By Jane Wilson
Elvis
Heās here, on film. Dressed in full attire. White flared trousers, a gold studded belt, high collar, topped by jet black hair and side burns. The music starts and so does a journey back to Rock ānā Roll music with the King!
But for the real experience, a trip to Memphis in Tennessee to see and understand the real Elvis is a must.Ā There are no direct flights from the UK but connecting flights allow for time to explore gateway cities such as New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
On arrival, Memphis was in full swing.Ā My first experience of Beale Street was similar to an ongoing street party, alive with the buzz and strum of live music packed with music lovers and revelry. But then Memphis is the birthplace of the Blues, Rock ānā Roll and Soul and this is the world-famous Street in Memphisā lively and historic entertainment district. It certainly is colourful, and energetic, a cauldron of sights, a high octave of sounds and calorific food. The dance floor at BBKings is crammed by day and by night. Bright signs advertise āFlipping, Dipping, Sipping Ribsā, āDownHome Blues Cookināā ā each bar, each restaurant competes for attention The street is lined with drinking venues with window hatches serving spilling beers while hidden garden areas host bands of every type. But rest assured, Elvis fans, you will always be assured of hearing a rendition or two.
Memphis
Breakfast with Elvis? In downtown Memphis, make a visit to the Arcade Restaurant, the oldest cafƩ in town and made famous by its own legendary resident, Elvis. Here he enjoyed his peanut butter and banana sandwich in the cubicle next to the back door, convenient for his many quick escapes from fans. This table can be reserved, so you can eat your stacked pancakes amongst the Elvis momentos which share the table.
Elvisā lifestyle is entombed in Graceland, a 14-acre visitor attraction that has been cleverly designed to interest all ages.Ā This was his stately colonial revival-style mansion home he had built for himself and his parents which has been lovingly preserved. A tour of the mansion house comes with an audio-guided tour. I was provided with an ipad, dispalying detailed images and footage of his life with commentary by Elvis himself and his daughter, Lisa Marie. You can see where he relaxed with friends and family with a peek into his Jungle Room and into his Music Room. Most impressive, however, is his trophy room with endless record and album tributes while his movie career is also on show.
His flashy cars are exhibited in a dedicated Automobile Museum. Here you can ogle at his colourful Cadillacs, Rolls Royce Sedans,1975 Dino Ferrari, Mercedes and his John Deere tractor amongst his other wheeled vehicles and bikes. Ā To top it all, the tour leads to two custom jets, kitted out just as you would expect with goldāplated seat belts, suede chairs, leather covered tables, private phones and 24-carat gold flecked sinks.
car
The memorabilia spills out of the gift shops ā sunglasses, glitter T-shirts, mugs, pens in a range of colours and themes. There are a number of restaurants but try the Ice Cream Parlour, authentically designed in a typical diner style. The tour provides a good visual insight into the everyday life of Elvis at home and although it is very busy, the tours are well organized and thoughtfully presented.
Graceland is around 20 minutes from downtown Memphis. A free shuttle operates to serve the other music attractions which include Sun Studios and the Rock ānā Soul museum.
Sun Studios boast some of the most famous music recordings. It is Ā the location that began the careers of musical legends such as Johnny Cash, BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and The Million Dollar Quartet. In 1954, Elvis got his first start here when the owner, Sam Philips, believed in him as an artist who could perform with the energy of a blues artist but who could also reach across regional, musical and racial barriers. The museum is on the outskirts of Memphis and is very compact.Ā Tours are timed as it gets very crowded but worth it especially to witness the exact microphone spot used by legendary artists to record their music.
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The Memphis Rock ānā Soul Museum presents a chronology of musical pioneers and the barriers they overcame to create the sounds that sung the tales. Opened in 2015, the Music Hall of Fame completes a Memphis Music pilgrimage, portraying the heroes of Memphis Music.
If you like gold-plated Cadillacs take time to visit the Stax Museum of American Soul which houses Issac Hayesā motor car, complete with its fur-lined floorboards and TV. Staxās music is rooted in the sounds of Southern gospel music and was the fifth-largest African American owned business in the US during its time. It launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave among others.
Elvis was certainly a fashion icon. Studded suits, flared trousers, wide belts, high collars and draped cloaks in a range of colours. Visit the Peabody Hotel in the heart of Memphis for your own Elvis wardrobe. The Lansky family, renowned for designing Elvisās distinct style still operate the tailoring store in the hotel. The shop is like a museum with signed guitars decorating the walls while copies of Elvisā jackets, flip-collared shirts and trousers fill the sales racks. There is a guided tour around the hotel which reveal the many connections with celebrities and in particular, Elvis. It was in the hotel where Elvis attended his high school prom and in 1955 where he signed his first recording contract on Peabody headed paper. Time your visit to the Peabody Hotel to arrive for the Duck March at 11am daily.Ā This 50-year old tradition attracts international acclaim led by a dedicated Duck Master.
Elvis
Elvis lives on in Memphis from the songs belting out in Beale Street, his palatial home in Graceland, a dedicated breakfast table in downtown and even his own tailor. It is no wonder millions travel here to pay homage. And he is back here in the UK in cinemas everywhere, kindling the beloved music of the legend he was and is. And even when the film fades, Elvis impersonators will continue his legacy, performing in theatres and pubs up and down the country, complete with the signature moves and melodic voice.
Jane Wilson,
www.thewellnesstraveller.co.uk
Information on Memphis, visit http://www.deep-south-usa.com/
