For me, it is a day that will live in infamy: the year, 1977; the date, August 16; the city, Memphis, Tenn. For many around the world, this is a day marked with great sadness. Because on this day, August 16, 1977, the world lost something that it could never again get back. For in a Memphis hospital room, amidst chaos and confusion, a major part of me was taken: my tonsils.

Of course, the entertainment world was mourning the loss of Elvis Presley, who had just died in another hospital across town. I was just a kid, but Elvis has always been my musical idol. Part of my family still lives in Memphis and, of course, I've done the Graceland tour. I know almost every public detail about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. (I could hardly contain myself when I found out that Sirius-XM radio had an Elvis channel.) When I was 10, I met Ray Walker, one of the Jordanaires (the group that originally sang backup for Evlis), and could barely keep my knees from knocking. Needless to say, I'm a fan.

I have also long been a fan of the music and talent of Michael Jackson. In light of his death, it is interesting to see and notice the parallels between the two entertainers. Although they are from a different time and era, they both revolutionized the way music was made and performed. Crowds fainted at even a glimpse of them as they left a building or walked on the stage. For the world of music, both Elvis and MJ had an indelible influence that will never be lost.

Those of us in educational leadership may not ever have the star power that comes with being the King of Rock 'n' Roll or the King of Pop (wouldn't that be cool if we did), but what about the influence we will leave? It does seem that now, more than ever, educational leaders have the power to revolutionize an industry. We can set a vision and create a path that will be forward thinking, student-centered and influential long into the 21st century. Students who once were dis-engaged with learning can be thrust into lessons that allow them to come alive. With an industry-changing influence, students will have the creativity to learn in new and exciting ways. 

For almost 32 years now, I've wished I could have seen what else Elvis could have done. What new barriers would he have broken? What new milestone would he had achieved? It is sad to think that of Michael Jackson as well. But what will be even more heart-wrenching is if we go another year, five years or decade without working to leave a new educational legacy for our students. We, as educational leaders, can have influence — let's use it and moonwalk right over the blue suede shoes of our old educational past.

*Photo by Oceania Rock Radio