Argo from the radio

Christmas Movies and more!

2010-11-29T10:13:00.002-06:00

Ahhhh the Holidaze! They're here and recently I posed the question "What's your favorite Christmas movie?" on Facebook. The list of responses is a perfect holiday movie guide!

- Christmas Vacation: You can tell I have a fun bunch of facebook friends because this movie received the most mentions! If you explore this blog a bit you might see cousin Eddy in our studio.

- It's A Wonderful Life - a very close second to Vacation. A classic! As is the next movie on this list:

- White Christmas: BING!
- Miracle on 34th Street: Hear those bells?
- A Christmas Story: "You'll shoot your eye out"
- Rudolf: Love how that nose sounds when it's glowing!
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: at least your tree does not look like that! Or does it?
- A Christmas Carol (1984) Baaaaaahhhhhhhummmmbugggg!
- The Santa Clause: the old one and new one made the list!
- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: again both versions made this list. I personally love the classic version the best! Gotta love the Dr!
- Elf: Santa's here!!!! Yeah Santa's here!!!!
- Bad Santa
- Mixed Nuts: Funny one that I had forgot about until someone put it on the list! Will be netflixing soon!
- Jingle All The Way
- The Ref
- Christmas on Mars (for you Flaming Lips fans - like u Danny)
- The Christmas Gift: was this a Lifetime movie? (might have to pass on this one)
- Die Hard: Gotta Luv it!

I know we left some off of this list, but keep it going and I'll revise this list next year as we get into the Holidaze...

Speaking of - Graceland is all decked out for the holidays! The decorations will stay up through E's 76th birthday on 1/8/11 - So, come on down to Graceland and stop by the studio when you do!

Tupelo - A must visit when you're down south!

2010-06-06T20:33:00.003-05:00

I have just returned from the 12th annual Tupelo Elvis Festival. And it was AWESOME! Really! Not just the festival itself, but the town, the people, the atmosphere. All of it, so clean and down to earth. Those are two things I like - Clean and Down To Earth. The last time I was in Tupelo was 2006 for the 50th anniversary of Elvis' big homecoming show. Things were on the move then, I could tell. Seeing it now - WOW. The downtown has grown. New hotels, offices, restaurants , parks. And yet it is all still so quaint and clean. I love a town that keeps it's scene clean. A big one that comes to mind is Nashville. But you can't get the small town feel in Nashville. However, you can't help but feel the small town love in Tupelo. Not just a love for Elvis (and they LOVE ELVIS in Tupelo) but a love for one another. That's what's so cool. People are glad to talk to you, glad you are there. They really want you to enjoy their town and all it has to offer. You can definitely see where Elvis' southern charm started when you're here. From a visit to Tupelo Hardware (where E got his first guitar) to a quick bite at The Fairpark Grill, everyone smiles, is attentive and wants you to enjoy yourself. You don't experience that many places these days, but you do in Tupelo.

Thanks Tupelo for the hospitality - I will be back soon!

Here are some links to help you plan your visit there: http://www.tupelo.net/

http://www.tupelomainstreet.com/

http://tupeloelvisfestival.com/

http://elvis.com/graceland/visiting/elvis_links.asp

OK, so I like to talk...

2010-03-08T11:10:00.002-06:00

So, I keep thinking of things I'm going to post to my blog but as you can see, I have not updated in a while. My preferred communication is talking - one on one or on the radio, that's what I like to do best. So, forgive the lack of fresh content updated in a timely manner. That being said, here's some stuff you should know:

New Exhibit now open at Graceland: Elvis Presley - Fashion King
It's where Private Presley used to be here at Graceland and feature some of Elvis' personal wardrobe, bling and guns! Also, for the first time I noticed the archives department here at Graceland is making use of digital photo frames. Great way to showcase the thousands of photos in the archives. I bet we'll see more and more of these in use at Graceland.

Memphis In May Beale St Music Festival: The line up was just announced and it's GREAT time to visit Memphis. With the city as a back drop, you can't beat it. Get a group together and come on to Memphis!

