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Memphis
By Samantha Brown on August 9, 2009 12:58 AM | Permalink | 18 Comments
Like most people I have always wanted to see Graceland. I had heard about and seen in pictures the over the top interiors, the massive white couch and the shag carpeting not only on the floor but on the ceiling. I had expected to be in awe half snickering at the out of date-ness of it all in the same way you do when you see pictures of yourself back in the 70's with feathered bangs and blue eye shadow. But what I didn't expect would be to really feel a more personal side to the man we call The King and that even though this has become a shrine and museum like for the masses who make a pilgrimage here it still feels like a home. Which it very much still is. Priscilla apparently visits frequently (it's by law her residence) and what shocked me - she stays there. We did a basic tour of the house but were then given access to something very few get to see…Elvis's stables. Elvis loved horses and his estate will have them so that his spirit is always at Graceland. The plan is to eventually open up the stables to visitors as well so that gives everyone who has been to Graceland another reason to go back.
At Sun studio records the famous studio where Johnny Cash, Jerry lee Lewis and of course Elvis recorded music. Memphis is a city of music from the Soul, early rock and roll and Gospel taking in the city you can feel how all three have influenced each other. During the tour of the studio I noticed that a good number of people were actually visitors from England and Ireland - coming to see for themselves what would eventually become our greatest export to them -- great music. While at the studios I wanted a picture of me and Elvis's microphone so badly that I fumbled carelessly for my camera which then fell out of my hands and fell hard on the wood floor. It's broken. I have had my new camera for all of two months. I really should keep a ledger of all the electronics I go thru while on the road and the total costs, which I am thinking is up to a year in tuition at a nice liberal arts college
The only downside to my job is that there are things I don't get to do-so close and yet so far-as I always say. Every destination has its own list but in Memphis it's the National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Since we are working during its open hours the best I figure I can do is at least stand in its parking lot looking up at the rooms. So that's what I do.
18 Comments
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Sam,
I saw tonight the show your crew taped in Memphis last fall. Although I've lived in other cities and miss Chicago terribly, I was pleased with the positive nature of your report. It was so cool to see people I know and places I've been...especially Raifords!!
You may NOT recall, but, I met you and your husband at Vergos Rendezvous BBQ restaurant in the alley across from the Peabody. I was there to pick up some BBQ for the movie crew that I was working on, N-Secure. You and your hubby were standing in the area where you pick up to go orders. It was cool meeting you, especially after seeing the positive face you and your crew put on my hometown. Your folks did a GREAT job with the filming, in particular the treatment at Graceland was done very very well.
Although, I'm not in the movie business fulltime, I do have a little radio show here in town that you can catch Saturday mornings at 10am on the web as the radio station is simulcast at wumr.memphis.edu (don't use www or it won't work for some reason!!)
Anyway, if your crew ever wanted to do a follow up visit, I am at your disposal.
Take care.
Baf
My wife and I love your show! She would love to hold a baby panda! She loved blouse you wore when you ran through the fountain after the water show. Can you provide the manufacturer?
I'm in a rock band and finally got to go to Graceland and Sun Studios last month...loved it all (and I got a pic of me pretending to sing into the famous microphone--sorry to hear about your camera)! I recommend Graceland to any music lover, even if you aren't a big Elvis fan. Wish we could've seen the stables. Next time, I guess! Love your show, Sam!
You bring such zest to everywhere you travel. It truly makes my "to-do" travel list endless and very approachable. Your travels through the show are very touchable and creates a sense of experience for me the viewer during a time of tight budgets. Truly a nice escape.
I caught the last 10 minutes of your Memphis trip. A 100k home sure is royalty over there. The stables just add to the beauty of the house. That lipstick tradition looks quite disgusting on television, but I'd do it too.
In general, I love your show. You have great energy and it just emanates. Can't wait to see the next episode.
Samantha, I really enjoy your show. You take me places that I can only dream about going. Having lived in Memphis for almost 30 years I was somewhat disappointing at the places you omitted. The Peabody Hotel, The Rendezvous restaurant , Civil Rights Museum, Redbirds Stadium, and the Mississippi River tour boats, and the horse carriage rides would have been great additions to your show. I understand that you are working with a specific time limit which limits what you can show. Thanks
I don't have any biscuits...love them biscuits...can i have those...Oops! am I allowed to say that here?
And, it's ok that your not into Heavy Metal - I still love ya Sam!
A 100k home sure is royalty over there. The stables just add to the beauty of the house. That lipstick tradition looks quite disgusting on television, but I'd do it too.
I hope you had time to enjoy some "Good Eats" at Neely's BBQ restaurant on Jefferson Ave. in downtown Memphis while you were there. Yum!
Love all your shows, Sam.
Mrs. Brown, you are adorable. I am originally from Seattle and think Rick Steves is great. However, I am sorry Steve, but I would watch you even if you were hosting a show about irrigation systems. You have a beautiful smile, so much enthusiasm and suspect I am part of a large throng of middle aged men on your fan list.
Best wishes,
Dan
Samantha, I think I speak for every heterosexual male when I say that we'd love to see you do a Playboy pictorial. You are the most gorgeous woman I've ever laid eyes on. :) Any chance of a centerfold coming up?
Samantha - just saw your article in USA Weekend - Aug 21. How about a trip in the USA to the Finger Lakes of NY? Wineries, restaurants, waterfall higher than Niagara, 4 state parks within 30 min of Ithaca, NY, hiking, swimming, great restaurants, etc... just 3 1/2 hrs from NY City? Economics and short distance travel
are what stressed people need. For Instance: Our rooms start at #110 per night WITH breakfast - and we assist guests in seeing the sights and activities! Bea Fulmer
Get real John! She's a travel host not a playboy bunny! Yes I agree Samantha is gorgeous, but she's a nice girl!
Keep up the great work Same - we love you!
I love the show! And I believe I can be the next Samantha Brown, because I love travel, food and fun! Check out my blog that I just started and send in any pics of your travels. Samantha, you are my idol! Check me out at http://nextsb.blogspot.com/
Hi Samantha,
I had the pleasure of dancing with you at Raifords! My friend Jamie and I drove out especially for that event, we love your show - if you're ever in the area my company would love to spray tan you for any events or shows you might be doing!
I will be traveling to Memphis in 10/09/09. Any suggestions on where to dine? I didn't see the show, so not sure if there was a dining segment.
Your show is fantastic (my fave on TLC).
Keep up the great work!
Hi Samantha, Love your shows. I did not catch where you ate in Memphis with the cast iron fried chicken and soul food. Could you please send me the name? Thankyou for your time. Susie
Hi Samantha: I caught you show when you were in Memphis, Tennessee, visiting Elvis Presley's mansion. You also visited a restaurant which carried his banana and peanut butter sandwich. Could you send me the receipe for that sandwich via my email. Thank you. Michele