Everlasting Elvis: Fans, tribute artists gather to honour icon
Thousands of Elvis Presley fans have descended on Memphis, Tenn. this week to celebrate the life of the iconic singer and, on Thursday, to mark the 30th anniversary of his death.
Each year, fans queue for a candlelight vigil at his former home Graceland and partake in a solemn procession past the singer’s grave in a small garden on the sprawling estate.
Officials from Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages Graceland, anticipate a particularly large crowd for this year’s vigil Wednesday night, despite the serious heat wave that has enveloped the region. In 2002, the 25th anniversary of Presley’s death, organizers estimated that more than 30,000 fans gathered for the vigil.
Presley, who died at Graceland on Aug. 16, 1977, has remained a musical icon, with many giving credit to the efforts of his ex-wife Priscilla Presley, who helped open Graceland to the public as a sort of museum and pushed to license the pioneering rock and roller’s name and image.
For instance, the world renowned Cirque du Soleil has been working on an Elvis-themed permanent show to join its many others in Las Vegas.
As well, Presley was recently edged out of the top spot in Forbes’s top-earning dead celebrity list, with grunge icon Kurt Cobain pushing the King, who earned $42 million US in 2006, down to second place. Presley had topped the list since its inception.
Special concert planned
Memphis has spent the past week hosting Presley-related events. Aside from an Elvis conference, highlights on the schedule include a special concert featuring his former backup singers and band who will perform alongside video footage of the King and a massive competition of international Elvis tribute artists.
After years of resistance to the “Elvis impersonator” phenomenon, Graceland will also host the finale of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest on Friday. Jay Zanier of Guelph, Ont., is among the top 10 finalists vying for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2007.
Lisa Marie Presley, who has since followed in her father’s footsteps as a singer, and the AOL website Spinner.com have also announced the release of a duet featuring father and daughter singing his famous song In the Ghetto.
Timed for release during the 30th anniversary celebrations, the song’s music video will be posted online Friday along with an interview with the Presley, 39, about the project.
“We had two hours to lay down my vocals,” she said about the remixed track.
Presley admitted she cried when a rough version of their combined voices was first played back for her the following morning.
“I’ve never cried when I’ve done anything,” she said, “but I just lost it when I heard it.”
Proceeds from the new song and video will be earmarked to groups helping build temporary housing for the homeless in New Orleans, Presley said.
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