Elvis Gibson Dove Guitar signed by Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley and her two oldest children, Benjamin and Riley Keough: This one of kind guitar will be auctioned off during the JDRF Promise Ball April 10th at The Peabody in downtown Memphis. Get more info HERE

The Elvis Cruise: It's already more than half way sold out SO if you've been thinking about it - DO IT! It's such an amazing event! For Elvis fans a must but even casual Elvis fans dig it too! And what happens on The Elvis Cruise stays there - so if you get a little crazy dancing on the high seas at 2:30 in the morning - it's all good! I won't tell...lol

Viva Elvis now open in Vegas: This show is getting all kinda buzz on the street. It's like Elvis is back in Las Vegas! Make the journey and enjoy the ride!

OK, that's it for now. Hopefully I will update more frequently but if not you can always catch me on the radio at Graceland! TCB & Memphis Luv - Argo

Coming to Memphis?

2009-12-28T11:45:00.003-06:00

Holiday greetings from Memphis! As 2009 wraps up and we usher in 2010, we also usher in a year long celebration of Elvis Prelsey's life and career. January 8th, 2010 would have been Elvis' 75th Birthday and thousands are expected here in Memphis to kick-off the year long party! Official details about EVERYTHING ELVIS are HERE - There is also a special extra long podcast up there too! It covers all the Birthday details AND includes an exclusive review of Cirque Du Soles' VIVA ELVIS - officially opening in Vegas in Feb 2010. Download and enjoy when you have a moment.

So, you're coming to Memphis, TN. First thing you should know - Memphis is spread out. I recommend staying either downtown or at the EPE host hotel for Birthday events. There are free shuttles that run from Graceland, to Sun Studio, to Beale St every hour during the day. If you are planning to visit all 3 places, then this is a no-brainer. Dress warm. It's cold in Memphis this time of year and the Elvis Birthday Ceremony is held outside, on the front lawn of Graceland. Are you going to Tupelo? Elvis' birthplace is only 90 minutes from Memphis and should be included with a full blown Elvis, Memphis trip. There are shuttles and tour services to get you down there, or just drive. It's not a bad drive at all. Ah, where are you going to eat here in Memphis? You can explore this blog for lots of dining suggestions and links. Another name I want to throw in the hat is Pete & Sams - great food, reasonable prices. I was there over the holiday and ran into Mr. B - Bernard Lansky! It's been here in Memphis for years and the steaks are AWESOME! Yummy. Bring your own bottle of wine. They do not sell it there. Another dining suggestion - Gus's downtown. The best fried chicken you'll ever eat - really!

Finally, bring your camera and something to write with. The odds are really good that you will meet some new people while you're here. And you'll want to stay in touch, swap e-mails, etc. It really is like a big family for these BIG Elvis events in Memphis.

More on VIVA ELVIS soon! Come by the studio when you are in Memphis! We'd love to see you and spin you a tune! Memphis Luv - Argo

Best BBQ in Memphis

2009-10-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

Recently on Facebook I asked "What's your favorite BBQ joint in Memphis". This blog post is dedicated to your answers and hopefully will help folks out who are coming to town HUNGRY! The easy answer to the questions is - it's ALL good. You would be hard pressed to find bad BBQ in Memphis. That being said here are the most popular spots ranked by my unofficial Facebook poll:

1) Marlowes - Right down EP blvd from Graceland is this Elvis fan favorite! The BBQ is award winning (Memphis In May Champs) and they have "pink limo" service. Yes, they will come pick you up in a pink limo for FREE (tip the driver, he's a good guy)!

2) Corky's - I remember when this place opened in the 80's and the lines went around the building night after night. Still one of the most popular BBQ joints in Memphis and all over the world. They ship BBQ everywhere! They are also featured on the Home Shopping Network from time to time!

3) Neely's Interstate BBQ - The Neely family has been cookin' up the Q for years in Memphis. The original location is still the best in my opinion. Not far from Graceland and right off the interstate. Check out the wall of fame and snap a pic with Mr Neely. And of course his son and his wife are featured on the Food Network.

4) Rendezvous - Has been on this blog before. Best DRY ribs you'll ever eat. Key work there is DRY. Stick with the sausage and cheese plate for starters and ribs around. I've never had anything else on the menu there. Oh, and the pitchers of beer flow great down in the alley!

