Memphis, Tennessee

We crossed the big muddy (no bridges like this in the days of Tom and Huck) and entered Memphis, Tennessee.

The Welcome Center just off this bridge over the I-40 is a good introduction to the city and its roll in the birth of Rock 'n Roll. Sculptures of the great B B King and Elvis - the King (with an admiring fan).






Everyone over 50, maybe even everyone over 30, knows what Memphis is famous for – the birth of Rock and Roll and Graceland. The big debate is whether we go to Graceland, which we expect will be full of schlock and glitz, or continue down the highway. Having been teenagers in the 1950s, we opt for Graceland.

Our expectations are met; it is lots of schlock and glitz, but it is also interesting and fun. Being seniors, we got a break on the price and a further break for being members of Automobile Association. So instead of paying $60.00 plus tax, it cost us $48.00 and change, for two.


Here's a picture familiar to all Elvis fans and one from a different perspective.

We'll only put up a few shots from the interior so as not to bore anyone. It is full of memorabilia, gold records, instruments etc. A Quebecois would describe the decor as "quetain".

It is clearly a house to play in as well as a residence. No flashes are allowed for pictures so some are a bit dark.

This is the piano he played and sang at with some friends the day of his premature death.

The office where his father Vernon managed affairs especially after Elvis' death.

The requisite kidney-shaped pool was one of many toys that ranged from a gun collection and target range to golf carts for impromptu races, horses, pianos and guitars, multiple TV's in the same room so Elvis could emulate LBJ by watching several networks simultaneously.

He had a number of cars and motorcycles, including the famous pink Cadillac.
Probably his largest single purchase was the one bedroom, two bathroom, one dining room, two salon jet for tours and for occasional family/personal use.

Sirius satellite digital radio has a 24/7 Elvis channel, so his music definitely lives on as he recorded it.

Some would argue that his music lives on in the variations of the genre that have developed from the eclectic mix that he created in the form of Rock n Roll.

You'll be listening to him forever (if you were born in the 1960's or earlier).

And you can always come to see his grave, beside those of his grandmother, mother and father.