The King of Rock and Roll would have been 75 on January 8, 2010. And while I just missed Elvis’s heyday as a performer, I live in a place where it is hard to escape his influence or ignore the milestone. I live in place where the King of Rock and Roll will be alive and jiving in the hearts of thousands of vigilant fans this weekend. Turn your volume on for one of my favorites!
Elvis has millions of dedicated fans and thousands of them will converge this weekend at Graceland the estate he called home. Special tours of the home, stables, and Meditation Garden where his body rests are planned. Priscilla and Lisa Marie will be on hand to speak. The first time I toured the home I felt as if I had stepped back in time.
These are the gates that lead to the mansion. This weekend the gates will open for fans to get a glimpse into the life of the man who made girls cry with his music, his eyes, and the infamous pelvic moves.
The home, once a showplace for the area, is hardly a mansion by today’s standards. Its white columns are typical of the understated elegance many southerners love. The grounds are beautiful and well-tended.
Understated elegance ends at the door. Only the downstairs is open to the public and it has been left just as it was when Elvis lived here. Elvis loved to entertain and make music with friends and fellow musicians here. That’s a console television to the left of the baby grand piano. Look at the clock hanging above the fireplace. That shape is very much back in fashion now.
The jungle room made famous by Mark Cohn’s song “Walking in Memphis” is my favorite and is said to have been Elvis’s also. This was probably his “man-cave” and yes, that is green shag carpet on the floor. I wish these walls could talk :). But, I am linking to Michael Lee West for Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. So what does Elvis have to do with food?
We have about an inch of snow on the ground today with bone chilling temperatures---a good excuse for me to stay in and nest with comfort food. I thought of what is supposed to have been Elvis’s favorite food—grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches….it’s a comfort food from my childhood too. I sliced sourdough bread and spread it with a thick mixture of peanut butter mixed with honey. Top with banana slices. Grill on top of the stove with real butter, preferably in a black iron skillet. A tall glass of cold milk goes best with this. I swear I almost heard him…..did you? Thank ya…thank ya very much.
Elvis Aaron Presley.
January 8, 1935-August 16, 1977
Click on the Foodie Friday button on the sidebar for instant transportation to see what’s cooking at Designs by Gollum. Thanks Michael!
