Memphis, Tennessee
Marc Cohn’s hit song “Walking in Memphis” had a few lyrics that resonated with me when I was writing about Memphis, and I realized that a significant reflection on the city was missing, which is why I added this post.
“Saw the ghost of Elvis, On Union Avenue, Followed him up to the gates of Graceland, Then I watched him walk right through”
The Ghost of Elvis is everywhere in Memphis. Although Elvis died almost 50 years ago, his hold on the city is eternal. Elvis first moved to Memphis from Tupelo, Mississippi, at the age of 13, and Memphis remained his home until his passing at 42. Today, his grave is at Graceland, regardless of the reports of any supermarket tabloids.
It is impossible to avoid Elvis in most places in town. His image is featured on many items found in gift shops throughout the city. Elvis made his name at Sun Records, and the museum is home to several artifacts related to his life and career. Elvis’s home, Graceland, is one of the top international draws to the town. Much like Marc Cohn, I only followed Elvis to the gates of Graceland. One day, I’d like to visit, but for now, I’ll let Elvis have fun with his pretty little thing down in the Jungle Room.
Elvis passed away a couple of years before I was born, but his life continues to capture the imagination of fans from around the globe. I remember being in Memphis once on Elvis’s birthday, January 8, so I called the biggest Elvis fan that I knew, my Uncle Boyden, from the gates of Graceland. He was happy to hear from me, but I could tell how much Elvis still meant to him from when he started listening to him as a young boy.
Elvis was flawed, like all humans, but his kind heart, good nature, and enormous talent are still celebrated throughout Memphis. His ghost is everywhere in Memphis if you take the time to look.
