Elvis and Michael

The death of Michael Jackson is as shocking to his generation as John Lennon's was to the prior generation, and Elvis Presley was before that. One could even stretch that shock back to the disappearance of Glenn Miller in the 40s. It's interesting to see the similarities between Elvis and Michael:

Elvis Presley - "King of Rock 'n' Roll"

Michael Jackson - "King of Pop"

EP - Died at the age of 42. Drugs were a contributing factor.

MJ - Died at the age of 50. Drugs were possibly a contributing factor.

EP - Died at home.

MJ - Collapsed at home.

EP - Father of Lisa Marie Presley.

MJ - Husband of Lisa Marie Presley.

EP - White man who sounded like a black man.

MJ - Black man who looked like a white man.

EP - People prefer the image of the younger Elvis.

MJ - People prefer the image of the younger Michael.

EP - Had moves never before seen on TV.

MJ - Had moves never before seen on TV.

EP - Was backed up by the "Jordanaires".

MJ - Was backed up by the "Jacksons".

EP - Served in the military.

MJ - Dressed like he was in the military.

EP - Met the Beatles.

MJ - Bought the rights to the Beatles' music.

EP - Lived at Graceland.

MJ - Lived at Neverland.

Hard to ignore the seedier parts of his life, but the world has lost a consummate performer.