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August 16, 2012

Elvis Presley: 5 Ways to Pay Tribute to the King on the 35th Anniversary of His Death

Didn’t make the pilgrimage to Graceland? That doesn’t mean you can’t commemorate this milestone anniversary of Elvis’ death. Show the King you care in one of these five ways.

Though the King left the building for good 35 years ago, he lives on through his music, movies and memorabilia. (Some may say he still lives, period.)

Understandably, Graceland, once the sprawling Memphis home of Elvis Presley and now shrine/museum to the late icon, has been gearing up for months in preparation for what promises to be one of the largest remembrances of the King’s passing to date.

This year’s Elvis Week will somewhat cap off the commemorations that began with Elvis’ birthday in January, followed by various movies, cruises, tours and other observances all planned in his memory. One of the hottest tickets of Elvis Week is said to be for the already sold out 35th Anniversary Concert tonight in downtown Memphis.

But if you didn’t make it to Graceland—or any of the other remembrances this year—you can still acknowledge your devotion to Elvis’ rock ‘n roll royalty in these five ways no matter where you are.

1. Break out the blue suede shoes. Suede may be all wrong for the summer, but for such a historic event, it’s OK to throw fashion caution to the wind. Just take care that no one steps on them. Elvis would be so proud.

2. Eat a dish fit for the King. The peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich was an Elvis favorite, so much so that it’s synonymous with him. Make your own—or a variation usually found in August cooking magazines—or head to any local bakery worth its sugar for a commemorative treat.

3. Be a showstopper in sequins. Elvis’ affinity for bling was never more apparent than his infamous jumpsuit era. Don’t have a sequin jumpsuit? No problem. Even a sensible bejeweled top or accessory will make you feel close to the crooner.

4. Create your own Elvis concert. What better way to honor the King than to celebrate the tunes that made him a legend? If you don’t already have a playlist on iTunes, hop on to Spotify, plug in to Pandora or set your satellite radio to XM Ch. 19—all Elvis, all the time.

5. Plan an Elvis movie marathon. If you’re a serious fan, spend the day watching the famous hip-swiveler’s work on the big screen—31 musicals and two concert documentaries in all. Though panned by critics, the movies were better received by the King’s loyal subjects.

How will you remember Elvis today?



About the Author

Michelle Ryan
Michelle Ryan
Michelle Ryan is obsessed with good food, great shoes and Alabama football way down South in Savannah, Georgia. She hasn’t met a kitchen gadget she hasn’t at least thought about buying (trying them is another story) and devotes her time to Bikram Yoga, baking and trying to overcome long-held finicky eating habits.