Elvis @ 78

Brenda Bahn-Moore, of Bentonville, Ark., snaps a photo of Elvis Presley’s 78th birthday cake during festivities at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., Tuesday. More than 200 faithful fans sang Happy Birthday to the King of Rock & Roll before the annual cutting of the cake. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Mike Brown)

DFO: I’ve wondered at the mystique that surrounds entertainment stars like Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Heath Ledger, James Dean, all of whom died young. As a result, they remain forever young, while most others grow old and fade into oblivion.

Question: Is it better to live fast and die young — and to be remembered forever young — or outlive your peers and fade away?