The death of Elvis and the birth of nostalgia.

This week was the 40th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. An event that kicked off a vogue for nostalgia that has never gone away. In 1977, the original 50s teenagers were in their mid-thirties and ready to re-live their youth. The death of their idol created a full rock’n’roll revival. In 1977 far more teenagers were teds than punks and Elvis Presley’s 40 Greatest Hits was No.1 in the UK album charts. Other No.1 albums from 1977 included compilations from Cliff Richard, Connie Francis, The Shadows and Diana Ross & The Supremes. This in turn created a huge demand for original singles from 50s and 60s artists. Just before Elvis died, I’d bought this for 25p at a school fete – on the original 1957 maroon HMV label. After his death, its value rocketed to £50. Can you imagine what it’s worth now? I’ve just seen an identical copy on eBay. For a tenner.