Owen Wilson Attempts Suicide At His California Home; Actor Is Now Hospitalized In Stable Condition

911 call logs released today confirm that actor Owen Wilson tried to commit suicide at his home. Wilson was found by a shocked relative on Sunday afternoon at his home in California with both his wrists cut and bloodied and overdosed on pills. He is now at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center recovering and in "stable" condition. The 38 year old actor released a brief statement to the press asking for privacy:

"I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."

Owen starred in the films as Wedding Crashers and Zoolander and other successful and lucrative films in recent years. He has a film being released next month and he was set to star in two more films: one opposite Jennifer Aniston, the other with his Zoolander co-star Ben Stiller.

Speculation as to why Wilson made an attempt on his own life vary. Some sources say his recent public relationship and breakup with his You, Me And Dupree co-star Kate Hudson may have triggered the incident. Kate Hudson was photographed over the weekend getting close to actor Dax Shepard.

Singer Courtney Love paints a different scenario.

Courtney feels that Steven Coogan aka Alan Partridge is partly to blame for Owen's downward spiral. Owen and Steve were due to appear in the film Tropic Thunder together alongside Ben Stiller.

Courtney said:

"Under normal circumstances I wouldn't comment but I care too much about Owen. I went through it with Steve. I tried to warn Owen. I tried to warn his friends."

Ms. Love thinks Steve took Owen's drug use to the next level. The Daily Mail reports that the morning of his attempted suicide, Owen had taken a cocktail of Crystal Meth and Oxycontin.

Song Of The Day: "Apologize" Timbaland featuring OneRepublic

From the album Shock Value by Timbaland.

OneRepublic's self titled-album coming soon.

FLASHBACK Song Of The Day: Candlebox "Far Behind"

Candlebox

Far Behind

Now maybe
I didn't mean to treat you bad
But I did it anyway
And now maybe
Some would say your life was sad
But you lived it anyway
And now maybe
Your friends they stand beside they watch you crumble
As you falter to the ground
And now maybe
Your friends they stand beside as you were flying
Oh you were flying oh so high
But then someday people look at you
for what they call their own
They watch you suffer
Yeah they hear you coming home
But then some day we could take our time
To brush the leaves aside so you can reach us
But you left me far behind

Now maybe
I didn't mean to treat you oh so bad
But I did it anyway
Now maybe
some would say you're left with what you had
But you couldn't share the pain
No, no, no, no

Couldn't share the pain
they watch you suffer
Now maybe
I could have made my own mistakes
But I live with what I've known
Then maybe
we might share in something great
Won't you look at where we've grown
Won't you look at where we've gone
But then someday comes, tomorrow holds
a sense of what I fear for you in my mind
As you trip the final line
And that cold day when you lost control
Shame you left my life so soon
you should have told me
Hey but you left me far behind

Now maybe
I didn't meant to treat you oh so bad
Oh but I did it anyway
Now maybe
some would say you're left with what you had
Oh but you couldn't share the pain
Hey, no, no, no, no

Now maybe
I didn't mean to treat you oh so bad
But I did it anyway
No maybe
some would say you're left with what you had
But you couldn't share the pain
I said times have changed your friends
They come and watch you crumble to the ground
They watch you suffer
Yeah they hold you down
Hold you down
Maybe
maybe
I didn't mean to treat you bad
But you left me far behind
Left me far behind
Left me far behind

6 Year Anniversary Of The Death Of Singer/Actress Aaliyah

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), best known simply as Aaliyah, was an American singer, dancer, model and actress. Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Detroit, Michigan from the age of 5, Aaliyah was introduced to audiences by R&B singer R. Kelly. Aaliyah became famous during the mid-1990s with several hit records from the songwriting/production team of Missy Elliott & Timbaland and their associate Steve "Static" Garrett. Aaliyah soon joined Timbaland's R&B and hip hop collective, the Superfriends Clique.

