Goin' to Graceland!



For as long as I can remember, I have loved Elvis! I remember seeing him for the first time on B&W TV when he made his first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." However, Elvis really received his first big break in Louisiana when he was signed for a year appearing on the "Louisiana Hayride" broadcast from KWKH radio that not only spread throughout Louisiana, but 27 other states, as well! Like the rest of the world, I was devastated to hear the shocking news of his sudden, tragic death. We all mourned. Without a doubt, the entire world loved Elvis --- and especially the South which proudly claimed him as one of their own. Elvis was true to his humble Southern roots no matter how far and wide his fame brought him. "Elvis LIVES!" has been the cry of all who loved, and continue to love, the young man who grew to be the kind and generous Southern gentleman known as the King of Rock n' Roll!



The  Louisiana Hayride 1955
Ashleigh Austin's Personal Collection
(Click thumbnail for enlarged photo)


For years, traveling through Memphis, I had passed the gates of Graceland so many times, either unable to stop or just missing the available tours. In May 2002, I made a special trip to Memphis just so I could step back in time into a part of Elvis' world. It was something I had wanted to do for a very long time. I was so excited before I left, I told everyone I met,
"I'm Goin' to Graceland!"

Elvis' spirit permeates Graceland --- Elvis LIVES!



"Tribute to the King"
by K. E. Davis
1977
Gray Stone Press
(Ashleigh Austin's Personal Collection)

This is a copy of a print from a custom flyer that was given to me by the owner of an art shop in 1977, the year Elvis died. I had seen the limited print in the shop window, but it was no longer available when I went back to get it. The shop's owner informed me all prints had been sold out everywhere! So, he gave me the flyer that had a great, but small print --- nothing to compare with the gorgeous, original large print of the painting, but still very special to me! I have always felt this print was the most beautiful of all tribute paintings I have ever seen of "The King," --- it portrays his humble beginnings to his rise to fame and fortune.




CLICK HERE to see Elvis singing "If I Can Dream" 1968





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May 2002
Outside the Front Fence



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May 2002
The Famous Musical Notes Gate and Driveway into Graceland



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May 2002
Elvis' Home




CLICK HERE for "GOIN' TO GRACELAND" PAGE 2





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