Thousands of the faithful have brought their hard-earned money to our somewhat fair city this week to honor Elvis Presley. Are we grateful? Are we thrilled to be home to such a tourist magnet? Or…
(’Fess up, Memphis!) Are you sick of Elvis?
I’ll go first: I had pretty much gotten to the “Elvis is a joke” point when The King died in 1977. Now, 30 years later, I find myself singing his praises. One trip to Graceland was all it took. The evidence is there: He was generous to Memphis charities; he was clearly a talented man; he loved his momma. And OK, he was good-looking and sexy. Even “Fat Elvis” wasn’t that fat. I’ve let go of the drugs and women in favor of young, sincere Elvis — the humble returning GI who missed just about everything about his hometown.
I can’t tell you how many people I talk to around Memphis who don’t want to hear another word about Elvis. What’s your take? Do you swivel for or against Elvis?
Responses to “Elvis confessions”
August 14th, 2007 at 9:10 am
You know, I never really knew about Elvis growing up, and when we moved here, I thought he was kind of a joke. But I’ve come to love his music, respect the crossover risks he took (hey, wearing eye makeup and different clothes in 1950s Memphis had to mean something), and see him for the crazy boon he is to our town. This morning Starbucks was packed with dozens of fans from NEW ZEALAND. All hail The King!
August 14th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Have nothing against the man, his music, his charitable contributions, his love for his Mother, etc….but I am SICK TO DEATH OF THE WHOLE ELVIS PHENOMENA!!!! My church relocated to Elvis Presley Blvd and Churches of Christ typically take on the street or community they are located on or in. Of course, the decision to name it Elvis Presley Blvd Church of Christ was vetoed before it even came up for discussion. The decision was made to drop his name and just use Boulevard CoC. Hallelujah!
August 14th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Ugh. I think I’ve about been “Elvis’d out”. I was born on January 8th and share Elvis’s birthday. Every year he’s all I hear about. Enough already!
September 30th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
I just hope Elvis fans never stop coming to Memphis. OMG!! What would happen to the economy? Hotels will surely close as many restaurants downtown and around Whitehaven.
But, seriously, Elvis/Graceland brings millions of dollars in revenue to Shelby County.
The positive contributions Elvis made when he was alive were enormous and it is still is 30 years later. I’ve traveled extensively all over the world and in almost every country I visited I was asked about Elvis after the custom officials saw Memphis TN on my passport. I have never been anywhere where the name Elvis was not recognized.
Graceland is in the process of spending millions of dollars to improve the area around Graceland which since Elvis passed away has become of the worst areas in Memphis.
So, Memphians, stop whining and have a some cheese to go with that Elvis whine. 
October 1st, 2007 at 1:54 pm
My mom shares a birthday with Elvis, and my husband and I foolishly got married on the day Elvis died (thus guaranteeing no hotel rooms or services available for our anniversaries!)
I have lived here all my life, but I had never been to Graceland before I went with a friend from Germany last year. It’s kind of… small, dirty, and not that thrilling, you know? Except for the parking lot, which is humongous. It was 108 degrees the day we went and we thought we were going to die on the hike back to our car.
On the other hand, I do love Elvis himself. I love his music, his beauty and charm; I even like his movies. My grandmother, who used to dine out late at night, would tell me about sitting next to young Elvis at a food counter after a show. He had the most beautiful eyes, she said.
Just recently I picked up “King Creole” for a song at the grocery store. The music is much more adventurous than his later music. He’s young and pretty. I have a weak spot for teen rebel movies anyway. If you have a few bucks and a couple of hours to kill, I recommend it.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Oh the Elvis Love flows from every single pour (or that could be sweat, ya know, it’s hot out there)!
I didn’t “grow up” in Memphis but was transplanted here about 13 years ago (at the tender age of 16) and so I haven’t been surrounded by The King for THAT long.
LOVE him! LOVE LOVE him!
~~J