May 22, 2024: Elvis

There are tens of thousands of Magnolia trees planted along the state highways in Mississippi. The garden clubs started planting them over 60 years ago, and it continues today.

We checked in to the Guest House at Graceland. As you would expect, the music of Elvis is heard throughout the hotel. On the TV, one can watch Elvis movies. He made 31 movies in his lifetime and he did his own stunts! He was never nominated for an Academy Award. In the evening one can gather at the hotel theater and watch a selected movie on the big screen.

We watched Love Me Tender which was Elvis’s first movie. It was originally named The Reno Boys, but after his song’s success, they renamed it. This movie is the only one where he didn’t get top billing.
At the end of the night, we are offered peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chocolate milk which was Elvis’ go-to bedtime snack.

John Lennon said, “Before Elvis, there was nothing.” Keith Richards compared it to the world changing from black and white to vivid color.

As with many artists, his popularity was even greater after his death … which is hard to believe!!!

Elvis got his start at Sun Records in Memphis.

Elvis had a couple of uneventful recording sessions there when at the end of a tedious session on July 5, 1954, he sang an improvised, sped-up version of the song “That’s Alright with Me.” That song got air time on the radio, and Elvis started touring with a band.

  • In 1956 he had nine #1 songs.
  • He won 3 Grammy awards, all for gospel songs. I am surprised that it wasn’t more.
  • He performed 57 SOLD OUT performances in 28 days. Now that’s stamina!
Gladys and Vernon Presley had only child. Elvis was a twin, but the older boy was stillborn.
“Life is too short to drive boring cars.”
Elvis was the King … of Bling!!
Rob the Pelvis!
Beale Street was a hot bed of music from many different ethnic groups and was hopping all through the night. Elvis was drawn to this area and his exposure here was a catalyst to his unique style.
Blues and BBQ were musts for us on Beale Street at the Blues City Cafe.
We saw these ladies and even kindergarten age girls wearing huge wigs. I thought that they  were part of a Priscilla impersonation event. I asked our waiter and he said that they are Irish Travelers. They have lots of kids. It sounded like they are a type of gypsy.

One response to “May 22, 2024: Elvis”

  1. Rob Avatar

    Elvis is the king.

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