The facade of Elvis’ home.

I’ve never been what you consider a huge Elvis fan. Sure, I like his music. But I did not worship him, like my boss at National Record Mart did. In fact, that’s where I was the day he died, Aug. 16, 1977. My boss was devastated, as were millions of his fans. And to this day, those fans still send flowers, photographs, stuffed bears and notes to Graceland, almost 31 years after “The King” died. Elvis was 22 years old in 1957 when he purchased the Southern colonial mansion, now known as Graceland, in Memphis, Tenn. Some of his happiest times were spent at that home, where he lived with his family. And as a visitor there, you can hear all about these times, by way of an audio-tour through several rooms of the house and of the grounds. We hear some stories from the voice of Elvis himself as well as from his daughter, Lisa Marie. We start our tour at the visitor center to purchase tickets and get our picture taken in front of a large photo of the mansion. (A collection of the photos was offered for purchase later in the tour for around $22.) We then are given the audio device and told to push a particular button that begins the monologue as we approach the gates and the mansion. A tour guide welcomes us at the door and spouts a few details, then directs us into the entryway. From there, our audio-tour fills us in on what we are seeing.