I was really happy to come across this article by Peter Guralnick in the New York Times the other day because I love Elvis Presley. It’s bummed me out for years hearing the unsubstantiated “Elvis was a racist” rumor . This article clarified a lot of things for me and I definitely recommend the read.

I found some quotes on my own from Elvis’s contemporaries:

“Elvis was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn’t let Black music through. He opened the door for Black music.” – Little Richard.

“I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. Last time I saw Elvis alive was at Graceland. We sang ‘Old Blind Barnabus’ together, a gospel song. I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother.” – James Brown.

I’ve pulled together some clips of Elvis and his Attraction in honor of the 30^th anniversary of his passing yesterday.