From the Fifties
We were broke man broke and
we left for Memphis overnight.
The gospel is really what we grew
up with more than anything else.
It's just a part of you, If you think
about it.
Man if i could ever get people to
talk about me the way they talk
about Liberace, I would really have
it made.
Those people (Eastern critics)
aint gonna change me none.
(at Gladys Presleys coffin) I lived
my whole life just for you oh God!
everything i have is gone.
(to Marion Keisker Sun Studios)
I dont sing like nobody I dont
sound like nobody
(Interview with Hy Gardner) I'd
like to have the ability of James
Dean but I'd never compare
myself to James Dean.
I dont feel like I'm doin' anything
wrong
Well sir you got to accept the
bad along with the good I know
that I'm doin the best I can.
I aint no saint but I've tried never
to do anything that would hurt my
family or offend God I figure all
any kid needs is hope and
feeling he or she belongs. If i could do
or say anything that would give
some kid that feeling. I would
believe i had contributed something
to the world.
I have not sold my soul to the devil
Its only music!
(To his manager) Sure Colonel
whatever you say's okay with me
(to the press) I thought it was
supposed to get easier but its gettin'
worse. I hate havin' to read what
people write about me I just
hate it.
(to reporters in Las Vegas) The
colored folks been singing and
playin' it just like I'm doing now
man, for more years than I know
nobody paid it no mind until I
goosed it up. I got it from them
I used to hear Arthur Crudup bang
his box the way i do now and I
said if i ever got to the place where
I could feel all old Arthur felt I'd
be a music man like nobody ever saw
My first love is spiritual music some of
the old colored spirituals from way back.
I know practically every religious
song that's ever been written.
(regarding the Army) All I want
is to be treated as a regular G.I I
want to do my duty and I'm mighty
proud to be givin the opportunity to
serve my country.
From The Sixties
The image is one thing and being
a human being is another Its very
hard to live up to an image put it
that way.
I've always liked challenges I
like to prove I'm better than I was
yesterday.
(to the press) You cant fool
yourself or the public for
very long.
(to the press) Ya gotta sell what
ya feel thats sucess man!
(in an interview) I know what
poverty is. Il lived it for a long time
I am not ashamed of my
background
Somebody once called me a
sissy cause I was polite theres
a man in manners.
Gossip is little talk for little minds.
(to Colonel Parker) I want to be
a good actor because you cant
build a whole career on just singing
(to the press) Rock and roll music
is basically gospel rhythm and blues
or it sprang from that
and people have been adding things
to it experimenting with it.
From The Seventies
(talking about Marion Keisker)
That woman was he one who had
faith she was the one who
pushed me Marion did it for me.
(to the press) I happened to come
along at a time in the music buisness
when there was no trend. I was lucky
The people were looking for something
different I came along just in time.
(when asked about being lonesome)
I am and I was.
It's more important to belive in
God than going to church.
If your head gets too big it'll break
your neck.
When I was a boy I was the hero
in comic books and movies. I grew
up believing in a dream. Now I've
lived it out Thats all a man can
ask for.
I'd rather be angry than bored.
(regarding the divorce) You can love
someone and be wrong for them
The only time I feel alive is when
I'm in front of a audience my
people.
Dreams tell us truths the we've
got to be smart enought interpret.
(Elvis wore a Christian cross a star
of David and a Hebrew chi)
I dont want to miss out on heaven
because of a technicality!
(regarding discrimination) If ya
hate another human being you're
hatin' a part of yourself.
I withdraw not from my fans
but from myself.
Life is more than just drawin' breath.
Love makes crowds disappear when
you're with someone.
(to a Vegas fan who handed him a crown)
I'm not a king God is king I'm
just a singer.
Animals dont hate and were
supposed to be better than them.
(on meat at dinner) I like it well
done I aint orderin a pet.
Long after I'm gone what I did
today will be heard by someone
I just want them to get the best of
of what I had.
© 1997 alfayez4@aol.com
This page hosted by 
Get your own Free Home Page