Were his life not cut short at the age of 42, Elvis Presley would have become an octogenarian this year.

That’s difficult to imagine.

Like actor James Dean, who also died young, Presley will forever be young in the hearts and minds of his fans.

Mississippians can call the King of Rock ’n‘ Roll one of their own.

Born in Tupelo in 1935, the young boy from a meager upbringing literally changed the world.

His hip gyrations terrified parents from coast to coast, but his beautiful voice made young people flock to him.

Presley found success — and fame — in musical genres including pop, gospel and blues.

He made generations of women swoon at the thought of him. But today, nearly 40 years after his death, he’s largely forgotten by the last two generations of music lovers. Little do they know that without him, who knows whether pop music would be what it is today?

People who we now consider legends to the music world took cues — mostly musical and stage presence — from Presley.

From a historical standpoint, Presley is one in a long line of Mississippi legends famous for taking their God-given talents and sharing them with the world.

As his legions of fans celebrate what would have been his 80th birthday, we are thankful to be able to call The King one of our own.