Menphians Just Not Into Elvis

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He may well be the City's biggest money puller but if you ask around Graceland, you'll soon find that the people who populate this block are not from Memphis or anywhere close.

Graceland belongs to the King and across the street, a cafe cooks king size burgers and what ever else you want. Gift shops are around every corner to reach your inner Elvis and Elvis radio reaches millions across the world.

But ask around Memphis, the home City of Elvis Presley, where the man lived, loved, gave, and died, you’ll likely hear a different tune. And this is likely what you'll hear.

The vast majority of lifelong Memphians admit, sometimes "proudly", they've never gone to Graceland and they don't ever plan to.

Kevin Kern, Director of Communications with Elvis Presley Enterprises says it's something the staff at Graceland sees everyday. “We average about 600,000 visitors a year, less than 1% is from the city of Memphis,” said Kern.

But Why? “I’ve asked myself that question. I think people here take Elvis for granted,” said Jack Meene.

The fact is, many Memphians say they're just not fans. “I think that there just aren’t that many people in Memphis that are interested in Elvis,” said Pamela Godwin.

While others agree and say it is a shame considering it’s in the cities own backyard.

“I think they're very lucky to have this in Memphis to have this in their own backyard but for those of us who are from far away who've seen all this on TV,” said Pimentel.

_{Source; MyFox Memphis / EpGold}