Aaliyah signed with her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records label in 1993 at the age of 14. She released her debut album, titled Age Ain't Nothing but a Number, in 1994 at the age of 15. R. Kelly, was a leading songwriter and producer on her debut album.

One In A Million, Aaliyah's second album, was chiefly written and produced by then-unknowns Missy Elliott and Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley. One in a Million was released on August 27, 1996 when Aaliyah was 17 years of age. The album became a landmark in Aaliyah's career, garnering her mass critical acclaim. The album was certified double-platinum within a year, making Aaliyah a major R&B star and igniting the successful careers of Missy Elliott and Timbaland.

In 2000, Aaliyah co-starred with Jet Li in the martial arts film Romeo Must Die, which debuted at number one at the box office. Aaliyah and Timbaland executive produced the film's soundtrack album and Aaliyah contributed four songs: "Are You Feelin' Me?," "I Don't Wanna," "Come Back in One Piece," a duet with rapper DMX, and the international number one hit "Try Again." Aaliyah made history once more when "Try Again" became the first song to ever reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 based solely on the strength of its radio airplay, without any single sales factored in.

Aaliyah's third studio album, the self-titled Aaliyah, was released on July 17, 2001. The album was an instant critical success. Aaliyah introduced a darker and edgier side to Aaliyah's music and was noted as having showcased her growth as an artist. Around the time of the album's recording and release she had been filming Queen of the Damned, which helped her show a dark and edgy side as her character was a deadly vampire villain. She also had just landed a role that was sure to make her an international film star: a part in the two sequels to The Matrix starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne.

On Saturday, August 25, 2001, at 6:49 pm (EST), just after completion of filming for the "Rock the Boat" video, Aaliyah and various members of her record company boarded a twin engine Cessna 402B (N8097W) at Marsh Harbour, Abaco Island, Bahamas to travel to Opa-Locka Airport near Miami, Florida. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff about 200 feet from the runway. Pilot Luis Morales III and all eight passengers, including 22 year-old Aaliyah, were killed in the aviation accident. According to findings from an inquest conducted by the coroner's office in the Bahamas, Aaliyah suffered from "severe burns and a blow to the head," in addition to severe shock. The coroner theorized that, even if Aaliyah had survived the crash, her recovery would have been virtually impossible given the severity of her injuries.

The private funeral for Aaliyah was held on August 31 at Saint Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church in Manhattan, NYC. A public memorial for Aaliyah was held at Cipriani's on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, NYC that same day and was open to the public for most of the day. I attended that memorial.

Aaliyah is missed and will always be remembered by her fans, friends and most importantly, by her family.

Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah's brother, wrote a special poem for his late sister.

Click here to read it on Aaliyah.com:

Forever Young

Sources:

CNN.com - Aaliyah funeral attracts fans, stars - August 31, 2001

CNN.com - U.S. investigators to probe Aaliyah crash - August 27, 2001

Aaliyah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aaliyah Videos:

I Don't Wanna









One In A Million









We Need A Resolution









More Than a Woman









Are You That Somebody










I Miss U (Aaliyah tribute video)

SPCA LA Investigates Britney Spears' Puppy Incident

After an overwhelming amount of complaints today via e-mail and telephone calls to SPCA of Los Angeles, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals paid Britney Spears a visit today. Britney's young puppy London reportedly sustained a broken leg in an incident in her home. Spears allegedly is not currently in Los Angeles and was not at home at the time of the SPCA visit earlier today. A note was left and given to Spears' housekeeper by the SPCA rep.

The SPCA of LA has expressed their desire to make sure the puppy is being treated properly post-injury.

Information has surfaced that PETA has been notified of the incident and a paparazzi photo of Spears with her children and the puppy (complete with leg cast) was provided to PETA as well.

