On what would've been Elvis Presley's 74th birthday, author R. Gary Patterson was joined by two Elvis experts, Patrick Lacy (2nd hour) and Cory Cooper (3rd hour) for a conversation about everything Elvis, including stories about his upbringing, his music & career, and rumors that he faked his death. Lacy recounted the official details of Presley's death in 1977-- he was found in his bathroom by his fiance, and paramedics tried to revive him even though he was clearly dead. The cause of death was given as cardiac arrhythmia, though his autopsy was not made public.

All three guests concurred on their belief that Elvis did not fake his death. The scope of the sham and the efforts to keep it under wraps would've had to be massive, said Lacy, while Cooper doubted that Elvis had the motivation to fake his demise. A lot of the so-called evidence involving his faked death doesn't hold up, the guests agreed. The Elvis sightings since his death may be related to fans not willing to let go, Patterson surmised. The man in the noted 1978 poolhouse photo that's been said to be Presley, has hair and glasses that don't match Elvis, Lacy commented.

Presley's music had a huge impact on America, bringing the black sound onto many radio stations for the first time, said Patterson. It helped start racial equality in the U.S., Cooper added. Elvis was a very generous person, said to have given many of his Cadillacs away, and his favorite music was gospel. He didn't like to be alone and surrounded himself with friends and family at Graceland, Cooper detailed.

The Stimulus Plan

First hour guest, financial advisor Catherine Austin Fitts offered analysis on Obama's stimulus package. It's a "Christmas tree of ideas," some good, some that could turn into a boondoggle, she said. Part of the package shows a promising investment in human capital, but it's uncertain how it'll play out, she added.