Memphis Tennessee

I Was All Shook Up….. I could hardly believe I was crossing the famous Mississippi River into Memphis and that tomorrow I would be visiting Graceland.

Memphis

Although Memphis was not a frozen landscape like most places further north we were experiencing a near freezing day which made walking around town and catching the trolley a bit nippy. So when the wind blew snow flurries into our faces at the Welcome Centre we decided to drive out to the State Park to take some time reading the brochures while nice and cozy inside Dude.

Welcome Centre

Shake, Rattle and Roll…..was the only way to describe our drive over the pot holed road so when we arrived at the State Park to find an overpowering boggy smell we promptly drove back into Memphis.

With thoughts of our Graceland visit tomorrow we called in to enquire about parking Dude and as luck would have it they had their own RV Park next door so we booked in for the next 3 nights.

With everything falling into place we could now feel the strong pull of the blues. So wearing our thermals, beanies and jackets we ventured into the heart and soul of Memphis…. Beale Street. 

Blue sky ....and Blues Music

Beale Streer

As daylight faded the live music from the various Clubs, Bars and restaurants vibrated into the street creating a wonderful atmosphere.

We found ourselves being drawn, by the amazing sounds, into BB Kings Blues Club.

As we entered there was standing room only and I had never heard such great live music, acoustics with ambiance to match. When the band took a break the crowd thinned leaving us a prime spot to sit close the stage.

We drank beer and Motown Margaritas while Will Tucker and BB Kings All Stars played. Boy this 19 year old kid could play a mean guitar……!! It was totally awesome. 

Will Tucker

Our stomachs were grumbling and with more to explore we left in search of food and more live music.

Just across the street at the King’s Palace a gentleman was playing soft blues ……excellent. We enjoyed a platter for two of local cuisine and red wine soaking up the sounds.

I left Beale Street thinking what it must have been like in the 50’s and 60’s with so many great musicians playing on the streets….BB King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, Johnny Cash and so many others.

Like so many other people I remember where I was when Elvis died and to be here visiting Graceland seemed unreal. With tickets in hand we were shuttled by bus to the mansion where I experienced some unexpected emotion with tears rolling down my face.

Graceland

Inside the Mansion time has stood still with everything remaining as it was in the 70’s. 

Among the many interesting things was the pool table room that was covered wall to wall and ceiling with material and the jungle room with interesting dark wood furniture and green floor to ceiling carpet.

Pool Table Room

Jungle Room

It was incredible to see his display of Gold and Platinum awards, of which 12 of the Gold awards displayed were from record sales just from Australia. There were also many of his touring outfits showcased.

Wall to ceiling....displays of awards

Back yard of Graceland

We walked through the Racquetball Building where he passed away.

The Mansion tour ended via his final resting place in the tranquil Meditation Garden….. to think he purchased this Mansion at 22 , died at 42, made 29 movies, did National Service …..he certainly packed a lot into those 20 years. Interestingly though he never performed outside the US.

Meditation Garden

Back across the road we toured his custom jets, one of which was the first privately owned, as John called it “flying apartment” complete with lounge room, dining room and bedroom. Interesting that the bed had to have a seat belt, a 24 carat gold one at that, as required by the FAA.

Private Jet

TheJets  Bedroom and John  reading about
  the 24 carrot seat belt

We then toured his car museum that included his famous pink Cadillac.

Pink Cadillac

Late in the day we watched his 1968 come back concert and his Hawaii by satellite concert that displayed his American Eagle outfit worn during the show. Amazingly the cape he threw into the audience was returned when the owner past away.

American Eagle Outfit

We walked back to our camp ground around 4 pm just as the Park was closing reflecting on our day of “all things Elvis”.

That night we were rocked to sleep by strong winds, lightning, thunder and heavy rain.