CULTURE SHOCK

Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural influences of the 20th century. He was breaking boundaries across every category; the way he moved and dressed during the conservative 1950s set the stage for the cultural revolution of the 1960s. Even today, every glittery jumpsuit you see on Beyoncé, Harry Styles or Jennifer Lopez was inspired by the glittery Vegas costumes of Elvis.

His music was a big part of my childhood. My father worshipped him. He and his best friend, John Davis, loved to talk about seeing him live twice, in Auburn and Montgomery, in the 1970s. His poster hung in the half bath of our house, probably the only spot my mother would have allowed it.

John and I went to Memphis years ago when Lacey Howell I ran a half marathon. Of course, we made sure to take a tour of Graceland. It was like stepping into a 1960s time capsule and the Jungle Room’s green shag carpet was something to behold.

ELVIS the movie premiered this summer and has made over $120 million globally. Baz Luhrmann directs, and Austin Butler stars. If Austin Butler doesn’t win an Academy Award, it will be highway robbery. The story, the music, the cars and the costumes are epic. Fun fact: The movie was actually filmed in Australia during COVID-19. BB King and Little Richard steal the show in a bar scene on Beale Street that may be the best in the film.

The movie is told from the perspective of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s lifelong manager, played by Tom Hanks. I had never heard the full scope how much control Parker had over Elvis, his career and money, and how he abused it. It reminded me of the story of Britney Spears, except Britney made it out alive.

The detailed backstory of what a great influence African American music and gospel music had on Elvis was so interesting. He grew up poor in Tupelo, Mississippi, and hung out at tent revivals.

The soundtrack mixes original Elvis music along with Butler’s covers, plus cool new tracks like Vegas by Doja Cat, The King and I by Ceelo Green and Eminem, plus a gorgeous cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love by Kasey Musgraves.

Elvis passed in August of 1977, and every year, there is a big celebration in Memphis. Aug. 9 through 17 is Elvis Week at Graceland, and it marks 45 years since the King of Rock ’n Roll passed away; however, he is immortal. Emblazoned in our televisions and radios until the end of times.

Visit graceland.com to learn more. of

~ Lacey Howell is a recovering English major from Auburn who now lives on Lake Martin, sells real estate, rides horses and loves good wine. Follow her on Instagram @LaceyHowell and on her Facebook page.