Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, after an incredible career that spanned decades. The death of the King of Rock and Roll sparked mourning worldwide, but it left his fans particularly devastated. One of his biggest fans decided to honour the star in the most fitting way possible: with a tribute album.
American musician Ronnie McDowell found himself extremely moved when Elvis died, so he wrote and released a heartfelt song that told of the King’s profound effect on his life.
Ronnie wrote the track The King Is Gone and released it in September, 1977 – just a month after Elvis died.
The emotional, biographical song delved into Ronnie’s history with the King.
It began: “I was barely six years old when I first heard him sing / But somehow I knew, from that moment on / That it would be a lifetime thing / And I’d stand in front of a mirror / Day and night / And I’d listen to every one of his records / And I’d repeat every word / And every note / til, somehow, I finally got it right.”
On October 22, 1977 – just two months after Elvis’ death – Ronnie’s tribute song reached number 13 in the US singles charts.
The immensely successful song also sparked demand for Ronnie to perform the tribute song live at “American Bandstand” (Via On This Day)
That is not the only connection Ronnie had with the King, however. Just a few years later, in 1981, Ronnie sang Elvis’ vocals in the TV series “Elvis” which retold the life story of the musical icon.
Just a few years prior to that, Ronnie released yet another tribute album that told of his love for the King.
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In the years since his first album, Ronnie achieved two number-one singles.
In June 1981 the singer released Older Women, which shot straight to the top of Billboard’s Country Singles Chart and remained there for ten weeks. It was his first number-one of all time.
Two years later, the star did it again. Ronnie released You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation in 1983 from his album Personally.
Once again, the song arrived on Billboard’s Country Singles Chart at number one and remained there for twelve weeks.
Tragically, Ronnie’s career would not have been so successful without the death of Elvis.
The King died in the early hours of the morning on August 16, 1977, at his home, Graceland. His daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, slept soundly next door while he doubled over in the bathroom.
His new fiancée, Ginger Alden, was none-the-wiser as she slept in another room close by.
When the news broke about Elvis’ death, tributes poured in. Tens of thousands of fans attended his funeral which was held just days later at the grounds of Graceland.