Elvis Presley & His Fans.  Why is Elvis unforgettable? January 8 is the birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley, the “King of Rock & Roll.” He would have been 82 years old had he not died August 16, 1977 at the age of 42, and fans still fill Memphis hotels annually for an all-night vigil at his gravesite on that date. Curt Ellison will consider the musical traditions and major social forces important to Presley’s career, what he means to devoted fans, the religiosity of fan behavior at Graceland, and the importance of his love for gospel music.  Service leader: Celia Ellison.