About the Kin of Rock and Roll...

The Kin of Rock and Roll is an Elvis tribute and Presley family history website, and was created with Elvis in mind in 2005, by Presley cousins who wanted to share memories and to remember this very special man who touched our lives in all different, but special, ways. Connect to Our Memories...here

Several family members, and friends, have contributed information in one way or another to make this venture a worthwhile project, and we hope family, friends, and fans alike, will enjoy what we have put together. We ask you to remember Elvis, to keep him in your hearts, but to let him be at peace and away from today's secular culture, respecting him for the love he gave to everyone the world over. He has climbed those golden stairs toward his reward after giving a lifetime of himself for us, and leaving a wonderful legacy to us. There is nothing more we should ask for other than respect for his name, and that his selfless achievements be long remembered. There are few entertainers with hearts as large as that of Elvis Presley.

Creating the Kin of Rock and Roll

Barbara Lee Rowe was kin to Elvis through several different lines, including through her 6th great-grandfather, Thomas Presley, whose brother, Andrew, was Elvis' 5th great-grandfather. These family lines will be noted on site and extend much closer to Elvis' line. Barbara Lee became very close with Elvis, from a distance, having spoken to him over the phone, at least, once a week. He became an older brother, a teacher, and to this day, Barbara Lee remembers how much she learned from a very loving, humble, and wise cousin. Elvis had always expressed an interest in his roots, and knew he had a collection of ancestral kinfolk across the map. Barbara Lee's intention in creating the Kin of Rock and Roll website was to put together the family history as near to perfect as possible. She and Elvis spoke often about the ancestral ties. The genealogy of the family first began with Barbara Lee's father, William, who knew well that he was part of the Presley family. Unfortunately, the Presley family tree sold at Graceland has been long incorrect and never addressed despite that Barbara Lee has made certain attempts to inform those responsible for the errors. Here, she takes it up, herself, delving deep into the truth of family history in a way that would have made Elvis proud.

Mackey

Mackey Hargett, first cousin once-removed to Elvis, was very close to Vernon Presley. Vernon and Mackey's mom, Lillian, were first cousins, and Mackey and Barbara Lee are also cousins through the Hargett/Helms line which they share with another cousin, Thomas Howard.

(at left, Mackey, great-grandson of Rosella Presley, and Patsy and Jedi, Rosella's granddaughters through her son, Walter.)

Mackey has his share of stories about Vernon, Elvis and Rosella Presley. The most honest account of Rosella Elizabeth Presley's life has come from her great-grandson, Mackey Hargett, bringing an end to the mystery and overriding all false accounts out there. Elvis had a great deal of respect for Mackey, loyal to Elvis. Thank you, Mackey, for all your selfless efforts on behalf of preserving Elvis' memory!

Remembering Elvis

The story of Elvis' life actually begins with a small boy, born into poverty, who had a dream. For the love of his Momma, that boy's dream became a goal, and that goal was eventually achieved when that small boy, from Tupelo, Mississippi, changed the music world forever, becoming the one and only "king of rock and roll." Elvis Presley would never see his family want, or struggle, ever again. Yet, while the dream was fast becoming reality, Elvis' elation in achieving his dream had soon diminished, for as his star was steadily on the rise, even during a temporary stint in the Army, he lost his beloved Momma. Barbara Lee remembers the void and unending sorrow that would haunt Elvis throughout his life, for he often talked about it. For the remainder of his life, despite his own pain and despairing, Elvis continued to "heal the world" with a voice that was truly a gift from God, and with a heart as big as life itself. A healer, humanitarian, and humble soul, Elvis Presley's legacy continues on in his music, and in the support of humanitarian causes designated by his estate. Elvis IS, truly, "the angel of music," and as Barbara Lee remembers him, "he was, truly, my special angel." "Angel" is a word quite befitting Elvis whom was inwardly spiritual with a gift of wisdom and a knowingness, that amazed friends and family alike. Elvis Presley's main satisfaction in life was the joy he felt in being able to help others. God Bless you, Evis. xo

Elvis Links

• Elvis and Christmas
• E Videos
• Elvis in the Army
• Elvis and USS Arizona
• Elvis and Entertainment
• Elvis and Charity
• The Green Scrapbook
• Tribute to Gladys
• Vernon's Birthplace
• E Documents