Got so much to tell you about my Elvis Week. Thought I’d bore you all with some of the things I got up to and I’ll post some of my pics in a day or so when I get them onto my PC.

 

I arrived late on Saturday and just went for a quick bite to eat on Beale Street to soak up the atmosphere.

 

On Sunday, the first thing I did was take a tour of Graceland and saw the many wreaths which had arrived from fan clubs all over

the world. They were amazing! That evening, we went with the EI group to Marlowes for a charity event for St Judes where I met Joe Esposito, Patti Parry, Cynthia Pepper and Sonny West. They were all really friendly and Sonny was so charming, a lovely guy. I got to chat with Cynthia over the week and she is such a lovely lady, and she actually got to kiss Elvis during the filming of Kissin’ Cousins. I kept telling her how lucky she was. :cheer:

 

On Monday, I went to the Expo at the Convention Center. There were loads of Elvisy people there. The ones whom I met were Sam Thompson, Dick Grob, Charles Stone, Joe Moscheo, Larry Geller, June Juanico, Al Wertheimer and Bill Black’s children, Louis and Nancy. Had my photo taken by Al Wertheimer (if anyone can make me look good, he can :lol: ) and he was so nice, telling me about a gallery in Birmingham that he’d recently been dealing with. June is lovely and you can see why Elvis fell for her, and the Black children were so nice, telling me stories about their father and showing me his first and last bass guitar. Scotty Moore has always said that Elvis owed a lot of his early success, especially on stage to Bill and it was a real thrill for me to meet his family. Nancy kept saying she loved my Brummie accent! :lol:

Joe Pettruccio was there, also Sandi Miller and I bought some great photos from Keith Alverson. Lowell Hays also had a stand and on a big screen,we could watch the Insiders conference interviews that were taking place upstairs.

One of the things I saw there was the Elvis Bot, and believe me, it’s as awful in real life as it seemed when I saw it on the internet! <_<

 

That evening was so special, we went to the Music and Movies event on Graceland lawn. It was so surreal to be watching Viva Las Vegas on a huge screen with the mansion just behind us. The evening was hosted by Dale Earnhardt who is huge in the States and the Dempseys and Andy Childs put on a fantastic show on the stage. The Dempseys are a fantastic rockabilly act and they did amazing stunts with the bass!

 

Tuesday, I met up with Rik (King of Tennessee) and it was great to meet a fellow 18s poster!

Tuesday evening at the Peabody was the Good Rockin’ Show with the TCB Band, the Jordanaires, Millie Kirkham and Terry Mike Jeffrey and the TMJ Band. It was a wonderful show, and they gave us a real treat, with amongst loads of other songs, Millie and the Jordanaires doing Surrender, Indescribably Blue and Give Me The Right. The last two were ones they said that they haven’t done on stage before. :wub:

 

Wednesday was the Last Man Standing show with a host of great musicians, including Billy Swann, Bob Moore, Buddy Spicher and we were lucky to have Scotty Moore play on a couple of numbers. He can’t play a full set any longer, as, sadly, he suffers from arthritis, but he had some great stories to tell. My favourite was when he told of how they came to record Blue Moon Of Kentucky. They were desperately trying to find a B-side for That’s All Right, and just as they were about to give up, Bill started banging on the sides of his bass and singing BMOK in a high falsetto voice. Elvis just joined in, along with Scotty, and they’d found their song! It was also a kind of tribute to Boots Randolph who had been planning to be there, but of course, he sadly died recently. I was lucky enough to get hold of one of the 1000 ltd autographed CDs, The Mighty Handful, which Scotty had produced. The Grundy-Pritchard Band from England had opened the show and they were absolutely fantastic and they’ve appeared with Scotty when he’s been in Europe before

 

