The oldest record I own is an original 78’ pressing of Elvis Presley’s That’s all right and Blue moon of Kentucky on Sun Records. I felt the need to respond to this email as the story is quite amusing, heartfelt and begun an obsession with records and collecting. I have always loved music, and as a young primary-aged man, I would compete in the talent quests at school. I was obsessed with Elvis, his voice, the blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll, and his charisma. I collected all his music, joined the Elvis Presley fan club, dressed like him, and memorized the lyrics to all his music. I was asked to perform some Elvis covers at the local retirement home in Gerringong as a year 5 and 6 student. The old dears would stand, dance, cheer and sometimes boo and hurl abuse- you’ve got to love their honesty. I am currently 39, and when I was in my twenties, visiting my Grandmother, who had since moved into the retirement home, a sweet lady started chatting to me at the kiosk where my Grandmother volunteered. She asked whether I was the same boy who once performed for the oldies in the auditorium. Nervously I responded with ‘yes.’ Gwen, asked me to follow her to her unit on the second floor. We sat in her living room, and I was provided with a black and strong cup of coffee. Gwen proceeded to tell me that she promised herself that if she ever ran into me again, she would provide me with the record that her late husband bought her. Gwen went on to say that our visits really lifted her and her peer’s spirits. With many of the pensioners rarely getting visits from family members. I was elated, not because of the value or the great condition of the record (I did not know anything about vinyl records then); moreover, the fact that my corny moves and innocent voice had such an impact on this sweet lady and her friends. And our conversation had a great impact on me. I would often pop in to the retirement home to see my Grandmother and on most occaisions, I would also stop in for a cuppa with Gwen. The fact that we were able to reminisce and became friends up until her passing in 2012 was a blessing indeed. These days, I still collect vinyl and love everything from the delta blues to the spoken word and so much more. I have a very vast collection, with a particular love for Dylan, Waits, The Pogues, Zappa, Beefheart, and The Stones. I am still very much a fan of Elvis and regularly listen to the 68’ comeback special and many other albums I have in my collection (some very rare). I must add, though, that the album Gwen gifted me, funnily enough, released on my birthday 19th July 1954, has still not been listened to and stays safe between records in my Yardbirds, last rave in L.A. box set. Not only is it my oldest record, it is my most treasured. Thanks David Neale
