Thursday, January 08, 2009

Saluting the King

It isn't exactly a milestone, but today would have been the 74th birthday of Elvis Presley — if he hadn't died more than 31 years ago.

"The King" still has millions of admirers, many of whom will mark the anniversary of his birth in their own ways.

For some, according to CMT News, Presley's birthday is an occasion to visit his birthplace in Tupelo, Miss.

The "shack" where Presley was born was constructed by his father, with help from Presley's grandfather and uncle, in 1934, says CMT News. The house was purchased by the city and restored — in fact, just about everything about the house is better than it was in 1935, when Elvis and his stillborn twin brother were delivered. It even has a bathroom and electricity now.

Everyone seems to be getting into the act for Presley's birthday.Priscilla Presley, Elvis' ex-wife, will be at Elvis' Graceland home in Memphis tonight and will share her thoughts on CNN at 8 p.m. (Central).

What about Elvis' only child, Lisa Marie? Well, lately, she's been busy defending her friends, John Travolta and Kelly Preston (following the death last week of their 16-year-old son) and her faith, Scientology, in her blog. I haven't heard whether Lisa Marie (who turns 41 next month) will be at Graceland tonight.