Alice Anthony
Gone, But Not Forgotten Photographs of the Elvis Fans at GracelandGraceland is the home of the late Elvis Presley one of America's beloved icons. When I was a child, my family moved to the Graceland subdivision which adjoins the grounds of Graceland. We would often see Elvis at the front gates signing autographs and talking with young fans. I was always curious about the people who would come to Graceland hoping to catch a glimpse of Elvis the "King of Rock and Roll." Later when I moved from Memphis, I would come back and visit my parents and still see fans hanging around Graceland. Elvis died unexpectedly on August 16, 1977. His fans were crushed by the news and many thousands converged on Memphis for his funeral.
After his death, the Elvis phenomena seemed to grow larger. Graceland and its grounds were eventually opened to the public in 1982. It has become one of the most visited homes in America attracting over 600,000 people a year. Each year on the anniversary of his death, thousands of fans come from every part of the world making a pilgrimage to Graceland in August during Elvis week. They see this as a celebration of his life, more than a time for grief. I have concentrated on photographing and getting to know some of these loyal fans. These photographs represent some of the many visits I have made to Graceland over the past twelve years.