From there, we went down to Graceland, where they were already queuing for the Vigil in temperature of 105 degrees! I joined the line at 6.30pm, and they later closed all the lanes of EP Boulevard to traffic. At 8.30pm, they began speeches and Lisa had asked that the lights of Graceland, both upstairs and down, be switched on, as if Elvis was a home (this was the first time this has happened apparently). Elvis Country Fan Club gave the prayers and everyone lit their candles. As they played the 2007 theme song, If I Can Dream, it was very emotional. The other chosen songs were The Wonder Of You (as a time to reflect), Life (inspirational) and Can’t Help Falling In Love (everyone sang this). The Vigil then began and it was hard going with the high temperatures, but everyone was chatting with the people around them and the atmosphere was wonderful as we listened to Elvis songs. When we started up the driveway, with our candles, everyone became quiet and it was very moving. I reached the grave, just as I’m Leavin’ came on. It’s one of my favourite songs so I was thrilled. The grave was piled high with flowers and teddies and it was a very emotional moment as I stood in front of Elvis’ grave. The time was then, 1.50 am and it had taken me 7 and a half hours, but it was so worth it. The line continued for hours after I left. :wub:

 

Wednesday was such an emotionally draining day, but I was up again early on Thursday for another tour around Graceland. I was so pleased that, on this trip, the ’68 Comeback leather suit was on display and there were both of the American Eagle suits in the Racquetball Court, this year (the rehearsal one and the one Elvis wore for the actual show).It was also fantastic to see the Elvis All Access Jumpsuit display, which wasn’t there the last time I was in Memphis. The grave was literally piled high with the things that the fans had brought. I’ll post some pictures soon. B)

 

The big event on Thursday was the Concert at the Fed-Ex Forum and all 18,000 tickets were sold. I’d seen the show in Birmingham in 2005, but this one was even more incredible. I’m praying that they bring it out on DVD soon. Priscilla did say that this would be the last Elvis concert.I loved the opening with Joe, Jerry and ‘Elvis’, upstairs at Graceland preparing and George Klein meeting them at the Forum. It was incredible how they managed to make Elvis actually walk on the stage. The show was split in sections with DJ Fontana and the Jordanaires performing on the early songs, there was the film song section and of course, Vegas. How Great Thou Art blew me away with the Jordanaires, the Imperials, the Stamps, the Sweet Inspirations and Millie Kirkham all adding their vocals. I remember watching when Elvis did Bridge Over Troubled Water :wub: and I realised I loved Elvis even more after this week! Priscilla introduced her family and then they showed the video, with Lisa Marie actually coming on stage with a choir for the final verse. The actual video with the children playing with guns, was controversial, but I thought it got the message across well, and all proceeds from the downloads will go towards Presley Place in New Orleans, for those affected by the hurricane in 2005. I think she did a fantastic job, dueting with her father. A lady sitting next to me was from Memphis and she told us stories of seeing Elvis in the 50s. She was a friend of Sonny West’s sister and got to meet Elvis. She made us laugh when she told us that her 40 year old daughter has said to her, ‘Please tell me I’m Elvis’ love child!’ Her reply to her was, ‘Honey, he was the King, and I sure wish he was your father!’ I can’t begin to explain the atmosphere that night, it really was incredible with all those fantastic musicians and singers on stage, and, including a 20 minute break, it lasted over 3 hours and no one wanted it to end.

 

On Friday, I did the Essential Elvis tour of Elvis-related sites in Memphis, and I think we saw in the region of 85 sites, that day, including the Circle G ranch. That was great, and what amazed me was how small the actual ranch building is and how close it is to the road. We could see the lake and the bridge across it.There were so many places to see from studios, houses, football grounds, churches. One place we visited was one of Kang Rhee’s studios, where, in This Is Elvis, he is seen climbing the stairs with Linda Thompson and Red West. I had seen some of the places on my last trip with Mike Freeman, but Andrew Hearn was a great guy and told us loads of stories. He’s the editor of Essential Elvis, where I get my FTDs and I would recommend anyone becoming a subscriber to the magazine as he’s always so helpful if you phone him. It was great to be following in Elvis’ footsteps and on the following evening, after a visit to Sun Studios, we ate at the Rendevous restaurant, where Elvis himself liked to dine. That sure was an experience!

