Flashing Lights

August 25, 2010

Flashing Lights

When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I decided to mess around with my father's record player. It was one of those huge 1960's AM/FM Stereo Radio/ Record players that had a top which opened and closed. When closed, it keenly disguised itself as another piece of living room furniture.

I managed to place the needle on the record (probably scratching it) and listened to Mr. Elvis Presley sing. He became my idol. I idolized him so much that I even dressed up as Elvis for my school's Halloween parade in the 4th grade.

I didn't care much for the 70's Elvis, I preferred the 50's Elvis. Really, I fell in love with the fifties. My idols expanded to include James Dean, a young Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, and when I saw the movie GREASE, T-Bird's Danny Zuco. I admired how cool they were and of course, how they were always surrounded by ladies. :D

I still remember the lyrics to my favorite Elvis song, Teddy Bear.

"I don't wanna be a tiger

Cause tigers play too rough

I don't wanna be a lion

Cause lions aint the kind

You love enough.

Just wanna be, your teddy bear

Put a chain around my neck

And lead me anywhere

Oh let me be

Your teddy bear."

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Hunt reminded me of how much I admired Elvis and I had fun dressing up as other well known stars.