Memphis, Day 3 [Morning @ Graceland]

Early in the morning I made my second trip to Graceland, arriving before the daily throng [and before Graceland was open for tours] for a serene pilgrimage to "the" grave site.

some knucklehead @ Graceland

That's pretty damn cool.  It was also nice to be there among only a dozen or so people.  Awe-inspiring, reflective, eerie...all those words and more.  In truth, I'm struggling to find words adequate to describe just how unique the experience really is.

Also from the morning visit, Graceland strikes a quiet pose.  At this point, had I not gone on the official tour, I still would have been satisfied.  Of course, that's not how it happened.

A few hours passed  and I did indeed return for the tour.  After all, who goes to Memphis and doesn't?  


The biggest disappointment about the Graceland tour is that you are unable to go up on the second floor, Elvis' floor.  Understandable, but still disappointing.  Despite that, Graceland remains amazing as a home, a one time Fortress Of Solitude and an American landmark.

Here's the highlight package.

The "Jungle Room," where Elvis recorded his final two albums. In my house, the decor would look tacky.  In his, it's vintage 70's retro-chic funky.

Double entendre?

The most ridiculous suit ever.  Yet somehow he pulled it off.

The bad-ass, bitchin' black leathers EP wore for his televised 1968 "Comeback" Special.

His wedding outfit.  Just kidding.

I guess he sold some records, too.

Elvis sat at this piano the night before he died, singing "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain."  Oh to have been a fly upon the wall.

The white suit worn by EP, also on his '68 Comeback Special.  A great moment: my friends' young daughter had ducked under the security barrier and was inches away from the glass case that held this suit.

Suddenly over the PA system we hear in a no-nonsense voice, "please step away from the white suit."  You can't make that up.

There were other goodies too.  Elvis' autos.  His private jet.  His other private jet.  Tales abound of his generosity.  Unfortunately, his generosity was part of his undoing as he was surrounded by an army of sycophants and yes-men, none of whom had the temerity to suggest his life was getting away from him.

Elvis' Graceland in Memphis is amazing.  If you are a fan of 50's rock and roll, a cultural observer or just a curiosity chaser, there is something here for you.  Highly recommended.

Coming soon:  the final chapter of the Memphis Trip In Review!