Elvis Presley’s legacy lives on with budding WLAF broadcaster

The King would have been 91 years old today

By Matthew Moore

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Today, Thursday, January 8th, 2026, would have been Elvis Presley’s 91st birthday. Elvis’s music has touched generations, including my Nana, Ms. Effie, which in turn has made me a big fan, even though I’m in my early 20s.

Many of you reading this may have had the opportunity to meet Elvis, and I encourage you to share your memory with us by leaving a comment at the bottom of this story. The closest I’ve come to meeting Elvis was while being rung up by someone who seemed to be a former Elvis impersonator at a clothing store in Pigeon Forge. He said, “Thank you. Thank you very much,” as I was leaving.

Elvis started out with some hits in the 1950s, such as the double A-side Hound Dog and Don’t Be Cruel. Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes and Love Me Tender were some top contenders in Elvis’s early rock and roll era. In the 1960s, Elvis delved into the pop world with Can’t Help Falling in Love and It’s Now or Never. One of my personal favorites is Return to Sender.

My favorite musical era of his was the comeback years with Suspicious Minds, which is often regarded as one of his best songs, and it was his final #1 hit. I also enjoy In the Ghetto, Always on My Mind and If I Can Dream.

Elvis always tried to keep his music true to his roots, and I believe that is one of the reasons he has remained popular. For Elvis, Gospel was not just a business move, but it was like his sanctuary. Whenever the pressure of being a global icon weighed too heavy, he went back to the music he learned in church.

You can still hear Elvis nowadays on WLAF AM & FM, featuring his gospel hits like Peace in the Valley, Where Could I Go But To The Lord and Run On. Each and every Saturday and Sunday, following the obituary report, WLAF’s Jim Bunch features How Great Thou Art dedicated to various individuals, most especially his mother.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan like my Nana, Ms. Effie, or just now discovering his music, there’s no denying the King’s impact. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 1/8/2026 – 6AM-IMAGES COURTESY OF ELVISINFONET.COM & FREECLASSICIMAGES.COM)