Elvis, Always the King

 

Today in 1977, Elvis Presley left this world but left a lasting impression that is never to be forgotten. Since I was a little girl, I have always loved Elvis. His style, his music, his Graceland home, everything about him I've always been fascinated with. When I finally made a pilgrimage to Memphis, it was everything I thought it would be. I was even lucky enough to return for Elvis Week. Every year since then I when Elvis week begins, I always wish I could be back in Memphis celebrating his life and legacy.

Elvis Week begins a week before the death of Elvis and culminates on the day of his death with the candlelight vigil. Thousands of people flood the gates of Graceland and make their way to the meditation garden which is home to Elvis' resting place. Holding candles and paying their respects this event brings in tons of fans and is broadcast live on the internet.

While I can't attend this years celebrations. I'm still thinking of the King of Rock n' Roll today! You can see all of my love and previous Elvis Week posts on Elvis here. You'll also see my Elvis Christmas tree! In the meantime here's my top 5 Elvis songs...

My Way

Kentucky Rain

Burning Love

Always On My Mind

If I Can Dream

The Elvis Presley Christmas Tree

I love a good theme tree. I already have a movie tree, candy tree, travel tree and a beach tree. What else do I love? Elvis! Naturally it was time for me to create an Elvis themed tree. I went about collecting ornaments for it all year leading up to the holiday season and even ordered a new tree to celebrate Elvis. The tree I got to show off all my ornaments is the 7 foot Gold Pencil Tree...

I was a little nervous because I've never had a pencil tree. But once I got it out of the box and started to fluff it up, I knew I had made the right choice! I personally think it looks fabulous and Elvis made it even more gorgeous! For the garland I wrapped the tree in this music sheet ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

I love how this tree turned out! Elvis had so many different looks and styles so I can't wait to keep adding to this tree year after year. I love capturing all of his jumpsuits so those are a must! I think I'll head the Elvis online shop right now...

 

Don't you just love Elvis?!

Elvis & Charlie

You may have never heard this name before but you've probably seen him in photos.

His name was Charlie Hodge and he was one of the privileged to be one of Elvis' closest friends. They met in 1955 briefly when Charlie was playing guitar in a musical group. In 1958, they were both stationed at Fort Hood together in the Army. They quickly became good friends and at Elvis' request they were placed in the same area and were both sent to Germany.

 

Once they left the army, Charlie came back to the States with Elvis. He moved to Graceland and  began playing back up guitar for Elvis. He also went to Hollywood with Elvis while he filmed movies. Charlie was given many back ground parts. When Elvis' daughter was born Charlie was there and got to be one of the first people to hold her.

 

When Elvis went to make his comeback appearance in 1968, Charlie was there to support him on the intimate stage. He played guitar and back up vocals. Once the comeback launched Elvis in to performing full time again, he brought Charlie with him to Las Vegas for his sold out shows and then again on the road.

 

In one concert, Elvis took off his guitar and threw it behind him. Luckily, Charlie was there to catch it. Afterwards, Elvis was so impressed he started incorporating it into the act.

Charlie was present and behind the scenes for all of Elvis' major life events. He was there performing in Las Vegas, on the road, movies, etc. He even had a permanent room in all of Elvis' homes. He lived in Elvis' homes for more than 15 years.

The Memphis Mafia (which was Elvis' bodyguards and closest friends) say that Charlie was one of the few people who truly cared for Elvis. Charlie was one of the people who didn't need gifts or expensive things from Elvis. He really cared about his friendship. He remained by Elvis until the end. Charlie and Elvis were real friends. Charlie was also asked to be a pallbearer by Vernon for his funeral.

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Riding In Style

Elvis was famously known for his on stage performances and his lavish lifestyle. He worked hard so he could play hard. He would splurge on fancy clothing, shiny jewelry and sweet rides. What comes with a lavish lifestyle? Automobiles! Let's look at some of Elvis' most famous cars and get a glimpse into those sweet rides.

In 1955, Elvis bought a Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60. The car was originally blue but he had a neighbor paint it pink with a white top. He gifted this car to his mother and it is widely known and probably his most famous vehicle. He was very quick to point out that this was his mother's car.

The most surprising car in Elvis' collection was a three wheeled car called the Messerschmitt. The car was German built and had a bubble. He kept this car for a few years and later traded it to the famous Lansky brothers for a shopping spree in their clothing store. He was allowed to shop in the store alone for a few hours and take whatever he liked.

The 1969 Mercedes Benz Pullman is one of the few cars that Elvis bought and kept. This car can currently be seen on display at Graceland. Elvis rode around this car and could fit multiple people inside it with him.

 

In 1961, Elvis celebrated a 5 year contract in the motion picture business by going out and buying a Rolls Royce. He was in Beverly Hills and had the car shipped back to Graceland. The glossy paint distracted his chickens on the Graceland grounds and the chickens pecked at the paint. Elvis had to have the car repainted several times.

 

The last car that Elvis was photographed in was his 1973 Stutz Blackhawk III. He had owned three different Stutz vehicles before owning this one. One was in a wreck and then just placed into storage. This 1973 car was one that Elvis kept for years and loved. It is also the last car that he was ever seen driving before his death in 1977.

