On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his home in Memphis, known the world over as Graceland.
Thousands of Elvis fans held a midnight vigil at the estate last night to mark the 34th anniversary of The King’s death.
An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 devotees from all over the world – including Japan, England and Germany – gathered at Presley’s home overnight, processing through the Presley family cemetery and leaving flowers and other mementos at the singer’s gravesite. Some even sported sideburns and pompadours in tribute to the late superstar.
The vigil is the cornerstone of “Elvis Week,” an annual celebration held at Graceland.
Personally speaking, I am a huge fan of Elvis. A good ol’ boy from Tennessee, Elvis changed everything about music and the business itself. My mother is a big Elvis fan and it was something she and I always shared. Even when we fought and were on the worst of terms we could always talk about Elvis. It was one of those things that belonged to us alone, as my father is NOT a fan and my sisters, well, they’re dumb girls who just don’t get it.
I’ll be listening to my share of Elvis today, and I recommend you do, too. His early stuff is great, but it’s his later stuff that I really enjoy. As Elvis got older and, alas, fell out of shape his voice somehow got better. It was richer and there was so much depth to it.
Rest in peace, Elvis. You’ll always be The King.
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