Herrington: Lights burn bright as Elvis faithful flock to annual vigil
Fans commemorate 42nd anniversary of the death of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Thousands of Elvis fans old and new briefly light their candles during the annual Elvis Week vigil in front of Graceland to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. A crowd of thousands gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Elvis Presley tribute artist Dean Zeligman performs for a crowd of die-hard fans at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019 during the annual Elvis Week events to memorialize the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Valquiria Barbosa (center) of Brazil embraces her friend Fatima Costa as a crowd lines up for the annual Elvis Week vigil in front of Graceland to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. Thousands of Elvis Fans old and new gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Elvis Presley tribute artists Cote Deonath (left) and Dean Zeligman perform at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
A procession of fans visit Elvis Presley's grave during the annual Elvis Week candlelight vigil to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. Thousands of Elvis Fans old and new gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Thousands of Elvis fans old and new sing "Amazing Grace" during the annual Elvis Week vigil in front of Graceland to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. A crowd of thousands gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Fans sing along during Elvis Presley tribute artist Dean Zeligman's performance at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Elvis Presley tribute artist Cote Deonath performs at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
A procession of fans passes by Graceland while visiting Elvis Presley's grave during the annual Elvis Week candlelight vigil to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. Thousands of Elvis Fans old and new gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
The crowd gets into the spirit during Elvis Presley tribute artist Dean Zeligman's performance at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Marla Pittorf of Buffalo, New York watches the crowd pass by her small Elvis shrine as thousands of Elvis fans old and new gather on the street in front of Graceland during the annual Elvis Week vigil to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. A crowd of thousands gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Stephanie Zeligman got emotional while singing a duet with her husband, Elvis Presley tribute artist Dean Zeligman, at the Graceland Exhibition Center on Aug. 15, 2019. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Joe Makowski of Palm Harbor, Fla., leaves the grounds after visiting Elvis Presley's grave during the annual Elvis Week candlelight vigil in front of Graceland to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. Thousands of Elvis Fans old and new gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Thousands of Elvis fans old and new gather on the street in front of Graceland during the annual Elvis Week vigil to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. A crowd of thousands gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Donna Galloway lights candles at her small Elvis shrine as thousands of Elvis fans old and new gather on the street in front of Graceland during the annual Elvis Week vigil to honor the 42nd anniversary of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's death. A crowd of thousands gathered at the gates for a procession to Elvis Presley's grave on the grounds of the manor. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian)
Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington covers the Memphis Grizzlies and writes about Memphis culture, food, and civic life.
Forty-two years after Elvis' death, fans from around the world gathered at Graceland for the annual Candlelight Vigil.
Topics
Elvis Presley gracelandChris Herrington on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Chris Herrington's stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.