5) Coletta's - An Italian place on a BBQ list??? YES, for one reason - THE BBQ PIZZA!!! Go there, sit in the Elvis Room and get it. If there's only a few of you, you'll have left-overs.

6) The BBQ Shop - A local favorite with some sweet, smokin' sauce. Located in midtown Memphis not far away from Overton Park (where Elvis played his first show). Bring home a bottle of their sauce too!

7) Cozy Corner - Off the beaten path and not in the best part of town, this local favorite serves up the best, fall off the bone, ribs you'll ever eat. I suggest a lunch visit.

8) Leonard's - This one was not on the Facebook list but I had to include it because it was one of Elvis' hangouts and it's great BBQ and Lemon Ice Pie (I've blogged about it before)

9) Tops BBQ - Another local favorite for smokey BBQ. There used to be locations everywhere here in Memphis. It's a pick-up and take home kinda BBQ, although you can dine-in the cafe setting.

Others that made the list include: Scooters BBQ , Big Daddy's and Three Little Pigs. Like I said before, it's hard to find bad BBQ in Memphis. Let me know your take. Have you eaten at these places? What is missing from this list? And if you have not already noticed all the bbq joints are linked with a website or map so you can plan your BBQ outings while in Memphis!

I'm on a boat!

2009-10-17T11:43:00.005-05:00

For those of you that are not familiar with the SNL skit "I'm on a boat" check it out HERE

Now, I was totally blown away the other day when I received this e-mail and photos of "Shellvis" the boat. Owned by Jack and Marie and docked in Brigantine, NJ the name "Shellvis" represents Maries' love of The King of Rock and Roll. See the pictures below and look close at the microphone cable - it spells out my name! Hence me being on a boat. Marie listens all the time and I am totally honored to be on her boat! Thanks Marie and I hope to make it up there sometime to cruise the bay.

I'll also be on a boat in less than a month on The Elvis Cruise. I am currently in the process of putting together all the music for the ship. Loading up over a dozen ipods with music for each bar, pool and showroom on the Carnival Inspiration. For those of you cruising with us - see you in Tampa in a few weeks!

I have found since I finally joined Facebook, I blog less. But, the blog is here to stay. I am going to start my "Off the beaten path" series again soon. Highlighting some Memphis and Mid-South places that you might want to check out when you visit! Memphis Luv Always - Argo :)

That Memphis Love!

2009-08-25T10:47:00.002-05:00

To newcomers I describe Memphis as Funky with Soul. Those two words blend our rich cultural heritage with the sounds and feel of present day Memphis. Yes, Memphis has a certain sound and feel. You can vibe it on many of the legendary records cut here and when you're just walking down the street. Elvis Week this year was awesome (as it is every year). It bumps the Memphis vibe level up several notches. And the Memphis Love! You can feel it daily here at Graceland but during Elvis Week it's wild and free flowing. Not in a Woodstock/Hippie way, but a Memphis/Elvis way. Elvis connects people to other people. It's like a family with new members always being welcomed home. It's hard to put into words. Something more to experience first hand. Anyway, Elvis Week was truly wonderful and it was great meeting new people and seeing old friends! Now, I'm all excited about The Elvis Cruise! We're just 3 months out and it's going to be another incredible moment in time - AT SEA and in Cozumel, Mexico. There are still some cabins left, so grab a friend and set sail with us! You can go to http://theelviscruise.com for the details.

On my next post: Elvis Movie insight, Elvis back in Vegas, and the return of "Off the beaten path" - some of my Memphis secrets!

That Memphis Mojo is workin'

2009-07-27T10:02:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy weekend in Memphis, TN. It all started Friday afternoon when Memphian Justin Timberlake opened his new golf course Mirimichi . For the golfers coming to Memphis - put this course on the list. It's a public course and the fees are reasonable. Good to see another famous Memphian putting something back into his home! Has Justin been to Graceland? Of course he has. And he's been known to slip in for a quick tour from time to time. You really never know who you will see at Graceland. An example of that happened Saturday when Kirsten Dunst popped into our studio. Big Jim snapped this pic and is still beaming!

