Went to Graceland about 10 years ago as part of a visit to Memphis. Expected kitsch, which we saw, but also was blown away by realizing his impact on the world and fame's impact on him. Ultimately such a sad story. On another note, if you didn't get a chance to visit the Staxx Museum, it's worth another trip. Amazing storytelling and experience! https://staxmuseum.org/
Loved this column, James! If you haven't read them yet, you MUST read the 2 biographies of Elvis by Peter Guralnick, Last Train to Memphis is about Elvis' early life and the rise of his career. If you're at all interested in Elvis, it's not to be missed. The second, Careless Love, is about the last part of his life. Also very well written, but as to be expected, pretty depressing.
My husband and I saw Elvis perform twice - once at Assembly Hall in Bloomington around '73 0r '74, and the last concert in Indy. The first concert was great. You described the last one perfectly. Elvis was such a mess, but his voice was magnificent. I, too, feel sad when I think about him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your experience at Graceland.
Thank you! I’ve finished Last Train to Memphis and am on Careless Love now! Incredible work by Guralnick. He also has a new book on Elvis and Tom Parker.
You are such a good writer. You can write about politics or music or crazy stuff in the state of Indiana and Indianapolis, and your powerful arguments really resonate with me, not to mention your sense of humor, and your courage to write the things you do in a red state. Kudos.
Went to Graceland about 10 years ago as part of a visit to Memphis. Expected kitsch, which we saw, but also was blown away by realizing his impact on the world and fame's impact on him. Ultimately such a sad story. On another note, if you didn't get a chance to visit the Staxx Museum, it's worth another trip. Amazing storytelling and experience! https://staxmuseum.org/
Loved this column, James! If you haven't read them yet, you MUST read the 2 biographies of Elvis by Peter Guralnick, Last Train to Memphis is about Elvis' early life and the rise of his career. If you're at all interested in Elvis, it's not to be missed. The second, Careless Love, is about the last part of his life. Also very well written, but as to be expected, pretty depressing.
My husband and I saw Elvis perform twice - once at Assembly Hall in Bloomington around '73 0r '74, and the last concert in Indy. The first concert was great. You described the last one perfectly. Elvis was such a mess, but his voice was magnificent. I, too, feel sad when I think about him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your experience at Graceland.
Thank you! I’ve finished Last Train to Memphis and am on Careless Love now! Incredible work by Guralnick. He also has a new book on Elvis and Tom Parker.
I hadn't heard about the new book. I just pre-ordered it. Thanks for the tip!
You are such a good writer. You can write about politics or music or crazy stuff in the state of Indiana and Indianapolis, and your powerful arguments really resonate with me, not to mention your sense of humor, and your courage to write the things you do in a red state. Kudos.
Thank you so much! That’s so nice of you to say! I appreciate you subscribing and reading!