How
quickly time passes by when it seems like only yesterday Elvis A
Presley was alive and passionate performing for his frenzied and devoted
fans everywhere! Here on the 35th anniversary of his death ElvisWeek in
Memphis,Tn not only eulogized the KING but also people came from
around the world to celebrate new life with the fans, musicians,
neighbors, actors, relatives…..who knew him or of him to say the
least! How could one not feel such closeness to a person that not only
changed the entertainment world, but culture as well….how fascinating
that one man could bring all the
people together this way…share the love and use others to light the
way for those who could not attend such a moving, inspirational week
long event!The candlelite vigil solely for me not only wrapped up
the weeklong celebration but was the real reason to come back
here…. this time I had the honor to attend not only as
a guest Elvis Memorablia Club but also as a performer…to particpated
in the candlelite vigil …a moving experience to proudly stand honor
guard! Several fan clubs gathered at Graceland driveway and stood as
prepared for the ceremonial lighting of the vigil candles …. The
sound of IF I CAN DREAM lyrics, music filled the warm summer breeze as
everyone stood in silent reflection of not only why the gathered here;
but also pay reverant homage to
the memory of Elvis Aaron Presley!
The Clarion Hotel became the
host and hub for Elvis collectors, authors, artists, performers,
actors, also offering day and night entertainment.Most collectors
boasted about their rare artifacts of Elvis photos, cards,
records,ect….One outstanding addition was the hand-crafted guitars on
display in the lobby. Each one was carefully design with Elvis theme
including clip art of Elvis photos, mounted pieces of jewlery mini
micrphone and a tiny plastic retro TV set with a battery operated on n
off switch! All of that including tiny clocks attached(with crazy
glue!) to the wood framework of the actual guitars handpainted in 3D
effect….six of them….white/gold, blue/black red/silver one guitar
you could see Elvis face photo inside the hole(opening)!
Here
too I spent time with MarlynMason co starred
with Elvis in Trouble With Girls (not only as her guest with spent
week together!) but also for autograph signings and photo sessions. Fender.com
had a presentation along tent area Graceland Crossing where I did a
promo sign & play guitar in my PinkLadyElvis jumpsuit ( a gift
from my cousin Mary Stonebraker we are kin with Elvis’s mother Gladys
side of the family Smith) there I also strolled the trailer park
& picnic area photo shoot too!
The Arcade Restaurant near Memphis
train station where Elvis actually dined was my inspiration for my
song AN ELVIS TEAR…. recalling as if it were yesterday the tear
stained window and when I left the restaurant it rain on only one side
of the street! The sun shone brightly on the other side that day!
Here was birthed my
idea: AN ELVIS TEAR
The Memphis sun shone sunny that
Southern sky was blue & clear then something strange &
funny behind a raincloud appeared I thought I felt a raindrop but
it quickly disappeared it must have fallen from HEAVEN …..AN ELVIS
TEAR………that I had actually written 15 years ago along with ROSES
ON THE PIANO & performed at the Peabody Charity event then
during Elvis Week….here as if by Divine appointment I was truly
blest to have returned again to Memphis as ElvisLilSister……..(
perhaps the sister he never or almost had)
More about AmyBethParravano at Facebook.com/AmyBethParravano
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www.cdbaby.com/amybeth4 & PeridotRecords.com Myspace.com/ElvisLilSister