If you’re feeling all shook up today, there might be a good reason. It’s the 34th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, and thousands of fans gathered in Memphis today to commemorate his passing on Aug. 16, 1977.
The fans, who come from as far as Japan, customarily hold an emotional candlelight vigil outside Graceland, Presley’s mansion, with some lining up as far as a day ahead. Graceland, a major tourist attraction in Memphis, is a lot more than that to Elvis fans. It was also Presley’s sanctuary, where he was found, unresponsive, reportedly from a prescription drug overdose. And it is where he’s buried.
This year, about 30,000 fans are expected from around the globe. Next year, though, on the 35th anniversary of the King’s death, it’s estimated that the crowd will top 70,000.
According to news reports, there’s another major Elvis anniversary this year: It’s been 55 years since Presley released his first two albums. To commemorate the occasion, a five-CD set – the albums themselves, plus outtakes, rare live recordings and interviews – is to be released next month.
Presley, who was just 42 when he died, was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century pop music.