Sunday morning started with the top 10 American Idols stopping by Graceland for a tour. I caught up with Chris Allen, Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds on the front lawn. They are all very respectful of Elvis and I think they got a good dose of Elvis IQ to further their fascination. Sunday afternoon we had guest DJ's Phil and April Margera in studio. They are BIG TIME Elvis fans and welcome back here anytime. I asked if Bam is an Elvis Fan: Phil and April said "He had no choice" growing up! lol And yes, he is. I plan to include some of these interview highlights on the upcoming Graceland Beat Podcast, so be on the lookout for it HERE. Oh, and check out the new SiriusXm app for your iPhone - now you can take us everywhere!

And now it's almost time for Elvis Week!

Keeping your cool in Memphis

2009-06-22T11:22:00.003-05:00

So, it's nearly 100 degrees in Memphis today and I got to thinking about ways to keep cool! Here are the hot spots for keeping cool at Graceland (in no order): 1) The Ice Cream/Soda Shop in Graceland plaza - Enjoy a scoop while you gaze at Graceland and people watch. 2) The ICEE stand (right by our Elvis Radio studio) is a popular spot too. The line starts forming about 10am. 3) The heart-shaped pool at The Heartbreak Hotel - need I say more?

While in Memphis keeping your cool, I suggest these spots (again in no order): 1) Mud Island River Park - There's always a breeze coming off the river and you can get your feet wet on the river walk. 2) The Pink Palace Museum - Indoors and fun (especially if your traveling with kids). 3) Leonards BBQ - Since 1922 these guys have been keeping it cool in the hottest conditions (in the pit). Elvis used to eat at Leonards Drive In, and they have some great photos at their current location. Stay cool with the sweet tea and Lemon Ice Box Pie! 4) Oak Court Mall - it's a small mall in the middle of town. Perfect for a little shopping/lunch outing. 5) Tunica Casinos - Spend the day down south in one of these swanky casinos. Hollywood has some great Elvis memorabilia on display.

These are just a few ways to keep your cool in Memphis. And ,of course, just being in Memphis is cool... Even when it's this hot!

Priscilla Presley in studio

2009-05-30T08:32:00.007-05:00

Thanks to Priscilla Presley for stopping by the studio last week. She was at Graceland for the opening of Graceland stables! Here are some pictures:

(L to R) Big Jim, Priscilla and me. She said she was going to interview me for a change!

A Parrallel Delta

2009-05-21T08:33:00.003-05:00

Lately I've had this parallel universe playing out in my mind. This is not a fictitious universe. It's late 1800's - 1930's Mississippi Delta. The place where the blues began and so much more. You can trace most popular music back to the Delta. When you drive down there (it's not far from Memphis) don't be shocked that there is NOTHING. But that's No Thing because the culture is a rich as the soil... I am currently trying to trace the spread of the music. The notable and obvious routes are Chicago, New Orleans and Memphis. That's where the train went. But the harder to trace blends of blues and rock, did not take the train. They traveled through the jukes and front porches of friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who would listen. When listening at first to some of these blues songs, they don't make since. Until you dig deeper and locate certain land marks and nick-names for politicians, the law, or events like the great flood. Then you start to piece some of the outer edges of the puzzle together. You understand some meaning... Below are some links I have found on my journey. Who knows, we may meet at the "crossroads" in that Parallel Delta...

http://www.blueshighway.org/icons.htm

http://www.nps.gov/history/delta/blues/index.htm

http://www.dockeryfarms.org/

http://deltaculturalcenter.com/

Elvis Costello on Podcast

2009-05-15T11:08:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that Elvis Costello is on the latest "Graceland Beat" Podcast episode. Check it out HERE. I have produced 13 episodes so far. Using official EPE updates and guests on Elvis Radio, it's a quick snapshot of what happens at Graceland on Elvis Radio every day! Oh yeah, I tried the Sirius Gadget to the right. I can tell it's an older one, but it shows what's on SiriusXM RIGHT NOW! Pretty cool. Test it, it works. Also, I have the news feed from Elvis.com on the bottom right. You can always trust the news and updates from there. Have a great weekend!

