Graceland, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Opryland

There were many men with 'Elvis' hairstyles at Graceland. We resisted taking pictures of them. It's the only house that I've been in with carpet on the walls and ceiling. Lots of mirrors. Three televisions in the basement room, so that Elvis could watch all three news programmes at once, just like Lyndon Johnson did. More decoration on the displayed jumpsuits than on your average Anglican chasuble. Jumpsuit copies available, at a starting price of $2000 (the question being when would one actually wear such a thing?). There are gift shops galore, where any memorabilia one can imagine is available. We bought nothing.

After three hours we were exhausted by all the Elvis paraphernalia. What I find curious is the way he seems to be worshipped. Elvis, in spite of his flaws, was immensely gifted and a philantropist. He was also a person with a faith in Jesus. I wonder if he would be be appalled or pleased by the way his memory has been turned into such a huge moneyspinner.

In Nashville, we've visited the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame. It's a fascinating series of exhibitions and it's possible to see people working in the archives. Of particular interest to me was the display on the life and work of Hank Williams and his family. Another immensely gifted but flawed man.

We've also looked at the spectacular Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It's a must-see in Nashville. The Gospel Music Workshop of America are holding their annual convention there at present. The range of goods being sold in the sellers' hall was simply staggering. I discovered albs and cassocks of much magnificence (or is ir tackiness?). Rhinestones optional.

GV Brother flys home tomorrow. We stay on for another week, with visits to Yvonne Mildred in Charlotte, great friends in Sumter, SC and the mountains of North Carolina lined up. We hope to white water raft and hike a little before I preach on Sunday at Holy Comforter, Sumter. Then it's a long drive back to Chicago for our flight home.

Comments

[Beat Attitude]

Great to keep updated on your hols GV. SOunds like a lot of fun.

[ryan]

I remember hearing of Elvis, fearful Christian, asking Jerry Lee Lewis if rock n roll was the tool of the devil and Lewis responding that he thought Elvis *was* the devil. This is going back a bit, but I recall reading an interesting book (by Grail Marcus?) on Christ/Elvis parallels in popular US culture.

Glad to see that my prayer have been answered and that you're finally becoming a fan of gaylord(s)!

(sorry ;-))

[Allan]

Hi GV enjoying your Bill Bryson travelblog...

I've just ordered a mini headphone amp online, its being shipped from Memphis - can you pick it up ?