40 years since Elvis left the building, our readers share their memories of how they found out about The King's death

Elvis Presley (Allstar/Cinetext/PARAMOUNT)

ELVIS PRESLEY was just 42 when he passed away on August 16, 1977.

A generation of fans still vividly remember where they were and what they were doing when they heard the heartbreaking announcement that the world had lost The King Of Rock And Roll.

Now, 40 years on, his influence remains undiminished.

Fans will flock to a candlelit vigil at the star’s Graceland home in Memphis to remember him.

Here, our readers share their memories of the original pop idol, and the moment they heard the news of his death.

“I’ll never forget the day my idol died – or the way I found out! Mum always woke me in the morning before she and Dad left for work.

“She often left a note on the sideboard saying to put the oven on at whatever time or with other instructions.

“I dragged myself from bed and went into the living room and had a look at her note. It said, “Put water heater on at dinner time. PS Elvis is dead.

“I put the radio on to find out more. I still can’t believe she was so flippant about my hero dying, she could have broken the news more gently. I’m still traumatised 40 years later!” Susan McMenemy, Didcot.

“I lived in Plymouth and ran to the nearest phone box to phone my sister in Scotland, who was a big fan. She was devastated and so emotional I had to hang up.

“But his music lives on. My favourite song is The Wonder Of You. It’s just so uplifting.” Carol Whitehead, Prestwich.

“We were on holiday and heard the news at a service station.

“The first person I thought of was one of my friends as I knew she would be in tears and heartbroken.

“Elvis will always live on as his music is loved all over the world.” Margaret Brown, Rutherglen.

“I was sad at the circumstances of his death and sad for his family.

“My favourite song is Can’t Help Falling In Love because my late husband used to sing it to me.” Margaret Gibb, Fife.

“I was stationed in Catterick, North Yorkshire and went into full mourning for a whole day.

“I was sad at the passing of this musical genius. I was also told I was being promoted to a higher rank that day, I remember.

“Elvis is still held in high esteem by his loyal fans. My favourite song is Are You Lonesome Tonight.” Ronald James, Angus.

“I was in the dining room, dusting when I heard. I was stunned.

“Elvis was the greatest. The ’60s were a great time for music.

“Maybe he was past his best but he was Elvis. No matter how he looked, or what he had become, he was the King.

“He took the music into a new era. Nothing can beat what he did.” Elizabeth O’Regan, Lincoln.

“I was at home, watching the evening news with my husband when I heard. I didn’t want to believe it.

“He was one of the few singers that both me and my father liked. I still have copies of his hits on old 45s as well as the reissued CDs.” Lorna Smith, North Yorkshire.

“I was on holiday in Wales. It was such a shock. The impact was as great as Kennedy’s assassination.

“He changed the style of music forever and will always be remembered for that.” Lorraine Anderson, Edinburgh.