"It all comes down to Elvis' relationship with the fans," said Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises on the lawn of Graceland Mansion. "Elvis connects with people in a very personal and emotional way. It shows that his legacy still has momentum. I'm not going to say we're surprised by the turnout, but it certainly has blown us away by every measure." Soden watched as the solemn processional of fans made its way up the driveway to the grave. Graceland officials estimated it would continue until well after sunrise.

The tune "Burning Love" might have made the best theme song for this year's event.

As the thousands lined up on the sizzling boulevard that bears Presley's name, temperatures soared to 106 degrees. One Elvis fan died not far from the mansion, her death blamed on the heat, and at least eight others were taken to hospitals suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Graceland and Memphis city officials estimated that 75,000 people had come from outside the city to take part in Elvis Week, which included tribute artist contests, film retrospectives, panel discussions and appearances by people who personally knew and loved the King.

For some attendees, the event is a somber tribute to the man credited with recording the first rock and roll song, his 1954 version of "That's All Right (Mama)." For other fans, the spectacle is equally alluring. Brother and sister Tom and Lori Vigil made their first pilgrimage to Graceland this year, though they've loved Elvis for years. Lori makes her own Elvis jumpsuits, sewing on the plastic beads while watching Elvis movies over and over. "The first Elvis suit I made for my son when he was 3, and now he's 15," she said. "I'm sorry I didn't name him Elvis." At the supermarket in Denver where she works, her jumpsuit and pompadour are her annual Halloween costume, and once she had to stop a thief while wearing the disguise. "There's a security camera video of Elvis rushing through the store to catch a crook," she said. "The judge at the trial couldn't stop laughing." Her brother, only recently able to travel due to health issues, wore a black jumpsuit and was toting an oxygen tank. "We made plans to come here six months ago," he said, wiping sweat off his brow. "It's worth it. I would suffer it again."

For those who endured the intense heat outside the gates while waiting for the walk up the famous driveway, there was Roy Smalley. Smalley, from Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a tribute artist and has been coming to the vigil for 20 years. For the last six, he has also served with the Shelby County Rescue Squad during the week, lending medical aid when needed. He briefly considered the possibility of someone waking from a faint being tended by Elvis, er ... the '70s sideburned Smalley. "I don't know what might go through their minds, but if they saw me, they might pass out again," he joked.

Source: THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL