Mackey Hargett's story, The Roots of Elvis Presley is told through a series of presentations given by Mackey to tourists at Elvis' Birthplace in Tupelo. You can contact the Birthplace to learn more about these presentations. The Kin of Rock and Roll is happy to display the following photos taken by Peggy Hargett from August 2023-2024 at Elvis' birthplace convention center where Mackey has been invited by Executive Director, Roy Turner, to lecture on his fantastic book.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Barbara Lee created the Kin of Rock and Roll website in 2005 for two reasons. First, she had a story to tell about Elvis whom she came to know in a special way ever since first hearing that unmistakable voice over the phone, singing Are You Sincere. The second reason was to stand against the "Elvis is Alive" theorists, some of who were among Elvis' own family members who had helped contribute to the decades-old theory on the web and in public.
Mackey shares his memories of cousins Vernon and Elvis, and gives the most honest and thorough account of Rosella Elizabeth Presley's life.
The Presley family research began with HANK Z. JONES, former film star who went on to become one of the leading genealogists of our time.
Barbara Lee was kin to Elvis through several different lines, including through her 6th great-grandfather, Thomas Presley, whose brother, Andrew, was Elvis' 5th great-grandfather. Through their connection Elvis became like an older brother, a teacher, and to this day, Barbara Lee remembers how much she learned from a very loving, humble and wise cousin. Elvis had long expressed an interest in his roots, so Barbara Lee's further intention in creating the Kin of Rock and Roll website was to put together the family history as near to perfect as possible, dedicated to Elvis' memory. Unfortunately, the Presley family tree sold at Graceland is incorrect and never has been corrected despite Barbara Lee's attempts to inform those responsible for the errors. Thus, she takes it up herself, here, with the help of cousin Mackey Hargett and other kin, delving deep into the truth of the family history in a way that would have made Elvis proud. For Barbara Lee, knowing Elvis has inspired her life in many different ways. He was a highly spiritual soul with a gift for healing both spiritually and, at times, physically. There was almost nothing Elvis could not do, including becoming the master of his own destiny.
Following are some memories shared by kin of Elvis.
Kin of Elvis
Kin of Elvis
Kin of Elvis
Elvis Presley
There are many relatives of Elvis Presley living in places acrosss our great nation. There were the immediate kin and the distant kin, the latter of which Elvis took great pains to locate and get to know. Amazingly, he did succeed in several instances. Family was everything to Elvis. Even those distantly related were special to him. It genuinely amazed him that he could have so many kinfolk all across the country and not know them. There were also the strangers he'd meet who became like family to him. Below are a few memories shared by both kith and kin. Click on photos for access to the memories.
The late Richard Helms knew and lived by the Presleys in Mississippi. His Aunt Maude was Gladys' first cousin.
The late Allen Presley had a most unusual and amazing story about Elvis and the Presley kin in Virginia.
Wanda was not kin to Elvis, but knew him for 15 years. Elvis asked her to help him write his autobiography.
I knew Elvis, but have yet to tell my story. As soon as this connection is made, I will gladly tell what I know.
The sound. The voice. Elvis Presley's golden voice was a true gift from God. He had a range of six (6) octaves! Elvis could sing anything: Gospel, rock, ballads and classic Christmas tunes. Though all of his songs were masterful, popular and created endless sales, sadly, he would win only three (3) Grammys, each one for a Gospel song. Elvis was especially grateful because his all-time favorite songs to sing were Gospel songs. Elvis Presley, quite honestly, created rock and roll. He had his own style of singing inspired, in part, by the elder black songsters he would quartet with in Mississippi as a young boy.
Elvis Presley. His voice, his music...legendary.
We always appreciate hearing from family members and fans of Elvis and look forward to responding to your email as soon as able. As Elvis used to say: "Tell me." So, tell us, keep it nice, and have a blessed day!
Thank you for stopping by. Come see us again!
Elvis inspired countless lives in many different ways including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Clinton and Donald J. Trump. Clinton appeared as a youth outside the walls of Graceland, but the only President to enter the home, thus far, has been President Donald Trump, long an admirer of Elvis. Elvis would have been honored by Trump's visit for he was not political in that sense and respected any official who would stand strong to keep America free and safe.
You can see the Trump Tour of Graceland here...
