While going over the readings and learning of the near religious ways in which the Elvis fan community has regarded the icon (ie. the deep spiritual connections of those impersonating him, the idea of keeping him alive post-death, the memory of him as being one that was pious and loving, who was born to become a king and a savior), I couldn't help but draw connections between the king of rock and roll and the recently departed Michael Jackson, the king of pop. Michael is famous for having his own contingency of fanatic followers. There are a plethora of Michael Jackson impersonators abound, and a million people made pilgrimage to Neverland when he passed away.
When I did a quick search for Michael Jackson impersonators, a HUGE number of links came up. On one impersonator blog, the connection between Elvis and Michael were explicitly made:
"‘You either have rhythm or you don’t. And when you have it, you’ve got it all over.’ These words have been uttered by none other than the king of rock ‘n’ roll Elvis Presley. And although the king himself is no more, these words hold true today more than ever. They put into perspective the efforts of thousands of Michael Jackson Impersonators who are engaged in keeping his legacy alive in the form of the Michael Jackson tribute shows."
Their respective careers also have almost eerie similarities. Both had dark private lives, both exhibited somewhat un-mainstream physical transformations throughout their lengthy careers, both walked the line between black and white cultures, and both shocked the world with unexpected death (whose fans' strongly believe was not a fault of their own). Though Jackson's death was quite recent, his image has already transformed into something much more idealized, especially in this eyes of his truly devoted fans. How will his legacy pan out?
The Michael Jackson Impersonator Show
Million people expect to mourn Jackson at Neverland
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