Check out several pics of Spears with her kids and London (and his cast) here:

Britney Experts Gallery - Britney playing with her kids in her garden (8/8)

Britney Spears' Small Young Puppy London Has A Broken Leg

Britney's young puppy London was involved in an incident where his leg was broken and now he is sporting a cast. The National Enquirer reports that Britney Spears' assistant/"cousin" Alli Sims noticed that the puppy was not walking correctly and appeared to be in pain while whimpering and hiding under the crib. The puppy was then taken to a private vet for treatment and a cast.

See the puppy London in a cast with Britney and the kids here:

Go Britney Spears Pics - Britney Spears Playing With Her Kids in White Top and Short Shorts Pictures

Song Of The Day: "Don't Stop The Music" by Rihanna

Rihanna's new single "Don't Stop The Music" from her latest album Good Girl Gone Bad.

Nicole Richie Checks Into Jail For Her 4 Day Sentence; Pregnant Actress Released in 82 Minutes From Custody

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department made this statement to the media regarding the 82-minute incarceration of the pregnant Ms. Nicole Richie:

"On August 23 2007, at 3:15 PM Miss Nicole Camille Richie reported to CRDF and surrendered herself following a July 27 arrest, she was sentenced to serve 96 hours in County Jail. Miss Richie was accompanied by her attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley and her boyfriend Joel Madden. Miss Richie was booked and processed into the jail system. Miss Richie was cooperative during the process. Based on her sentence and federal court guidelines, Miss Richie was released at 4:37 PM today."

Nicole Richie spent only 82 minutes (1 hour and 22 minutes) in jail today and only 35 of those minutes were spent in an actual jail cell.

So far (like I always said from the start) Paris Hilton's sentencing (45 days= 23 days served in jail/22 days good time behavior credits) seems to be the harshest sentence given to a high profile celebrity in recent years (especially considering the cocaine felonies that disappeared from La Lohan's case and pregnant Nicole Richie's quickie stay at Lynwood).

La Lohan Triumphs Over The California Justice System

Lindsay Lohan pleaded no contest to two counts of DUI (driving with a .08 blood alcohol level or higher) through her attorney Blair Berk in a Los Angeles courtroom earlier today. By law, Lohan becomes a second offender (with two DUIs) and must serve a minimum of four days in jail. But the judge cut that in half by ordering her to perform 10 days of community service in lieu of two of the days. The judge also gave Lindsay one day credit for time served when she was busted. That means La Lohan will probably spend only one day in jail (or less, as in the case of Nicole Richie, who spent only 82 minutes in jail today and only 35 of those minutes were spent in an actual jail cell).

Lohan also pleaded guilty to two counts of being under the influence of a controlled substance (two separate incidents) -- both misdemeanors. She also pleaded no contest to reckless driving.The judge said Lohan will serve 36 months probation and attend an alcohol education program for 18 months.Lohan was also ordered "not to associate with people with controlled substances."

As to the controlled substance plea, Lohan was ordered not to use controlled substances. She's also required to enroll in an additional drug program. She's also required to remain at the Cirque Lodge rehab facility on Mount Timpanogos in Sundance, Utah, where she's currently in treatment.

By January 18, 2008, Lohan must show she has successfully completed rehab.


Lindsay Lohan issued the following statement to the media earlier today:

"It is clear to me that my life has become completely unmanageable because I am addicted to alcohol and drugs. Recently, I relapsed and did things for which I am ashamed. I broke the law, and today I took responsibility by pleading guilty to the charges in my case. No matter what I said when I was under the influence on the day I was arrested, I am not blaming anyone else for my conduct other than myself. I thank God I did not injure others. I easily could have. I very much want to be healthy and gain control of my life and career and have asked for medical help in doing so. I am taking these steps to improve my life. Luckily, I am not alone in my daily struggle and I know that people like me have succeeded. Maybe with time it will become easier. I hope so."


Lohan was not present in court. She did not have to be present unless felony charges were to be filed, which they were not.


