Memphis stopover was all about going to Graceland! I promised mum I would come here for her and make the pilgrimage on her behalf. Mum is a great Elvis fan, carries Elvis with her everywhere in an old tattered bag and also has a huge Elvis poster over her bed! The 50s were all about Elvis and she loved him....I can still remember her reaction in 1977 when Elvis suddenly died at only 42....she was grief stricken and in shock. I grew up hearing his music, although not a real fan, but I can remember buying his single "Burning Love" as a teenager.

Graceland was a real surprise. If you looked beyond the commercialisation and saw it as a museum, then one could not fail to be impressed by an artist who shaped music and popular culture in his lifetime. Elvis is legend status, purely by the number of record sales, awards, shows, movies, charitable gifts, and his legacy in the music industry. The trophy room was astonishing, floor to ceiling awards on every award. He has still sold more singles than any other artist. I found it incredible that more people watched his Las Vegas return to show business than those who watched Armstrong walk on the moon! I watched Armstrong. Elvis still holds the record of 2 shows a day for 30 consecutive days in Las Vegas. He revolutionised entertainment in Vegas and his elaborate star beaded white jumpsuits became his trademark.

His home, although described as a mansion, certainly was not gigantic. It was not as big as Oak Alley in New Orleans and would be considered small by today's entertainers. What was impressive about his home was the decor, just brilliant colours and furnishings. Yellow, purple, red, blue were all used in vibrant ways. The animal room with all its skins, ornate carved wood and artifacts reminded me of my parents home. It was a period piece of the 70s, not gawdy but strangely refined and exquisite. Stunning in so many ways by its simplicity, and yet its opulence.

The meditation garden was a grave site, the final resting place for Elvis, his parents and his paternal grandmother. A small place of contemplation with a beautiful garden.

The car museum was excellent. Yes, the pink Cadillac was there, as well as, at least a further dozen cars from Rolls Royce to Chevrolet. They were in pristine condition. There was also an aeroplane museum, with 2 planes on display. We went inside the Lisa Marie and saw what money could buy - gold fittings, leather lounges, bedroom and sitting rooms. It is certainly not the type of plane travel I have, nor will ever, experience!

I bought mum a new Elvis bag from Graceland, a wallet and a key ring! I bought for myself his complete collection of Gospel music.