Elvis for Sale

In October 2009, I visited Memphis, Tennessee for a conference. Naturally, I took a few detours to give my camera a workout, and one of them was Graceland, the estate of Elvis Presley. Recently I read online that Elvis' jets, The Lisa Marie (named after his daughter, the former Mrs. Michael Jackson) and The Hound Dog, were heading towards the auction block.



At the time I visited Graceland, the jets were on display across the street.



Takin' Care of Business, the King's trademark phrase.



The cockpit:



Purchased for $250,000 in 1975, the Lisa Marie is a Convair 880 jet from Delta Air Lines. Along with The Hound Dog, the two jets are expected to go for $10-15 million when Julien's Auctions hit the gavel.



What every tasteful home has: a gold-plated sink.



Elvis dropped another $300k on the plane's remodel, decorating it himself.



Nothing says class like plastic slipcovers.



I love the seatbelt on the bed. Would it really keep the King from rolling off?



Frankly, I'd rather have a pink cadillac.



See more Daveland Elvis Presley Graceland photos at my main website.

Screen Gem Saturdays: Elvis—The Way I Like To Remember Him

For the majority of his career, Elvis Presley was an extremely handsome slim and trim man. Sadly, he is mainly remembered today for how he looked and behaved in his final few years when he was paunchy, full of bling, and at times a little out of it. This is just as much a statement on Americans as it is on Elvis. Here are two photos on display at Graceland, which I had the pleasure of visiting last year.



An early color shot of “The King”:



A very early shot of Elvis which is on display at Sun Studio in Mempnis:



I still remember being shocked at hearing the news of Elvis’ death while I was in Junior High Music Class over 33 years ago on August 16, 1977. Like Marilyn, he is almost more famous today than he was while he was alive.

See more Elvis photos at my main website.