White Lake Township— Evidently, Elvis has not left this building.
The King of Rock 'n' Roll lives on at the Graceland Wine Shoppe today, the 34th anniversary of his death on Aug. 16, 1977, at 42.
"The King Lives Here" is painted on the store's front windows. Beyond, a green-and-white "Elvis Presley Boulevard" street sign greets visitors.
Faded movie posters, framed photographs, lamps, lunch boxes, guitar-shaped clocks, puppets, statues, busts and dolls — all in the iconic singer's image — perch atop beer coolers and line walls. Elvis' music plays nonstop from a wide-screen TV, tuned to an Elvis station.
"He is just the best there ever was — there will never be music like his again, ever," store owner and fan David Sharrak said.
And while there's no grilled peanut butter and 'nana sandwich — the star's favorite — a small menu boasts "The King Special" pizza, "The King" gyro and a sub dubbed the "Graceland Heart Stopper."
Elvis would have been 76 now, Sharrak solemnly noted, as Elvis' recording of "Peace in the Valley" filled the room.
"People have been lining up at Graceland — the real one — for days in his honor," Sharrak said. "I knew a woman who was first in line to visit on his death every year. She had Elvis tattoos up and down both arms. He means that much to people."
Sharrak was 8 when he emigrated to the U.S. from Iraq. While he had heard the name "Elvis" as a child, it didn't mean anything until he began listening to records in his new home.
In 1988, Sharrak made a pilgrimage to Graceland and started a collection he values at several thousand dollars. "This used to be the Hilltop Wine Shoppe, but in '94 I changed it to Graceland for fun," he said. His customers appreciate the store's vibe. Jason Harvesty, 23, of Pontiac, travels several miles to the store for "The King" — the gyro sandwich.
"Oh man, his gyros are the best, worth the drive," Harvesty said. "Elvis? He's cool too. 'Love Me Tender' is one of my favorites. You come here and get good food and music."
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar