GRACELAND
As we headed off to see the mansion where Elvis lived and died, it was fitting that we passed by Sun Studio in Union Avenue. It’s hard to believe that this small unassuming brownstone building was where the first ever Rock ‘n’ Roll single
was produced: “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats. Little known fact: the song was written by Ike Turner, who also played keyboards on the track. Ike would later become famous for his sparring sessions with wife Tina..
The studio quickly became the kickoff point for a staggering number of artists, and stars such as Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course Elvis Presley all recorded there.
Onto Graceland, or rather the massive “processing area” across the street. Diehard fans will love the endless series of museums, art galleries, car collections, even aircraft – and, of course, shop after shop selling any product that can have his name and/or an image upon it. Any takers for a pendulum clock shaped like Elvis in Jailhouse Rock, where the “tick, tock” are his hips swiveling…? Diesoft fans will find it all a bit over-the-top, but fun nevertheless.
There is no access to the Graceland mansion on foot and every visitor, equipped with an audio tour headset, is shuttled over the highway in a small bus. The tour itself is a guided walk through the house and outbuildings, with the Jungle Room a highlight, although the Pool table room is also stunning. Next door to the mansion, the Trophy Building brings home the extent of Presley’s fame with exhibits spanning decades from all over the globe.
Final stop is the Meditation Garden, which was infinitely more restful than anticipated. The centerpiece gravestone to Elvis is of course the highlight, but look out for a far smaller stone to the right - a poignant memorial to Jessie Presley, the King’s stillborn twin brother…
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