The Elvis Cruise

2009-05-15T10:40:00.003-05:00

It's a huge Elvis party - at sea! This year will be my third Elvis cruise. And from the looks of it, the best! You're either in 2 categories here: 1) You've never been on a cruise 2) You're ready to go on your next cruise! If your a #1 - get over any fear (it's the mind killer) and you won't regret it! And if your a 2 - This is it! With everyone on board being into Elvis, it takes allot of formalities away (and the fruity drinks do too...haha), but really, you get to meet some great people, have great fun and be blown away by great music! All in one vacation! Truth be told, I did not sleep too much on either of the other cruises. I found myself up late in the casino or corner bar. And one night, during the first cruise, I played Elvis tunes on the Lido deck until about 3am. It was really special (but I was hurtin' the next day). What happens on The Elvis Cruise, stays there (or Cozumel)!

Find out all about it HERE

Get involved and FIRED UP HERE

Jerry, Bono, Elvis and BBQ!

2009-05-12T07:52:00.007-05:00

I want to thank Jerry Schilling for coming on Elvis Radio to talk about Bono and his poem "American David". Jerry and Bono first met in 1987 when U2 was recording here in Memphis, at Sun. Jerry knows what a huge Elvis fan Bono is. He also knows that the poem about Elvis is respectful art. It's not meant to be disrespectful at all. If one thinks that it is, I say, take a step back and another until you see the whole picture. It's a pretty one, because it's true!

Jerry will be in Florida this May with American Royal Arts. Big shout out to Joe Petruccio who will be with Jerry. Joe is an artist, who has created some awesome Elvis art over the years (and his other work rocks too). Find out more about HERE.

It's BBQ Fest in Memphis!

Elvis Costello & Bono

2009-05-07T11:36:00.003-05:00

Elvis Costello visited Graceland recently and stopped by Elvis Radio! He was in Memphis for the Beale Street Music Festival and he did an 80 minute set in the pouring rain. Not to mention, he sat in with 4 or 5 other artist performing at the festival. You can tell this guy just loves Memphis. The history, the feel and yes the MUSIC! I recall a show he did about 15 years ago at the Mud Island Amphitheater (my favorite outdoor concert venue). He played for nearly 3 hours! Just blew me (and ever one else) away! Some musicians get in the trap of doing show after show, town after town, blindfolded and bored. Elvis Costello is not one of those musicians. He's into his craft BIG TIME and wants to bring you into it as well. I just wanted to give him a nod! He spent several hours at Graceland as he's a big Elvis Presley fan too!

Bono is getting alot of press lately. Really it's a poem he wrote about Elvis getting all the press. BBC 4 is airing a big produced version of it. I know some Elvis fans might think it's a joke or that Bono was making fun. But I assure you he's not. Bono is one of the BIGGEST Elvis fans out there. Always has been. The poem was done about 10 years ago and a producer has been sitting on the audio, trying to figure out what to do with it. So, the result is a near 15 minute piece of audio that has been mixed with Elvis songs and news clips. I'm quite curious to hear it. I hope it was done with the respect and love that Bono intended when he penned those words. Elvis friend and Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling is friends with Bono and told me about a conversation he had with him about the poem "American David". He told Bono that Elvis DID HEAR THE SHOT - referring to the assassination on Dr Martin Luther King in Memphis. Jerry told Bono about being with Elvis that day (April 4, 1968) on the set of "Live a Little Love a Little. They were in Elvis' trailer when the news came across the TV. Jerry said Elvis was silent... A tear in his eye... He looked at Jerry and said "He spoke the Truth". And I think Bono was happy to know that. But just to clarify - Bono is a HUGE Elvis fan - This poem is not meant to dis-respect at all.

Wanna make a record?

2009-04-30T10:04:00.003-05:00

I just had to post this picture taken from a 1954 Memphis phone book. My buddy Mike Freeman found the old book in a garage sale for 5 bucks! Yes, the Presley's number is in the book too BUT the last name was spelled incorrectly. Oh garage sales in Memphis - you never know what you might find...