It appears that the D.A. feels extreme sympathy for Lohan's broken home upbringing and drug and alcohol addictions. The D.A. says Lohan's cocaine traces "were below the .05 grams required by office policy for felony filing." The fact that she was arrested twice in a short period of time actually helped her by showing she is struggling with an addiction problem. The fact that each time she was arrested she immediately checked into a rehab facility also helped her case. Also, her young age (just turned 21 in July) and the fact that her childhood was unstable also worked in her favor.


A law enforcement source said the following regarding La Lohan:


"Prosecutors in this county see a lot of kids in crisis. There are lots of kids struggling with addiction. The first sign of trouble usually involves a car. We're not going to throw every one of them in prison. It doesn't make sense."

Oprah Winfrey To Tape Her Show In NYC at Madison Square Garden

The first two episodes of the new fall season of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will be taped at Madison Square Garden in NYC on September 10, 2007.

Jennifer Lopez And David LaChapelle "Do It Well"

Sexy latina entertainer Jennifer Lopez is working with director David LaChapelle for the video for her first single "Do It Well" from her latest English language musical effort, the album Brave, which hits stores October 9, 2007.

The video for "Do It Well" will take place in an underground-type club with an S&M theme.

Expecting Mother Foxy Brown Put In Jail On Rikers Island Today By Manhattan Criminal Court Judge

Foxy Brown was sent to jail earlier today by the judge who was overseeing her case in Manhattan Criminal Court earlier today. She immediately was transferred from Criminal Court on Centre Street in Lower Manhattan to the Women's Ward at Rikers Island Prison. Foxy Brown (real name Inga Marchand) will remain on Rikers Island until her next court date on September 7, 2007.

In court, Brown revealed that she is three months pregnant and that she plans to get married. Foxy will be housed at the Rose M. Singer Center, a women's jail on Rikers Island. She may be segregated from the rest of the facility's population, a determination which is being made right now.

Brown had been on probation on assault charges, but two incidents in recent weeks violated her probation, thus leading Judge Melissa Jackson to remand Ms. Marchand to the custody of the State of New York.

"Hey Foxy", yelled the paparazzi ouside of Manhattan Criminal Court earlier.

"Hey", Foxy responded, apparently oblivious to the fate she was about to encounter inside the NYC courtroom.

Judge Jackson slapped Brown with charges of violating the terms of her probation. The 27 year old pregnant rapper allegedly missed four separate probation hearings and failed to attend and enroll in anger management courses. The rapper was orginally placed on probation for an incident where she attacked workers at the Spa Belles nail salon in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.

At a post-hearing press conference outside of Manhattan Criminal Court, Foxy's attorney stated that the rapper is working on her own reality show and has just signed a record deal with a new label prior to her being ordered to jail .

Amy Winehouse Says 'No, No, No' To Rehab

Singer Amy Winehouse has checked out of rehab for the second time in less than a week.

Winehouse left The Causeway Rehab Clinic in Essex again on Sunday night after a series of arguments with her spouse Blake Fielder-Civil, who was also receiving treatment. The pair left in a taxicab and headed to an exclusive hotel in central London, where they stayed overnight.

A source close to the couple tells The Sun:

“It is supposed to be a peaceful backdrop to help people deal with their problems. But Amy and Blake kept rowing and spoiling the ambience. While Amy would be welcomed back with open arms, I’m not sure they’d say the same for Blake. Everyone is really worried that if they are let loose in London again they’ll just go straight back to their old druggy habits.”

Amy's decision to quit rehab again is concerning her father Mitch and those close to the Rehab singer.

Sources said Mitch threatened to “crucify” Blake after he confessed that Amy had collapsed from “speedballing” — inhaling or injecting a mix of crack cocaine and heroin at the same time.

The source added:

“This should be about Amy getting help — but too often it’s all about Blake. He upset people in The Causeway with his behavior. It was the same when she was in hospital. He really upset the staff and wasn’t very welcome there either. They spent half their time arguing rather than concentrating on the job in hand. Of course it must be stressful being with your partner while trying to sort out something so personal and difficult. But this just shows why the family are so desperate for her to get help without him.”

