Forty years ago today, Elvis Presley "died."

[nolabear]

20. I accidentally went to Graceland once during the week of his death observation.

I've never been a big fan but I grew up in Mississippi where "King" is meant literally. So I went.

Graceland is an interesting place. It's not really any bigger than many a "McMansion" these days. Great big house, pretty grounds and stable with recording studio, and an assemblage of museum displays, his airplane, a gift shop, etc. The Jungle Room was surprisingly kitschy and that bank of TVs was just, well, a bank of TVs. His grave is out back with Mama and Daddy, always covered with flowers and tribute, particularly then. The whole place is Mid-Century shag and avocado.

My favorite thing, though, were the pilgrims. As I said this was years ago, probably in the 90s (hey, time...) and the place was crawling with Elvis impersonators. There was Young Elvis, 1968 Comeback Elvis, White Jumpsuit and Scarf Elvis...and they weren't all convincing or young or cute, but they were all delightful in their own weird ways. My favorite was a 50-something Jumpsuit Elvis who attached himself to me in the gift shop. He looked a bit goofy but he was in full deck-out and so wouldn't dream of wearing his readers. So he followed me around, picking up items and, in character, asking me "What's this cost, Little Mama?" I managed not to snort-laugh, and when he offered to take a photo with me of course I obliged. I have no idea what happened to that photo, and I can't imagine that man being alive himself these days, and someday I won't be either, but man, it happened, and it was a hoot.

Someday we all have to leave the building, Little Mama.