing of his son-in-law. (Michael was 50.. Elvis was 42. And while we're on the subject, let's not forget John Lennon's murder in 1980.)

Toxicology reports will show us whether Michael died of an abuse of prescription drugs pumped into him by enablers who gave him all he wanted. Sound familiar? And if that turns out to be true, the Jackson's family attorney said he will raise holy hell about it.

Which death affects you the most? Are these almost identical stories? Which death had the most profound impact on the music world? Elvis and Michael fans, let me hear what's on your mind today. Ralph

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by cliff Location: england on Jul 11, 2009 at 09:03 AM

Im glad im not the only one to notice the similarities between the death of Elvis and Michael. Both went out in public disguised, both were to embark on massive tours as their finances were diminished, both die of heart attack with suspicion of overdose of prescription drugs. And if that were not enough, Elvis' daughter married Michael, even if it was only briefly.At the time it puzzled me as to what Lisa-Marie could possibly have in common with Michael. Could it be that neither are really dead, and that by removing themselves from public life forever, their money problems disappeared overnight and they could spiritualy re-invent themselves.Both were unhappy with the way they looked and would have been aware that their days as performers in their particular styles were numbered.I think it was obvious that Jackson was never going to pull off a 50 gig tour in London.Maybe Michael found out through Lisa-Marie about Elvis and wanted to fake his death in a similar style.

Thanks.. good stuff, Cliff! Michael's first concert in London would have been tonight.

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by Linda Location: topeka on Jul 7, 2009 at 09:05 AM

How can anyone compare Elvis with Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson may of had some good music but he was a pervert.

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by Grace Location: Emporia on Jun 30, 2009 at 03:06 PM

I cringed when I first heard the comparision. I swear I heard my father-in-law's head explode (he's a HUGE Elvis fan). While Jackson was influential, his career didn't span the decades like Elvis' did. Elvis has his own satellite radio channel, even. I rarely hear Jackson's music anymore but I hear Elvis songs all the time. Maybe it's the radio stations I listen to, but I don't think so. I was a kid when Thriller came out and he was the hottest thing going. But he seemed to fizzle in later years. All I can say is RIP to a troubled man.

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by Geordan Location: Topeka Kansas on Jun 29, 2009 at 12:15 PM

Elvis Is The King Of Rock N Roll Not Michael Jackson, I'm A Michael Jackson Fan But I'm A Elvis Fan To.

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by Jan Location: Manhattan/Quilter on Jun 29, 2009 at 08:17 AM

They both had their place in history. But I respected Elvis more than I did Michael Jackson. Michael was to over the top and just plain wacky.

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by Dan Location: KS on Jun 27, 2009 at 09:40 PM

Micheal Jackson and Elvis in the same sentence! Not even close, I really don't care for either ones music. Elvis to me was at least human and well in my way of thinking Micheal Jackson was not.

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by Corey Location: Topeka on Jun 27, 2009 at 01:47 AM

MJ's death will no doubt send the most waves throughout the music industry, No artist will EVER accomplish what he did. Easily the most recognized musician in the world as well. MJ can finally be at peace now. no more moochers, no more extortion from parents who were looking to make a quick buck. No more listening to the ridicule from the haters. MJ's death most likely will be tied to an overdose of Demerol. and I do hope that the family attorney does get names of those that contributed to this out in the open and make them pay for what they did.....RIP Michael, there will never be another one like you.

Thanks, Corey.. I have been astounded by Michael's talent as shown in the videos I've watched this weekend. Their music was groundbreaking, but Michael's got it all over Elvis on dancin' and the hip moves! rh

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by Anonymous on Jun 26, 2009 at 04:31 PM

I respected Elvis. While I know the times were different, his "hip gyrations" and sexual undertones were over the edge at the time, Elvis Presley did stay within certain boundaries. Both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson made major contributions to the music genre. Elvis introduced a style of "hammering" a guitar and a dance style that had never been seen before. Michael made equally signifigant contributions. I will remember Elvis as a major Rock Star, the King of Rock and Roll, a great singer, songwriter, and yes, a womanizer and a drug addict. I will remember Michael Jackson as the man who openly and publicly admitted that he saw no harm in sharing his bed with little boys. I will not judge him, that is not my place, but I will remember him, and that is what I will remember him for.

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by Lois Location: Topeka on Jun 26, 2009 at 09:57 AM

I was thinking last night upon hearing the sad news of Michael's death, he will be the King of pop forever, just as Elvis is for rock and roll. He had some very great musical years and nobody who saw or heard him can deny that!! It's so sad when these great people go down so young in life.

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by Alex Fenson Location: UK on Jun 26, 2009 at 03:50 AM

Here in the Uk we had torrential rain and floods on the night of Elvis' death and last night too, the night of Michael Jackson's death the same thing, torrential rain and floods... uncanny...

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by Beth Location: St. Louis on Jun 26, 2009 at 12:24 AM

As a 24 year old Elvis fan, I imagine this is very similar to what it must have felt like when Presley died. I can only imagine Lisa Marie must have been brought back to that day. Elvis did not have quite the "freak show" that Michael did, although the polypharmacy and general chaotic state of celebrity are in both stories. It's unfair to ask which has the most impact. Elvis influenced Jackson, Jackson influenced today's stars, why say one is better than the other--why say one is more impactful than the other? But I will say, I cried for both Elvis and Michael today.

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by Barb Location: TOPEKA on Jun 26, 2009 at 12:07 AM

I am definately a huge Elvis fan and felt this much more than Michael, I liked his album Thriller and of course watched him in his younger days but lost my respect for him with all of the publicity and plastic surgeries. I won't remember his death like I did Elvis , but I grew up with Elvis.

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