Elvis Presley plays electric guitar for fans during taping of 1968’s ELVIS special (NBC)

Greetings Elvis fans & other travelers,

Welcome to The Mystery Train Blog. Please find your seats quickly and secure all loose articles.

When I parked The Mystery Train Blog six years ago and walked away, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever return. While I remained a fan of Elvis Presley, I was burned out on writing about him. Other things affected me as well.

Since then, just about every facet of my life has changed. Most notably I accepted Jesus Christ, and life began again for me. In many ways, I became a new creation. I had heard such stories, but never really believed them.

One of the few constants through the ongoing changes has been Elvis headlining the soundtrack of my life. I have discovered a lot of new (to me) music to love by other artists, but Elvis remains in that grand mix, continuing to lead the pack with his incredible gift.

After much prayer, I was recently led to write more and fire up The Mystery Train Blog again. The primary focus will be on Elvis as an entertainer, meaning his music (including television appearances) and his movies. I will offer my thoughts and opinions on related topics, old and new, often with a personal perspective. It will be interesting to see how my new outlook on life affects my views. As before, I’ll definitely be looking for you to chime in as well. While there’ll be an occasional bonus post, my goal is to maintain a weekly cadence this time around.

I have been an Elvis fan for as long as I can remember. I am a second generation fan, and Elvis passed away before I could experience him live in concert. His death when I was 2-years-old is actually one of my earliest memories.

I can find something to enjoy in most aspects of his career, though my favorite span is 1966-1970 if pinned down. There is no doubt that his influential peak was 1954-1958, and those years represent some of his finest work as well. I play almost all of it, though, and I love much of it. There is a stretch from 1964 to 1965 that I find tough to slog through. I also tend to avoid his 1976 concerts. Though I will call things as I see them, I generally prefer to bring a positive approach, as there is certainly enough negativity already in this world.

Speaking of the world, it has almost completely changed as well since The Mystery Train Blog last came ’round the bend. The most stunning of those changes have occurred this year, with the COVID-19 crisis that continues to disrupt everything and everyone. When will we return to normal, and what will “normal” look like once we get there?

Dramatic social movements are also underway here in the United States. Will the current generation finally be the ones to solve the systemic problems that have plagued this nation since its very inception?

Friends, I pray for your health and well-being during this time and going forward. May we all be the change that is needed.

All aboard! This train is leaving the railway station once more. Please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. Hold on tight, and enjoy your ride.

Your conductor,
TY

“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
from 2 Corinthians 5:17