Musicians remember Elvis' talent, character
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In this Jan 22, 1969 photo provided by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis Presley, centre, poses for a photo at American Sound Studio with The Memphis Boys, an acclaimed studio band that worked with Elvis on two albums in 1969, in Memphis, Tenn. Bobby Wood, left, is playing in a concert in Memphis on Aug 16, 2012 the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ death in Memphis. Thousands of Elvis fans are expected to visit Graceland during Elvis Week, an annual celebration of the life of the late rock and roll icon. -- PHOTO: AP
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) - Elvis Presley left behind hit songs, epic performances, some so-so movies and an image as a handsome, rebellious, talented and sometimes-troubled artist that remains indelibly marked in America's pop culture psyche 35 years after his death.
Presley also left behind memories held closely and deeply by the songwriters and musicians who not only helped him work his magic in the studio and onstage, but also worked hard to keep his music alive today.
Many described him as intelligent, humble and generous.
DJ Fontana, Elvis' longtime drummer, met Presley during the popular Louisiana Hayride shows in the early 1950s.
