Elvis’ Death Anniversary Brings Thousands to Memphis
It continues to amaze me just how many Elvis Presley fans continue to make the trek to Memphis, Tennessee on this day each year to honor the “King of Rock and Roll.” Whether it amazes me or not, thousands will come to Graceland, Elvis’ home, to hold a candlelight vigil on the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ death.
Wreaths, flowers and pictures will adorn Elvis’ grave site on the grounds of Graceland. It is all part of Elvis Week in Memphis which includes huge tours of Graceland and a party at Stax Records where Elvis recorded many of his songs.
There usually are some 75-thousand people at Graceland that show up for this event. Elvis passed away on this date, August 16, 1977 of a heart attack after dealing with prescription drug abuse.
On a personal note, I have been to Graceland with friends at least four times and that might have been three times too many. Of all the rooms on the Graceland tour, the “Jungle Room” is my favorite. If you ever go to Memphis, you need to visit Graceland at least one time. It’s nothing fancy today, but in its day it was.
Memphis, by the way, is only a 6 1/2 hour drive from Quincy. It’s a trip I have made several times to visit one of my favorite places, Beale Street, where you can hear some of the best blues music in the world and it even has “Elvis Presley’s Place” located on it. Elvis, the Blues and Memphis…they all go together. Long rest the “King!”