The Red Carpet Premiere Of Rob Zombie's "Halloween" This Week In L.A.

MGM and Dimension Films presents
"Halloween"
A Film By Rob Zombie
Starring Danielle Harris and Malcolm McDowell
Thursday, August 23, 2007 - 6:30 p.m. at
Grauman's Chinese Theatre 6925 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, CA.

In Theaters Everywhere August 31st.

Mary J. Blige Is Pregnant; Expecting First Child With Husband And Defending Britney Spears

Queen of R&B/Soul Mary J. Blige may have a little one on the way. One of Mary J Blige's relatives confirmed to an online media source that the platinum-selling artist and her husband Kendu Isaacs are expecting their first child.

Mary's family member said, "We just found out about [the pregnancy] yesterday and everyone's happy about it.". The family member continued, "Mary and [Kendu] have been trying to get pregnant for close to a year and [they] did it .... They're very blessed in so many ways."

36 year-old Mary has been married to husband Kendu for nearly four years. In the past, the R&B legend said that she wanted 2 kids with her husband. NYC based radio station Power 105.1 FM confirmed this story earlier today on their daily morning show.

In related news, Mary J. Blige has jumped to the defense of Britney Spears, in wake of the pop star's hard-partying since her November split from husband Kevin Federline. Spears has been criticized by fans and the media for partying every night since she filed for divorce from Federline on November 7, and has barely been seen with her two young children Sean Preston, 23 months, and Jayden James, 11 months.

Blige, a self-confessed former addict, says the Toxic singer is just going a bit wild with her newfound freedom and will soon settle down again.

Blige said:

"I know that at some point in our lives we've had a situation like Britney's, meaning that we all were with someone we thought loved us and actually didn't. We make mistakes. I am looking at Britney as a human being just like myself. I messed up big time in my life. I love Britney and I send out all of my prayers and all great energy to her because she's young and she is going through it. She is going to get through. She is going to come out on the other side real nice I think."

Artist Of The Month: Jive Jones

My friend, singer/songwriter/ musician and former reality TV host Jive Jones is the Celebrity Star Power Artist of the Month for August 2007.

His debut album Me, Myself And I released in 2001 is great and everyone should hear it. An especially memorable song from the album is the track I Belong.

Check out Jive Jones' bio here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jive_Jones

Check out Jive Jones' music here:
Jive Jones – Music at Last.fm

New Music: Nicole Scherzinger "Whatever U Like" featuring T.I.

Whatever U Like the new single from the upcoming debut album entitled Her Name Is Nicole by Pussycat Dolls former lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, in stores November 6, 2007.

New Music: "China Wine" by Sun Featuring Wyclef, Elephant Man and Tony Matterhorn

International Asian singer Sun (aka Geisha/ aka Sun Ho /aka Ho Yeow Sun) teams with Wyclef, and dancehall sensations Elephant Man and Tony Matterhorn for China Wine.

Song Of The Month: "Bed" by J. Holiday

Bed is the new single from J. Holiday's upcoming album Back Of My 'Lac in stores October 2, 2007.

Song Of The Day: "Love Is Wicked" by Brick & Lace

Brick and Lace's new single "Love Is Wicked" from their upcoming album also titled Love Is Wicked.

Jennifer Lopez: "Do It Well" Is The New Single From Her "Brave" New Album

It's a hip-hop flavored mid-tempo dance track called Do It Well with a 70's twist from Ms. Lopez's upcoming new album Brave to be released in stores October 9, 2007.

Mandy Moore Covers Rihanna's "Umbrella"

Adrianne Curry's Car Vandalized and Burglarized In California

Adrianne Curry was robbed!

The reality TV beauty/ fashion model posted the following message on her official MySpace:

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

"I was robbed last night!!!

