The date is July 19, 1954, and SUN releases the debut record of 19-year-old Elvis Presley. Produced by Sam Phillips, the single consists of “That’s All Right” backed with “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Elvis, who in childhood dreamed of being “the hero of the comic book,” begins his adventure.

The years come and go. Elvis achieves many of his dreams, including becoming a musical hero throughout the world. Like everyone, he also loses other dreams along the way.

The date is July 19, 1977, and RCA releases Moody Blue, an album that proves to be the final Elvis record before his death exactly four weeks later at the age of 42. An unprecedented level of fame helped Elvis place himself on a path that brought his journey to a tragic end.

Only 23 years, a mere blink of history’s eye, separate the release of the last Elvis record from the first.

More time passes. Other heroes come and go, yet Elvis somehow remains. As some fans fade away, others take their place.

The date is now July 19, 2017, but those 23 years continue to resonate.

Journey with Pastimescapes today to the beginning and the end with two editions of Vinyl Elvis:

• That’s All Right/Blue Moon of Kentucky (1954)
• Moody Blue (1977)