Quick Memphis Get-a-way?

2009-04-16T10:29:00.005-05:00

It's SPRINGTIME in Memphis and that means many great things. First off is the Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival! It's an awesome 3 day event that takes place every year on the river in Tom Lee Park. Over 40 bands, 5 stages, tons of fun to be had. A great weekend in Memphis for sure, if your looking for a Memphis get-a-way this Spring! Now, we all know Memphis = BBQ and during May it's the World Championship BBQ contest, also held on the river in Tom Lee Park. The best of the best come here to compete and our fine city smells so good for those 3 days. Both of these events are a great time. I have many memories of being "down on the river" under the stars listening to music and taking in Memphis in a one of a kind setting. Another great thing about Spring is our Memphis Redbirds are playing again at Autozone Park in downtown Memphis. The stadium was recently voted #1 minor league stadium in the country! Come see why!

Graceland in the snow

2009-03-03T10:54:00.007-06:00

Here are some pics from the recent snow at Graceland. My buddy Big Jim snapped these when he arrived at the studio that day!

The snow has moved on from Graceland and we are set for great weather this weekend! Sunny and 70's! Good news for all the folks who are coming in for the grand opening of the new exhibits at Graceland.

Elvis Radio UPDATE: This Wed (3/4) I'll be talking with Jerry Schilling about The Elvis Cruise!

Thursday(3/5) The Graceland Beat with Scott and Kevin from Elvis Presley Enterprises - Official update on anything ELVIS! 11am Elvis Time.

Friday (3/6) Angie from archives will be stopping by the studio to tell us all about the new exhibits here at Graceland! Singer/Songwriter Terry Mike Jeffrey in studio at 11:30 Elvis Time. Then a special edition of The Elvis Quiz Show at 12:30 Elvis Time. Speaking of The Elvis Quiz Show - you can now hear a re-broadcast of each Friday's show on Sunday night at 7pm Elvis time. We're excited to be able to do that, as many of you have requested a re-play , so you don't have to miss work on Friday! lol

Saturday (3/7) Grand Opening of new exhibits at Graceland. Hear live coverage from the plaza from Doc Walker Saturday morning then yours truly Saturday afternoon. Special guests include, Darlene Tompkins from Blue Hawaii and renowned NASCAR artist Sam Bass. Should be a great day with more surprises in store!

February Where Did You Go?

2009-02-26T21:45:00.002-06:00

I mean really, it seems like this month was about 2 weeks long, right? Must mean I'm having fun! And I am. Here lately, people have been reporting strange images in photos they take here. From cloud formations to shadows in the glass - it's all part of the experience here at Graceland! Just remember - no flash photography in the mansion - The Reason? Over time if millions of flashes went off in there, it would fade and damage Elvis' stuff - and we can't have that. In my next post I will give you the top 5 places to take a picture at Graceland. Suggestions? Your favorite place? E-mail me

The Elvis Cruise - What happens on The Elvis Cruise - STAYS ON THE ELVIS CRUISE! And this year is going to be perfect! Sailing from Tampa Nov 12-16 and hosted by Jerry Schilling, details are on the way soon HERE I have a few pictures to share from past Elvis Cruises. I will post those soon too!

Spring GET HERE NOW! Next week at Graceland we're kicking it off early with the Grand Opening of 4 new exhibits. Terry Mike Jeffrey will be on the show next Friday March 6th at 11:30am Elvis Time. He's once again bringing his guitar and I plan to stump him with some Elvis trivia. And I hope to catch up with Angie - the head archivist here at Graceland! I've heard from lots of folks who will be here next week. If you can slip away - come on. If not, you got the next best thing with Elvis Radio! Thanks for listening, reading this and checking out my blog!

Elvis marks the spot

2009-02-04T10:44:00.003-06:00

I have been checking the Elvis Sightings at elvis.com daily, to see where ol E pops up from day to day. It's amazing how much Elvis is in the news all over the place. So today I see this post talking about Elvis saving a parking spot in Boston. Read the article here from the Boston Globe. I had no clue that was the rule of the streets in Boston. In Memphis we don't get any snow and parking spots are a plenty. I think the best way to save a spot anywhere is park the car there! But it's kinda cool that other "spot savers" are getting tossed but nobody wants to mess with Elvis... "If your looking for Trouble. You came to the right (PARKING) place"

Also, several folks have ask about the Memphis Zoo and want more details. Here's a link to the zoo's website. I will go back and link it up on the other post too.

