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This month marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.  He died a week before his scheduled concert at Rupp Arena in Lexington.  Click on the link below to listen to a commercial for the concert.  You'll also hear from broadcaster - Ernest Sparkman of Hazard who was a disc jockey on the radio in the 1950's, when Elvis first appeared on the scene.

For many people it is hard to believe that it has been 30 years since the death of rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley.  

Upon learning of Elvis's death, many Kentuckians flocked to Rupp Arena to turn in their tickets for a refund.  However the value of one of those tickets today is much higher than any refunds given in 1977.  Today, the Elvis Rupp Arena tickets could be worth from $200 to $500.

I loved the commercial.  Do more work on Elvis in the future.  Greg Beers, Ansoni, CT

The first time I heard Elvis and saw Elvis was when I was living on Maui a few years after I worked at WKIC.  I was sitting in my living room watching an old black and white television set and a popular variety show (Ed Sullivan) came on the air.  I was in my usual TV stupor when Sullivan introduced Elvis as the next act.  I gotta tell you, his performance was like nothing I'd ever seen before!  Between that "back bayou swamp rock" sound he had and then when he turned his hips loose I called my wife and told her to come and see this!  She watched him for about a minute and told me he would never be a hit!  Of course the rest is history.  I got to see Elvis in Las Vegas years later and the Beatles in Cincinnati in the mid '60's.  When I killed the only All Elvis radio station in Cincinnati, it was with mixed emotions.  (But the Elvis format was not bringing in the dollars).  Rod Williams, Former WKIC & WSGS Announcer

Elvis would have drawn the second biggest crowd in Rupp Arena history second only to the Kentucky Wildcats basketball games.  Cory E. Walton, Booneville, KY

My dad was a disc jockey in the 70's and we were visiting relatives in Memphis the day Elvis died. My dad called in a live remote to his station in Pensacola and the whole town heard it from him first. I grew up listening to his music and visiting his hometown every year. What wonderful memories I'll always have!  Carol Milstid, Pensacola, FL

Elvis was and is the King of Rock and Roll.  I love what you have done here. John Taylor, Hazard, KY

I was too young to really remember him, but I do.  But my mom has always said that "Elvis was Tony's first love."  I just think that we lost him to soon.  Rest in Peace Elvis, "your way."  Love and Prayers, Tony Noble, Hazard, KY

I visited Graceland a few years back after the death of Elvis. Although just a casual fan I was struck by the sadness of loss that Elvis' death represented.  As a Christian I truly believe that there was and is a resounding message in his death.  In short, no matter how good looking you are, no matter how famous you are, no matter how rich you are, no matter how talented you are, these things cannot buy happiness, nor long life, nor salvation.  If worldly things can make you happy, Elvis should have lived in sheer bliss.  On the contrary, he was miserable, he took drugs to get up, he took drugs to function while awake, he took drugs to sleep.  Although lavished with all that this world can afford this could not sustain him.  The saddest thing to me was his failure to use his God given blessings for God's work. There is no doubt in my mind that Elvis was called of God. Take into account of all of E lvis' songs, of all of his movies, the only thing he ever won a grammy award for was his "Gospel" music. This was his true calling, this was what would have given him true happiness.  However he was drowned in a sea of worldly distractions.  And in truth this is all the the devil ever has to offer us, is a distraction from what is really important, a delusion from the truth of the matter.  And ultimately the loss is so much more than just our earthly possessions and/or even our earthly lives, but it is our eternal lives that if lost is of the greatest tragedy.  Gayla Suffridge, Hazard, KY

I just came upon this Elvis site  I love ELVIS!*  Marissa Chavez in New Mexico

I saw Elvis driving a jeep and picking up his dry cleaning in Germany in 1959.  He was a regular GI Joe.  Bill Napier, Independence, KY 

Elvis was the greatest singer to ever step up to the Mic. Never be another Elvis.  Keeping Elvis #1.  Ronnie Pierce, Chattanooga, TN

  I have some of the original 1950's record albums that I bought new when I was a little girl.  Angela Mandella, Billings, Montana

I have two of the Elvis Rupp Arena tickets.  Cap in Paintsville, KY

I'm only 10 years old but I heard just a few of his songs and fell in love with his music. My favorite song is Blue Suede Shoes.  Doralee in Kentucky.

I absolutely love Elvis.  I am in my '30's and have been a huge fan for a long time.  Thank you for the commentary on the radio broadcast.  I can not wait to let my children hear the broadcast as well  Thank you again and have great day." Eddie in Cumberland, KY

Elvis will always be one of my favorite signers of the 20th century.  I love him in country and gospel.  We lost a great singer and guy.  He has been sadly missed.  Such a talented man, to loose.  I was one of his greatest fans.  In my book, he cannot be replaced.  Emma Deaton Lentz, Middletown, Ohio

He was one of my favorite entertainers.  I love his gospel music with the Jordanaires.  I have several unused tickets from the Rupp Arena concert, just before he died.  I also enjoy Carroll Robertson with the Jordanaires.  Thanks.  J.R. Patterson, No. Chas, South Carolina

Was living in Memphis in 1977 and purchased two tickets for the Aug 28, 1977 show. Terry in Omaha, Ne

Love his music.  Maryann Henson, Cumming, GA

We want to hear from you.  Let us know if you listened to the audio clips on this page or share your memories of Elvis with us.  Submit your comments below.