 

On Saturday,the Sun Studios tour, as always, is a must-do and it’s a thrill to be standing in the studio where history was made. B)

 

Apart from all this, I fitted in a fair amount of shopping and some nights on Beale Street. That place has a fantastic atmosphere and the soul band I saw in BB Kings was great. The nicest part, were all the Elvis fans about who I chatted to. There were the lucky ones who’d actually seen Elvis perform, to the really young new fans, who’ll keep this thing going. Sure, there were a few Elvis lookalikes and those taking part in the tribute contest, but whatever their reasons for being there, they were all Elvis fans and they did him proud! I consider myself so lucky to have been there for this Elvis Week. I wish every Elvis fan could get to Memphis, just once, it’s such a thrill to be in Elvis’ hometown, and I could never tire of visiting Graceland. I keep saying that I have to go back for the Birthday celebrations now! I’ll sort my photos out and try to get some up on here soon.

 

Sounded an interesting few days, Carole, meeting people who helped Elvis through his career. Good stuff B)

sounds like you had a great adventure :rolleyes:

It was a busy week :dance: Reckon I need a holiday to rest now :lol:

Here's a few of my pics ;)

 

Circle G Ranch

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-07.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-11.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-15.jpg

 

Audubon DriveThey've started doing it up and it's looking so much better now :dance:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-47.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-49.jpg

 

Shot of Sun Studios

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/17-08-2007-62.jpg

 

Before the Vigil – the Grave and the tributes which had been sent :wub:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0001-2.jpg

 

Couldn’t believe that I was actually sitting on the lawn at Graceland :dance:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0002-1.jpg

 

Bill Black’s first and last bass guitars - His children were so lovely :wub:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0003-1.jpg

 

One of the exhibits in the new Jumpsuit exhibition

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0004.jpg

 

The famous Gold suit B)

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0009.jpg

 

This is one that wasn’t on display last time, so I was thrilled to see it this year.Wow, loved the leather suit :wub: :heart:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0010.jpg

 

The Hall of Gold with all Elvis’ Gold records and the three Grammys

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0008-1.jpg

 

The night of the Vigil with the house all lit up and the grave as I arrived there at 1.50am. It was a very emotional night :wub:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0005.jpg

 

The grave the morning after the Vigil :heart:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0007-1.jpg

 

Tilly leaving her mark on the walls of Graceland (and before you ask, that's not my nose, it's a finger on my left hand :lol: but it is my big bum :o )

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0006-1.jpg

 

Here are just a couple of the things I picked up in Memphis :dance: Great mementos of a fantastic time :cheer:

 

Joe Esosito posed for a pic with me and signed this photo :D

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0011.jpg

 

June Juanico is such a lovely lady :wub:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0012.jpg

 

The Last Man Standing show was wonderful. So many great performers. It was just so sad that Boots passed away a few months ago but he’s on this great CD. One of his last performances :(

 

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http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/elvis1959/scan0013.jpg

 

Go to Scotty’s site to see a clip of this fabulous band doing I Got My Mojo Working

 

http://www.scottymoore.net/mightyhandful.html

 

I was so lucky to be able to go to the Last Man Standing show in Memphis :dance:

 

On August 15, 2007 Scotty gave what he considers to be his farewell performances in 2 shows aptly titled, "The Last Man Standing" at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN.

 

And as you’ll see in the link, Scotty's performing career started in Memphis over 50 years ago and it was only fitting that he finish it there.

 

Great memories of a wonderful show :wub:

 

http://scottymoore.net/lastmanstanding.html

 

Here's some great pics of the other fantastic show I went to at the Peabody :dance: The Good Rockin’ Tonight show. So much better than the ones I took :cheer:

 

http://www.pbase.com/jroy/goodrockin