Two Kings.. Elvis and Michael Together at Last

With the death of Michael Jackson literally stopping the world for a matter of days it makes you reflect on the past. For us old enough to remember we went through something very similar over 30 years ago.

It was a hot August afternoon. I remember we had thunderstorms that morning and as the day marched on the humidity in Kansas City was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I was just a young intern at WHB which at the time was a premier rock station on the AM dial with 50 thousand watts behind it. I was getting ready to help the afternoon DJ for a live broadcast from downtown when I walked past the news room and heard the "press" wires going nuts. I knew something was up because they would only print for the updates for the day or severe weather. They were ringing like nothing I had ever seen. Being the nosey little broadcaster I was, I walked over and picked up the pile that had accumulated on the floor and the headline was surreal... "ELVIS PRESLEY.... AT BAPTIST HOSPITAL IN MEMPHIS.... REPORTS NOT BREATHING.... I called for the News Director and asked if he'd seen this. His comment was one of a seasoned broadcaster with intent to put me in my place! He pretty much blew me off but I pushed a little harder and told him.. "Something's wrong with Elvis".

That got his attention and he grabbed the paper trail from my hand and started scanning the words like a mad man and I'll never forget his words as long as I live.. "Jesus, the Elvis is dead".

About two-thirds down the page there it was. "ELVIS DEAD". Two words that stopped the world!

Looking back on that day and comparing it to the day Michael Jackson died you can't help but notice so much similarity between the two and the way the world came to a complete stop, shocked that our musical icons had left us to sing for the angels.

This got me thinking. I wonder what Joe Esposito thought of all this. For those of you who aren't familiar with the name Joe Eposito let me bring you up to speed. Basically Diamond Joe as he was called was Elivis' shadow from his early days in the Army until his death in 1976. They were the best of friends and it's been said and even proven by Pricilla Presley that Elvis trusted Diamond Joe more than anyone in his life and divulged his deepest darkest secrets.

I first met Joe during the 20^th anniversary of the King's death. We did a live broadcast from Graceland and I interviewed him on the air and every since then I'll call on him from time to time during the annual celebration of Elvis' life in August. His stories are incredible and he is real character!

I called Joe last week to talk about his feelings on the passing of Michael Jackson, what he thought Michael gave to the world and how Elvis and Michael were so much alike. If anyone in this world can help us look through the eyes of one King to another its Diamond Joe!

CD: Joe, the passing of Michael Jackson has to be a flashback to the toughest moment in your life.

JE: Oh Chuck! If you only knew! When i heard that Mr. Jackson had passed away I knew what his family was going to face because I went thought it with Elvis. It was hard to hear and I send my deepest condolences to the family of Michael Jackson and those precious little children

CD: What do you mean you faced it with Elvis?

JE: Well-I guess the press. We didn't even have time to get Elvis out of the gates before the press was giving reports. The ambulance crew was carrying him to the ambulance and Dr. Nick pulled up because he heard it on the radio. How, I'll never know but I knew I had to protect Lisa Maria because she was at Graceland and I didn't want Vernon and Pricilla to find out that way.

CD: Joe when you found him in the bathroom, did you know he was gone?

JE: The day just didn't feel right. Ginger was Elvis' girlfriend at the time and she called down asking who was at the house. We were getting ready for a tour because we had to be in Portland the next day and we were getting stuff packed and final arrangements and I was told to get upstairs quick because something was wrong. When I walked into the master bedroom and he wasn't there, I asked ginger what's wrong and she was pale white, crying and just pointed to the bathroom and he was face down in the carpet and I knew then he was gone because the side of his face was grayish.

CD: Wow... Compare Michael Jackson and Elvis.

JE: You know when you look back on the two of them and now all these reports of the drugs and the lifestyle Mr. Jackson lead it was almost as if Elvis handed him (michael) the torch. To think that one man could have filled his shoes (Elvis) was something never heard of until we saw Michael Jackson and he did, he did it just like Elvis and the world will never be the same.

CD: Joe, no one knew Elvis better then you, if the King were alive today what would he have thought of Michael Jackson?

JE: Elvis loved creativity. He hated to see performers play off others and would get so mad. Elvis was amazed at the way Michael and his brothers performed and would say every time that he saw them that Michael was going to be the biggest star in the world someday. When I reflect on those times it was like he knew Michael was the one who was going to fill his shoes. I just remember Elvis couldn't get over how that little boy danced (laughing) He would have been proud that he (Michael) broke the barriers once again and gave us something new and fresh.

CD: Did Elvis every have any contact with Michael during his early years?

JE: You know Chuck, that's something I just don't feel right talking about it. That's a memory that the Jackson family has and it just wouldn't be right for me to talk about it right now.

CD: I totally respect that Joe. Tell me what you think of another "Graceland" with Michael's "Neverland" .

JE: When I was told they were going to make Graceland open to the public I was so thrilled. So many people loved Elvis and for them to get a chance to walk in his footsteps gives them some closer and maybe even a little healing and we all know the world loved Mr. Jackson like the world loved Elvis so I ask myself why wouldn't you give them a place to mourn and get close with him. Like Elvis, I know for a fact Mr. Jackson loved his fans and I think it would benefit his family, those kids and the fans.

CD: Do you think the world will ever have anyone like those two ever again?

JE: Chuck I just don't see it. Today's music is so far out in left field that no one really has the staying power and connection with the fans like Elvis and Mr. Jackson had. I believe in my heart that when Elvis took his last breath a chapter was closed and when Mr. Jackson took his last breath the story was complete.

CD: They did so much for music didn't they?

JE: Elvis paved the road and Mr. Jackson took it to places Elvis only dreamed of or never had the chance to and God love him for that.

CD: Joe, it's been decades since we lost Elvis and he's bigger in death than life, do you see the same for Michael Jackson?

JE: Chuck, the only reason I think Elvis was bigger in death is because of how the world loved him and didn't want to let him go and Mr. Jackson is the same way. The world didn't want to lose him and just like Elvis it's the fans that keep them alive. No other entertainer in the history of music has captured generations like Elvis and Michael Jackson will do the same only bigger and better because it was his time at the thrown!

CD: Joe, again, it's been a huge pleaser and honor to talk to you. My final question for you, what do you think Michael and Elvis are doing today?

JE: (Laughing) Knowing Elvis he's eating something and humming and song trying to get Michael to show him that Moon thing! (Laughing)

When you look at the comments Diamond Joe made it really brings it all together for you. Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley both leave us before their time and both Kings of the game.

It's so sad that the two most admired people in the world had the same history and life but generations apart. It's as if God himself designed the plan. He gave us two people to love and adore and heal us with music and thought and when the time was near he gave us warnings. Warning s that the time for them with us was coming to an end but because we loved so much we didn't see it and just like that, they're gone!

We'll always have them! It's easier said than done. 30 plus years after the King people still line the streets of Elvis Presley Blvd. in mourning for the loss of Elvis and it will be the same for Michael Jackson.

England brags of the rich history of their kings. We now have bragging rights of our own. It was us that gave the world the two biggest kings to ever face the world!