attract unsavory types so be secure at all times. Lock valuables in your car trunk. When you see a man dressed like Elvis, don’t call him an “impersonator.” They prefer the more respectable title of “tribute artist.” There are not a lot of good restaurants in the Graceland area, but downtown is only about 10 minutes away on I-40 West, as is legendary Beale Street, the Cannon Center and FedEx Forum. The candlelight vigil is a main component for the week and it’s a must do a least once. The line will be long at Graceland, so pack a snack and beverage.
E lv i s bo ugh t G r a ce l a n d for $100,000 in 1957. “Elvis was unique and his talent and attraction came naturally. He created magic that still lives on today,” Klein concluded. His popularity didn’t need a postage stamp to prove itself, but when the U.S. Postal Service issued an Elvis stamp in 1993 it became the most widely publicized stamp issued in the history of the Postal Service and is the top selling commemorative stamp of all time. Some 500 million were printed, three times the usual print run for the commemorative group. Yes, he was unique. How did it all begin? He was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, under dire circumstances. His twin brother, Jesse, was stillborn and one can only wonder, what if he had lived? His parents, Vernon and Gladys, moved to Memphis in 1948 and his early musical influences were the pop and country music of the time. Gospel also played a major role in Elvis’ development, as well as the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a teenager. But legendary Sun Records, still a popular attraction, was where he really began his career. In 1955 his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. One year later he was an international sensation. His sound and style were uniquely combined with his diverse musical influences and blurred the social and racial barriers of the time. He ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture that carries on today. His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known worldwide as, Elvis, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of the twentieth century popular culture, when he died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977, the enduring legacy was born.
Wow...really? Fast facts about The King • Elvis dyed his hair black–his natural hair color was brown. • At the age of 18, he paid $4 to make his first album as a present for his mom. • His favorite aftershave was Brut. • He was a black belt in karate. • He recorded over 600 songs but didn’t write any of them. • The last song he ever sang was Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain while sitting at his piano at Graceland on the night he died. • His last meal was four scoops of ice cream and six chocolate chip cookies. • Over 500,000 Elvis fans visit Graceland each year making it the second most visited house in the United States ... second only to the White House in Washington, D.C. • He sold 118 million albums ... second only to The Beatles.
Getting Around Town Thousands of Elvis worshippers descend on Memphis for Elvis Week, which is the bigger of two weeks, the first is in January that celebrates Elvis’ birth. Here are some suggestions to make your trip more enjoyable. You must plan ahead as many events are already sold out. Avoid driving if you can on Elvis Presley Boulevard, which will not only be traffic jammed, but is in strong need of resurfacing and remodeling. It is estimated up to 40,000 visitors can be expected and, as usual, large crowds also
E lv i s pe r f o r m ed o v e r 1,10 0 concerts throughout his career. Vol um e 14 I ssue 4
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