NEW FEATURE ON ELVIS RADIO: The Graceland Beat is a new weekly feature on Elvis Radio where our friends from Elvis Presley Enterprises update us on the OFFICIAL goings on at Graceland and in the world of Elvis. If you have any questions you want to ask EPE just e-mail me and listen for your answer every Thursday at 11am Elvis Time (CST).

TMJ Guest DJ Friday February 6 at 11am Elvis Time: Singer/Songwriter Terry Mike Jeffrey will be in studio with his guitar this Friday. Literally picking and playing Elvis tunes for all to enjoy! TMJ is also quite an Elvis expert and I'll try to stump him with some Elvis IQ in preparation for The Elvis Quiz Show!

That's what I got now. TCB from Graceland and always Memphis Luv! :)

More reasons to come to Memphis

2009-01-31T10:06:00.003-06:00

The list of "reasons to come to Memphis" is growing yet again. This week it was announced that our Memphis Zoo is the #1 zoo in the country! Last year it was ranked #1 by Trip Advisor, this year it's the The 2008 Cultural Attraction Benchmark Report. And it's true - we do have a really cool zoo. Over the years it has been transformed from a small boring zoo to the award winning one that is now and I'm happy to see it recognized nationally. Also announced this week was the fact that Memphis was ranked in the top 10 places to make a movie by MovieMaker Magazine. There have been some great movies made here. Check out this link to the film commission. I'm still waiting on David Lynch to come here and make a movie about Elvis. The way he spoke about it on the Viva Las Vegas DVD sounded as if he had considered it... Now, that would be awesome!

Now, let's talk about places to eat in Memphis. People have been asking me about the places here that were featured in the Travel Channels Man vs. Food . They are all great places! Most food TV shows that shoot in Memphis, focus on the BBQ. So, most people ask "Where is the best BBQ in Memphis"? The short answer - There is no bad place in Memphis to get BBQ. I will devote an entire post to Memphis BBQ in the future, complete with photos and sauce stains.

Now, here at Graceland we are really excited about 4 new exhibits that will open this spring. You can get the details here . Now, you have plenty of reason to come here and create some Memphis Moments. It's fun, food, blues, zoos and Elvis of course. Why do you think he loved this town so much?

Memphis Moments 1

2009-01-21T11:22:00.000-06:00

Most people who live in Memphis don't realize the truly hallowed ground on which we live. I can't really explain why I do. I have family deeply rooted in Memphis (my grandfather was born here. His dad came here from Scotland as a stone mason). I have always viewed this city from a romantic point of view, I guess. There's so much natural drama that has unfolded here. You couldn't come up with a better story if you were making it up. Last year I was at a party on South Main St. in downtown Memphis. I always enjoy hanging out in downtown Memphis but this time something really special happened between me and Memphis. I stepped away from the party out to the back porch and I saw something that gave me chills. In my line of sight were two incredible things that have been under my nose all of my life but seeing them together really blew me away. First I was looking at The Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated and it got me thinking about perhaps the saddest part of my city's history. Then in that same line of sight I noticed a faded sign on the top of an old building. It was the old Hotel Chisca sign. And in that moment I thought about how that's where Elvis was first played on the radio by Dewey Phillips. And that's what gave me chills. With one glance in Memphis, I saw these two places. I thought about taking a picture but then I thought no, this is a special Memphis Moment for me. I recall that image better in my mind, than any picture. I remember how it made me feel. It's moments like this that can only happen in Memphis, TN. So, come on down and create some Memphis moments of your own. You never know what you might see here in just a glance!

