It was 47 years ago (August 16, 1977) that legendary performer Elvis Presley passed away. Elvis’ influence on popular culture in the mid 20th century is hard to overstate, and he left a broad range of recorded music that endures. Elvis’ music has been a blessing in my life; I never grow tired of listening, and it always seems fresh and new. Needlessly said, my car radio is tuned to the SiriusXM Elvis channel.
I’ve twice visited Elvis’ Memphis home, Graceland. The first visit was just a few years after it opened to the public and the second decades later. I was surprised to see how Elvis’ fame had not diminished over the years. The place was packed.
(DrFumblefinger standing in the Hall of Gold)
One of my favorite places in Graceland is the “Hall of Gold” in Elvis’ Trophy Room. It’s a long hall that displays most of those gold and platinum record awards Elvis received while he was alive (his racquetball court is jammed with awards issued after his death). It’s an amazing display, even to the most jaded cynic. I was thrilled to be standing in a hall I know he was so very proud of and in which he had likely stood many times himself.
I think it’s time to head back to Memphis soon….