So, I wake up this morning to get ready to go to the gym. I have a full plate today, and needed to unwind by pumping some iron beforehand. Then my doorbell rings. Chris answered it, so I went on my merry little way getting dressed fot the gym, and getting my stuff together so I could go straight from the gym to all my appointments later. I ran upstairs to grab a bottle of water and Chris followed me up. He gave me a BIG hug, told me how much he loved me, and that I needed to sit down.

“WHAT???” I asked him. My car’s window had been smashed out, my navigation system stolen, and the possibility of other things missing is high. When I stepped outside to look at my car in my new home’s driveway, I was heartbroken! I get it, material things, yadda yadda yadda. However. I was raised to know the value of a dollar. I NEVER half ass work. I worked and work HARD for everything I have.

I feel violated. Chris always bitches at me for having weapons, wanting extra security, and not wanting to park my car outside of the garage. Now he’s learned. This crap happens all the time, everywhere. I have been robbed of my speakers from a car once, but it was at gunpoint, the speakers sucked…and my car and me came out just fine. (except for the speakers!) That felt better then having someone smash out my cars window so I can’t go anywhere I need to go today! Honestly, I am thinking about fixing my window, putting a bunch of valuables in my car, and sitting on my roof with some ball bearings and a wrist rocket!

Anyone who can’t WORK to EARN something and decides to just ROB someone so they can have it are the most VILE scum to ever walk the planet. Talk about vain! These people think they are above anyone and everything, and deserve to have what is YOURS.

Needless to say, my entire day has been put on hold. I am stressing out because there are so many things I will be behind on, and my Grandma and my Mom are coming out to visit me this Saturday. At least there is a brightside to things. That navigation unit is from our friends at Avis rentacar. Avis changes the password on their units every 3 weeks. If you are not registered with them, you don’t get the password. Without the password, you have no navigation unit! Serves the worthless fucks right! I hope you scum bags enjoy your USELESS navigation system, and while your at it, shove it up your ass!

Well, the Police are here. I would have posted pics but I gotta jet and get this all taken care of.”

Amy Winehouse's Rehab Woes

Amy Winehouse decided to go back to rehab in England. After leaving The Causeway Rehab in Essex, yesterday, as first reported by The Sun, it looks like the talented Winehouse is back in rehab.

Her publicist just released the following statement:

"Amy Winehouse is putting all her touring commitments for this month on hold until further notice in order to address her health issues. Amy will now not be performing at this weekend's V Festival in Chelmsford and Staffordshire. Her family has requested that the media respect Amy's privacy at this time."


Amy's first stint in rehab lasted for 48 hours before she exited by helicopter so she could reportedly have a brain scan in London -- and a visit to a bar.

The Sun reports that Amy did check herself into a clinic in Essex, but bolted after 48 hours and fled back to Camden. She apparently sought the help of a doctor there who suggested she have a brain scan, because she suffered a seizure during her overdose. They think she might have epilepsy.

After only a couple of days, Amy Winehouse had checked out of rehab.

A source said, “She wanted to leave on Tuesday evening. People close to her are devastated. But Blake wants her to return to normality — and we all know what their normality is. They’ve even been planning to meet friends in Camden. It’s madness.”

Amy's father was reportedly "beyond upset" and looking into getting a restraining order to keep her daughter away from her husband.

Amy Winehouse insisted she’s heading back to rehab tonight – and only nipped home to pick up a guitar.

Tonight her husband Blake Fielder-Civil admitted Winehouse has “a few problems” but said: “She’s determined to get well.”

Winehouse was rushed to hospital last week after allegedly taking a cocktail of heroin, cocaine, ketamine and alcohol.

Interviewed by Radio 1 today outside her home in Camden, north London, the painfully thin 23-year-old claimed:

“I’m fine. I’ve put on half a stone and I feel fine.”

Asked if newspaper reports of her drug abuse were true, she replied:

“I wouldn’t say so, no.”

She was then driven away by a female friend and gave the thumbs up to fans.

