The Last Farewell, With Love, for Our Cousin Elvis...

The legend of Elvis Presley did not die with the untimely death of the King of Rock and Roll on that most somber day in August, 1977. Elvis continues to live on today; his memory and legacy have not dimmed with time, flourishing yet through the efforts of his estate and their affiliates, and his unique style of music, allowing new generations to come to know the humble man who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, one frosty, cold morn. The name of Elvis Presley, with a voice that was truly a gift from God, changed the history of music forever.

Yet, there is another story to Elvis Presley, one that is hardly ever spoken of, perhaps, with the exception of his immediate family. The kin of rock and roll also comprises many unknown family members, the countless cousins Elvis had in many different states, some of who had shared in Elvis' life in different ways though unknown to the immediate family. Some of the lesser known cousins did visit Graceland from time to time, and others did not. There has always been controversy among the known kin and fans over Elvis' true relations with unknown kin, and over people pretending to be Elvis. The Kin of Rock and Roll has set up a Commentaries page for the purpose of responding to false allegations and/or personal affronts, or just to comment on the goings-on in the Elvis World.

The Kin of Rock and Roll website has been a special tribute to Elvis for decades. With a wide range and variety of topics related to "E," the site has compiled a good deal of unusual information related to Elvis, and has now added to this the telling of personal stories by some of the cousins who knew Elvis well; acknowledging the relationships they shared, and how their lives had changed since having known him.

The Kin of Rock and Roll pays tribute to Lisa Marie Presley. To visit, click on the roses.
Quite some time ago, one of the lesser known "kin of rock and roll," Barbara Lee, created the Kin of Rock and Roll website in tribute to her cousin Elvis who was, to her, a special soul, her "special angel," and whose tender memory will remain, always, very dear to her heart. Not all family members knew of one another for Elvis liked to compartmentalize some of the issues in his life. He preferred to keep certain family members and friends to himself, away from the fray of publicity and from the immediate activity and situations at Graceland. Those who knew him from a distance were just as close to him as those who stood beside him. The treasured memories of these personal journeys will be remembered here and shared with other family members who have had their own experiences with the true King of Rock and Roll whom, to some of us, was, simply, "cuz."

For decades, many have tried to "be" Elvis, and while they may have come close, there is always that obvious difference in voice, simply because Elvis Presley had a unique style that can never, nor will ever, be duplicated. His laughter, his spoken words, his blessed voice, were his alone. For those of you who still believe that Elvis is alive, sadly, he is not. If you want to experience the "real deal," you must follow the dream and take part in the legend of the one and only, Elvis Presley. God Bless all.

Back to top