Cousin Eddie at Graceland

2009-01-17T10:56:00.000-06:00

You never know who you will run into at Graceland and last week we had a surprise guest just pop in. That Friday I had invited my buddy Terry Mike Jeffrey (TMJ) in to the studio to guest DJ and play some Elvis tunes on his acoustic guitar. When TMJ got to the studio, he was telling me about how he hurt his back while taking down his massive display of Christmas lights. He pulled a Clark Griswald he told me (from the movie Christmas Vacation). Then he starts telling me about a neighbor they call "Cousin Eddie" because he has stuff in the yard and is kind of sloppy. At this point I had been told that Randy was coming by, but I had not told TMJ that. So, it was pretty funny that we were just talking about Cousin Eddie when the real Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) came into the studio! It blew TMJ away!

Randy's story about why he came to Graceland is like many others we hear. And it's really cool. He and his wife were just looking at a map and Memphis popped out at them. His wife had never been to Graceland before and that sealed the deal. Randy told her she NEEDED to see Graceland! So, they rented a car and drove to Memphis. Randy added that they listened to Elvis Radio the whole way up (from Dallas).

Randy picked out tunes and told stories about his role as Col Tom Parker in the CBS mini series Elvis. The coolest thing was when Randy selected the song "Can't Help Falling In Love". He told us how he likes to sing it to his wife. At that point I had the song ready to play and said Randy could sing along if he wanted to. Then TMJ had an even better idea: TMJ would sing the first line then Randy would sing a line, then we would go into the real song! That's exactly what we did and everyone sounded great! If you want to hear it, I'll play it again next Thursday 1/22/09 at 9:45 Elvis Time (CST). Here's a picture from that day. Randy it a tall dude. I'm 6'1 and look tiny next to him. Much like Priscilla, Randy hung out in the plaza taking photos and signing autographs after he left the studio. Cool cat in my book! And he's welcome back anytime! Just as you are!

If you've never seen Christmas vacation - WATCH IT next Christmas! That's where the Cousin Eddie reference comes from. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/

Here's a link to Terry Mike Jeffrey's site http://terrymike.com

Here's Randy's blog: http://randyquaids.blogspot.com

Thanks for checking out my blog!

Happy Birthday Elvis

2009-01-15T10:31:00.000-06:00

Elvis would have been 74 on Jauary 8, 2009 and to celebrate this man being born there was a huge party at Graceland (as there is every year). A big tent was set up on the front lawn of Graceland and fans from all over gathered to witness the Elvis Presley Birthday Proclamation. The mayor of Shelby County A.C. Wharton blew everyone away with a heartfelt speech about Elvis and Memphis. You can read it here: http://elvis.com/news/full_story.asp?id=1693

Our Elvis Radio studio sits just across the street from Graceland in what is known as Graceland Plaza. After the ceremony on the front lawn, they served cake in the plaza to all the fans. So, there was quite a crowd gathered when Priscilla came by the studio to chat. We always know when someone (a celeb or VIP) is coming to the studio because we see all the security guards gather about 5 minutes before. Our interview was delayed a moment because Priscilla was hanging out in the plaza, signing autographs, taking pictures and making the security guards very nervous. But once she made it in we had a great conversation about Elvis, Graceland, Elvis Fans, Horses (the new ones at Graceland) and some of her favorite songs. She played "guest DJ" and selected Kentucky Rain, An American Trilogy and If I Can Dream while she was here. We got to talking off the air about how certain things will trigger memories that she has not thought of in years. One can only imagine spending any amount of time with Elvis would provide countless one of a kind memories! Here's a picture of Priscilla talking with me.

As for my next post: You'll never guess who was at Graceland today... Hmmmm.

New Year - New Blog

2009-01-14T17:46:00.001-06:00

So here it is - MY BLOG! With the start of a new year I am going to attempt to keep this blog up to date with the following information:
Updates from my show on SiriusXM
What's going on at Graceland?
Things to do in Memphis, TN
And various musings, rants and opinions.

Speaking of rants and opinions. This blog is not affiliated with SiriusXM in any way. It's purely Argo. And yes, that's my real name. Welcome! Comment at will and feel free to e-mail me anytime buzzargo@hotmail.com

You can hear me Mon-Sat 8am to 1pm Elvis Time (CST) on Sirius channel 13, XM channel 18, Dish Network channel 6013 and in the plaza at Graceland!