A trip to Memphis, Tenn., is incomplete -- at least a first trip -- without a visit to Elvis' former home, Graceland. I say former home because he's dead. He has been, in fact, since 1977. But the personality of the King will forever be preserved in the gaudy home frequented by countless Elvis aficionados from throughout the world. To be sure, things at Graceland are overdone. But Elvis was the king of flashiness, a trait evident throughout his mansion. From the mirrored ceilings to the Jungle Room to the shrines to his career elsewhere, Elvis' home was all about excess.
But that's part of the fun. Few would pay the price of admission if Graceland were just like any other large home. Fans of Elvis' would come regardless of the home's contents. But without his lavish tastes, Elvis would not have earned the following he did. People are drawn to charismatic entertainers such as the King for many reasons they cannot express. Maybe they want the fame or the money or the power. I don't know the answer, either. But Elvis had all three, and throngs of loyal fans continue to prop him up as a demi-god. A trip to Graceland does nothing but confirm this.
Update: After several tries, I have successfully loaded a picture. This one needs no explanation.
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