His Truth Goes Marching On: Elvis Presley and the Pilgrimage to Graceland

Abstract

Passing through the United States, from Nashville to Memphis, the traveller is made increasingly aware of the name of Elvis Presley and of the pilgrimage routes leading to his grave. From motel to museum Elvis’ name is emblazoned in lights and his image garlanded with flowers. This is Elvis Presley International Tribute Week and fans from all over the world are greeted on banners and in shop front displays. They gather in cafes and hotels; they travel, like pilgrims everywhere, singly or in groups, in a spirit of devotion, with a feeling of solidarity with other devotees, for the pleasure of the journey and in unspecified hope. Travelling is as much a part of the process as arriving and whilst there are those, like singer/songwriter Paul Simon, who find the anticipation of the journey to Graceland more full of mystery and hope than the shrine itself, most do not seem disappointed in what they find and, as soon as they arrive, are already making plans for ‘next year in Graceland’.