Winehouse, whose biggest hit is her song ironically titled Rehab, was said to have checked out early last night from the €15,000-a-week Causeway treatment centre in Essex.

But her husband Blake Fielder-Civil said:

“It’s been a difficult time for me and Amy, the fact is we are still together and going back to the place tonight. We only came back to get a guitar, but of course in the paper that’s interpreted as we’re both so weak we left after three days. It’s the inevitable way the papers are trying to put you down when you’re trying to do something positive. The main thing is that me and Amy are getting better. Don’t worry, she’s being looked after. We’re going back to this retreat. She’s determined to get well. It’s not as bad as everyone thinks but she’s fine, she’s loved and looked after.”

Asked about reports of the couple’s drug addictions, Fielder-Civil said:

“I wouldn’t believe it. There’s a few problems there but certainly nothing of the magnitude that my mum was falsely quoted as saying.”

His mother Georgette was reported as saying that Winehouse confessed to heroin and cocaine addiction and told her:

“It’s silly, but you just get carried away.”

The singer’s record company say she is suffering from “severe exhaustion”.

30 Years Since We Lost 'The King': Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977), was an American singer, musician and actor. He is a cultural icon, often known simply as Elvis; also "The King of Rock 'n' Roll", or simply "The King".

Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. His death, at the age of 42, shocked his fans worldwide.

In November 1948, the Presleys moved to Memphis, allegedly because Vernon — as well as needing work — had to escape the law for transporting "bootlegger" liquor. In 1949, they lived at Lauderdale Courts — a public housing development — in one of Memphis, Tennessee's poorer sections. Presley practiced guitar playing in the basement laundry room and also played in a five-piece band with other tenants.

On December 20, 1957, Presley received his army draft notice. Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures had already spent $350,000 on Presley's latest film King Creole and they feared the consequences of suspending or canceling the project. The Memphis Draft Board granted Presley a deferment so the movie could be finished. On March 24, 1958, he was finally inducted and completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, before being posted to Friedberg, Germany.

Priscilla (née Beaulieu) had stayed with Presley during the 1960s (they had first met in Germany, when she was only fourteen). They married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas. A daughter, Lisa Marie, was born exactly nine months later.

Divorcing in 1973, Presley became increasingly isolated and overweight, with prescription drugs — apparently prescribed with little question — taking their toll on his health, mood and his stage act. As time progressed, Presley became even more obese — he would diet excessively and then binge eat.

Presley's final performance was in Indianapolis, IN at the Market Square Arena, (June 26, 1977). August 17, 1977, was to be the start of another tour. However, at "Graceland" the day before on August 16, 1977, Presley was found on the floor of his bathroom by fiancée, Ginger Alden. According to the medical investigator, Presley had "stumbled or crawled several feet before he died". He was officially pronounced dead from a heart attack reportedly brought on by prescription medicine abuse at 3:30 p.m. at the Baptist Memorial Hospital. The BioScience Laboratories report indicated the detection of fourteen drugs in Elvis' system, ten in significant quantity.

His funeral was a national media event. Hundreds of thousands of fans, the press and celebrities lined the streets hoping to see the open casket in "Graceland" or to witness the funeral. Among the mourners were Ann-Margret (who had remained close to Presley) and his ex-wife. U.S. President Jimmy Carter issued a statement.

Presley was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Memphis, next to his mother. After an attempt to steal the body, his — and his mother's — remains were reburied at Graceland in Memphis, TN in the Meditation Gardens.

When Presley died, his finances were in sad shape. Led by ex-wife Priscilla Presley, the estate formed Elvis Presley Enterprises, opened Graceland to the public in 1982 and solidified the legal rights to make money on Elvis' name and image. Last year, Graceland took in $27 million in revenue, and the overall Elvis business brings in more than $40 million a year. That made him the second-highest grossing dead celebrity in 2006, behind only Nirvana 's Kurt Cobain, according to Forbes magazine.

Elvis remains an icon and a legend today, 30 years after his untimely death.