Sat 21 July – 9160 steps
Songs: Walking in Memphis by Cher; Graceland by Paul Simon
It was so hot, we woke up early and set off. We arrived in Tupelo and saw the hardware shop where Elvis got his first guitar. We went on to the house that Elvis was born in. It is the original 2 roomed house, built by his father when he heard his wife was pregnant. They have now created a park around it. You start with a short video about Elvis as a boy and how he would stop on the way home to listen to the music played in the Black part of town. They have also moved the church building where the Presleys worshipped to the same park. As part of the tour they have recreated a typical service that the family would have attended and you begin to understand how the music there also influenced Elvis. It was really interesting, but my best was watching David’s reaction. He had not been exposed to Elvis as I had been as a child and was really learning about how Elvis had combined all the music from the different areas around him and changed music forever.
We drove on to Memphis, stopping at a Civil War museum. It outlined the victories of General Forrest of the South, who was a hero or villain depending on your point of view. That he was good looking (or depicted as such) and clever is not up for argument. He was one of the commanders who had no military training, but was able to think out of the box and never lost a battle. He surrendered because Robert E Lee surrendered.
We arrived in Memphis and stayed in an RV park adjoining Graceland. We took an Uber into Beale Street, a toned-down version of Bourbon street. The music was more varied, more blues. I loved it.
We walked around for a while and settled on a pub/ restaurant called Rum Boogie. The band, Free World, was excellent. Vince Johnson, a musician who has been performing on Beale street for 40 years did a guest number. We ordered a starter sampler for supper. It arrived laden with wings, smoked sausage, chicken strips, cheese, fried pickles, natchos – all so good. We then popped over to an Irish pub, Silky O’Sullivans, with dueling pianos. It was great, but a little bit too country. I preferred the music at Rum Boogie, so we returned there and danced.
David’s chuckle of the day: Kim fell asleep after 2 minutes in the video we watched about the battle of something or the other.
What I learnt: I was privileged to be raised in a home where music played a pivotal role. My oupa was a pioneer in stereo sound and took his music seriously. My dad (aka Uncle Bob), together with Uncles Doug, Ken and Harold taught me to love jazz and blues. My mom, (aka Aunty Dee) passed on her love for the classics and Elvis, for which I am ever grateful.
Kim's journey 