In addition to cars Elvis bought motorcycles, ski mobiles, golf carts and bikes. He loved to ride around the grounds of Graceland in style. He also owned two airplanes: the Lisa Marie and Hound Dog. The Lisa Marie was a cross country plane that could hold a large group of people. This plane became a great investment to Elvis when he started touring across the country in concerts.

 

The Hound Dog is smaller but very colorful on the inside.

 

That's just a sampling of Elvis' car collection but you can get an idea of how much he loved his toys!

Graceland: The Grounds

Now that you've seen the inside of Elvis' home, let's take a look at the extensive Graceland grounds. The grounds not only hold the mansion and the racquetball court but also a detached office, horse stables, pool and the meditation garden. There is also a large carport and detached trailers on the property. After Elvis' death the church was bought next door to the property and it is now the Chapel in the Woods where couples can be married.

Let's start at the pool. Located right in front of the Meditation Garden and connected to the house, the Graceland pool is enclosed in black wrought iron fencing with stamped concrete. Elvis loved to be in the pool and work on his tan. This was also a favorite area of Lisa Marie and Priscilla.

The Meditation Garden was built in 1964-1965 by Elvis. He considered this area of his property a place to go for contemplation. He would go to this area to think and spent time. This area has a large fountain, stained glass windows and benches. It is also the resting place of Elvis and other members of his family. An eternal flame is also at his grave.

Elvis & Priscilla in the Meditation Garden

 

 

 

Across from the meditation garden you can see the vast grounds.

 

On the far side and near the front of Graceland you will find the Chapel hidden in the woods.

 

You can get married in the chapel and then take your wedding photos in front of Graceland. As you can see, the grounds are extensive and Elvis really built on to the original house once he bought it. He made this house into a home and the grounds fit his needs. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Graceland, I highly recommend it.

Elvis Tribute Artists

We've all seen at least one person impersonating Elvis Presley. Most people think of Elvis impersonators in Las Vegas standing on the strip taking photos with people in their jump suits. However, Elvis Tribute Artists are in a whole different world. These guys are performers. Their real fans of Elvis who honor him each time they take the stage. They've learned his mannerisms, his music, his appearance and his voice. They've dedicated their singing abilities to belting out Elvis songs.

Every year at Elvis Week, Elvis Presley Enterprises hosts the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists Contest. To be eligible to compete during Elvis Week each tribute artists must have won a prequalify contest throughout the year at one of the many contests held across the nation. Around 30 performers come to the stage and in preliminary and semifinal rounds they are narrowed down to the top 10. The top 10 performers are then narrowed down in the finals until one single ETA stands as the winner.

The winner gets recognized by Elvis Presley Enterprise, $20,000 cash, a ETA contest belt and a contract to perform for Legends In Concert. They also receive several other valuable prices. I've been fortunate enough to sit front row for these concerts and it really is amazing how much some of the performers sound and act like Elvis. The judges have a difficult time narrowing down the field. They judge them on Vocals, Style, Stage Wear and Stage Presence.

While there are hundreds and thousands of ETA out in the world, these are some that I've seen perform...

Ben Klein

Cody Slaughter winner of the EPE ETA 2011

Pete Storm

Gordon Hendricks

Ben Portsmouth winner of the EPE ETA 2012

David Allen

 Kevin Mills

Lou Vuto

Eddie Miles

Pete Wilcox

All of these guys were great in concert. I've seen a lot of Elvis Tribute Artists but these guys take the cake. If you ever get a chance to attend the ETA contest or any of the preliminary competitions, I strongly urge you to go! They are so much fun and the guys really are talented!

Graceland: Racquetball and Records

In 1975, Elvis had a racquetball court built on the Graceland grounds. Sitting right beside the house and with a covered walkway. Elvis enjoyed playing racquetball in his leisure time. In addition to the court, he also built a sitting area with leather couches, a bar and a piano. There was also a few gym pieces in that area. The racquetball area is also where Elvis spent his last few hours before his death and the location of where he played the piano and sang for the last time.

The racquetball building is a multi level building. When you first walk in you are greeted with his workout equipment, couches and bar. Once you go down a few steps, you see the piano and more couches, passing through the doorway you enter the racquetball court. The colors of the racquetball area were all done in tans, browns and white to make you feel like you were part of a Gentlemen's Club.

 

There is an upper floor to the building but it is off limits to the public. The stairs are located near the bar.

After Elvis' death, the Racquetball court was turned into a place that could house Elvis' records and feature several jumpsuits. The rest of the building remains unchanged and original back to the day that Elvis died. On the ipad tour you can see some photos of the upstairs.

If you think that there's a lot of records in the racquetball court location then you are in for a shock! Other areas of the main house have been turned into a place to store and show off Elvis' achievements. In 1957, Elvis did major renovations on Graceland to create a two tiered patio. Then in the 1960s Elvis had the upper area enclosed and made it into a recreation area. At the time he used the area to house a large electric slot car track. Now that area shows off more of Elvis' accomplishments. It shows his life through photos, awards and houses his Grammy.

The Graceland Mansion is preserved in its original state except for these two areas. It also lets the world see a large part of the accomplishments he achieved in his life.