Friday we stopped at Graceland RV Park and Campground in Memphis. Yes, it was right next to Graceland.. Similar to Yogi, there are shuttles to get us
to downtown and attractions, so there was no need to battle for parking. Sun
records runs free shuttle for its studio tours, then will drop passengers off near Beale Street. Evening shuttles
were $10 round trip: cheaper than gas and parking. We enjoyed an evening walk on Beale Street,
pausing wherever the music was our new favorite. It was a happening place: hoards of people walking and enjoying the mixtures of music in all of the bars. B.B. King's was a popular spot, as well as Jerry Lee Lewis' place..
With the help of a local inebriant we located
the world famous Rendezvous restaurant in a well lit alley. We split their BBQ ribs and BBQ shoulder combo. The Rendezvous is known for ribs.
These were cooked nice and dry but a little hot for Beth. Service was exemplary. Talk on the shuttle back to the campground
turned to “What were you doing when news of Elvis death broke?” It was like the day the world stood still. Beth and I were relieved that the question was not directed toward us. Neither of us had an answer!
Saturday, we took the free shuttle and toured Sun
Records, the recording studio where Elvis was discovered. Sam Phillips, the owner, sold his contract to RCA for $35,000 before Elvis had a #1 hit--in the 50's that was a chunk of change. He went on to discover Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Ray Orbison. Elvis, Cash, Lewis, and Perkins are shown jamming in the wall photo.
Sun Records makes a case for being the birthplace of rock n roll. More contemporary performers still record there to capture the sound in the original recording room. Instruments used in the room were used by artists recording there. This drum set was used here by U2.
Later we took the full tour of Graceland.
Neither of us are Elvis fans, but when in Rome.... I will have to admit it was impressive to see the house, all his gold records and awards, his outlandish stage costumes from his Las Vegas days, and his cars.
But I'm Beth) still not an Elvis fan. Bill: I like a lot of Elvis music: Can't Help Falling in Love, My Way, and A Little Less Talk (great aerobics song). We left, drove a ways and over-nighted at a truck stop outside of Little Rock. Our first boon-docking.
.
Sun Records makes a case for being the birthplace of rock n roll. More contemporary performers still record there to capture the sound in the original recording room. Instruments used in the room were used by artists recording there. This drum set was used here by U2.
Later we took the full tour of Graceland.
Neither of us are Elvis fans, but when in Rome.... I will have to admit it was impressive to see the house, all his gold records and awards, his outlandish stage costumes from his Las Vegas days, and his cars.
But I'm Beth) still not an Elvis fan. Bill: I like a lot of Elvis music: Can't Help Falling in Love, My Way, and A Little Less Talk (great aerobics song). We left, drove a ways and over-nighted at a truck stop outside of Little Rock. Our first boon-docking.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment