The Roadie Who Kept A Handwritten Card From Elvis: “You Carry This Sound With Me.”

April 8, 2025

Jack Thompson was a roadie, a behind-the-scenes player in the world of music. His days were spent setting up amplifiers, adjusting microphones, and making sure everything was just right for the star of the show. But in the summer of 1970, he found himself in the presence of a legend—Elvis Presley. As he worked tirelessly during the preparations for a concert in Las Vegas, Jack felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Elvis wasn’t just an artist; he was a phenomenon, and being close to someone who inspired millions was a dream come true.

After a long day of setting up for the performance, Jack didn’t expect to have a personal moment with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. But as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Elvis walked into the backstage area where Jack was finishing up. With that trademark smile and a sparkle in his eyes, Elvis approached him. They exchanged a few words about the music, the show, and the thrill of performing. Then, in a gesture that would forever change Jack’s life, Elvis handed him a small, handwritten card. “You carry this sound with me,” it read, signed simply with an “E.”

In that moment, Jack felt a rush of emotions. Those few words were more than just a note; they were a powerful reminder of the magic that music could create. He tucked the card away in his wallet, determined to keep it safe. The concert that followed was electric, with Elvis bringing the house down with his booming voice and charisma. But for Jack, the real treasure was not just witnessing the show; it was the connection he had made, however small, with a musical icon.

Years rolled on, and Jack continued his work as a roadie, but he never forgot that handwritten card. It became his talisman, a symbol of his love for music and the bonds it can create. Whenever he faced challenges—late nights, heavy equipment, or demanding artists—he would pull out that card and read those words again. It reminded him that every person involved in the music world, no matter how small their role, played a part in creating something beautiful. The card reignited his passion for music and fueled his resilience.

As the years turned into decades, Jack moved through various cities and bands, but the memory of that encounter with Elvis kept him grounded. He shared the story of the card with younger musicians and aspiring roadies, teaching them the importance of hard work, passion, and connection. His love for music never dimmed; it only grew stronger, spreading to others around him. He understood that every note played, every lyric sung, was part of a larger symphony—a sound that echoed through time and touched hearts.

In the end, that simple message from Elvis Presley changed Jack’s life. It spurred him on to pursue his dreams within the music industry, reminding him each day of the power of resilience and the importance of carrying that sound with him, no matter where life led him. The card became more than just a keepsake; it was a beacon of hope, a reminder that passion could light the way, and that music, in all its forms, could connect us—all of us—to something greater than ourselves.