Elvis Presley anniversary: Fans cherish The King 40 years after his passing

For almost 40 years they have been able to make a solemn procession past his grave at Graceland during the annual candlelight vigil commemorating his death, without paying a penny.

And according to Elvis Presley’s step-brother David E. Stanley, The King of Rock and Roll would have gone on to be an Oscar victor had he not died suddenly at 42.

Many people came to Graceland in their most festive Elvis attire, some like Paul Royse had the king’s wardrobe matched perfectly. The vigil runs through Wednesday and this time fans had to purchase an Elvis Week Property Pass wristband to be allowed to walk up the driveway and visit the graves where Presley and his relatives are buried.

The auction has been organised for charity which enables sellers to list items to benefit non-profit organisations.

His insistence 20 more phone lines be installed at the venue – meaning a reconfiguration of the entire building – could not be met, meaning that Sheffield, and Britain, were never treated to a performance by Elvis.

Now, his great-grandmother makes Elvis suits for the young fan, just as she has done for Mr Pomare.

“It’s just a precious time to come here and get to be with people who love him the same way”, fan Toni Salva said. For his 11th birthday, he had asked his mother for a rifle but she instead gave him a guitar.

One of the most highly-anticipated celebrations has arrived in Memphis.

He suffered a heart attack in his Graceland estate on August 16, 1977 and died as a result.

Elvis’ wife of six years, Priscilla, spoke to the crowd saying: “This is the largest anniversary we have ever, ever had, so I want to say thank you all”.

The “Rockin’ through the Psalms with the King” includes much evidence that the singer and film star took guidance from his King James version Bible. I got the job as Sgt. Presley’s escort, probably because I was a professional musician before the war.

Below Psalm 11:1, Elvis wrote, “In the Lord I place my trust and He will guide me”. A candlelight vigil followed till late in the evening.