Of course I am an Elvis fan (who isn't?), though I can't say I've ever had a desire to visit Graceland before. But how could I bypass Memphis without a stop there? Our trip may have over-filled my need for adventure, but my thirst for music was still not quenched. Perhaps a visit to Sun Studio and Graceland would take care of it once and for all.
Many big names in music got started at Sun Studio, the self-proclaimed "Birth Place of Rock N'Roll", and Elvis got his start here. He walked in and told the receptionist he wanted to make a recording of "My Happiness" for his mother. He was very nervous, paid the $4 fee - in the 50's this was worth much more than it is today - and walked out. A year later Sun Studio called him in to record a song. And so Elvis was 'discovered'. Other great men have sang at the very same mic: Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bono, and my personal favourite, David Barker (see picture!!) I couldn't resist purchasing the Million Dollar Quartet CD, an old recording of an afternoon jam session consisting of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.
I was pretty excited to see the house where Elvis lived, and I was impressed that the tour itself was not cheesy. It's hard to find words to express the feelings while taking in the sights and sounds of Elvis' life. At the end of the tour I was overwhelmed with feelings of awe and sadness at the same time... He was so lucky to be able to find, express and share his passion with the world. Through his music he connected with people everywhere. It brought him fame, fortune and adoration. But somewhere along the line this same path took a nasty turn, and the business of music swallowed him up and spat him out at the young age of 42. We left Graceland on a somber note, and hit the road for Varneyland. But at the end of the day, our fall from Graceland was an experience well worth the detour.
The mood in the car was markedly different than the mood in the car two months earlier. Nervous excitement was replaced with quiet reflections of lessons learned...
p.s. If anyone would like to borrow the CD, just let me know. I'd be happy to share it.
