nprmusic:

Today marks the 34th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Hear the full story — and the music — behind two of his biggest hits.

Released in 1956 as two sides of the same 45 RPM record, Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel” rose quickly to the top of the charts, signaling a revolution in popular music.

The tributes tossed at the foot of Elvis’ slab included flowers and teddy bears, but also a giant-sized Butterfinger bar, getting all bent and wrinkled in the Southern rainstorm that day. At first, I thought somebody should take it away. Then I decided it was perfect. He’s a big hunk of timeless candy made from sex, schmaltz, sass — indeed, Elvis has something for everyone.

— Music critic Milo Miles visits Graceland for the first time.

Wanda Jackson, on why she always traveled with her father to performances: “It was very important that my reputation stay intact. And I’m sure that was probably the main reason that he traveled with me. So I wasn’t able to ever go from city to city in the car with Elvis. You know, Dad had to drive me; I had to be in my car. And, you know, he didn’t allow me to sit on someone’s lap, and I couldn’t lay my head on someone’s shoulder if I was sleepy and they were riding with us, you know. And he was pretty strict in those things. But it did keep my reputation intact.”