Day 12 – Memphis , Tennessee
Simply put – it was a fun day. We met up with Ben and a friend at the hotel last night and visited. This morning his friend left to return to Wisconsin Graceland and Elvis sightings were the big goal of the day and they were easily accomplished.
Sadly, without proof of age, Jack and I got a senior discount on our tickets. But after that it was all good. We toured the Graceland mansion home of Elvis. In some ways the house is a simple floor plan. But with the Elvis influence it as anything but traditional. The house is grand and elegant and flamboyant in a way that could only be Elvis’ house. Each room or area of the property has a distinctive look. You definitely feel that people lived and played in this house.
I’d forgotten how prolific his recording career had been until I saw the countless gold and platinum records that covered the walls. Memorabilia from his movie career was also on display – he’d made something like 30 movies. The tour ends at a meditation garden complete with fountain and statues and the burial site of Elvis. Flowers and other memorials arrive from all over the world at Graceland daily and are put on display around the meditation area.
He certainly was a mover and a shaker during his time. He brought a new music to the world that integrated blues, gospel and early rock and roll. He influenced a generation with his music and his style. Lesser know is his tremendous financial generosity to friends and organizations.
We had fun going down memory lane to a time when we were younger and peeking into the life of one of our generation’s musical icons.
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