
Oh, the things we can do to celebrate the week of the King! My college writing professor had a “love to hate” thing going on with Elvis, as did I. When I was younger, I had quite a crush on the long-dead King, and played his music all of the time. When I read more about him and experienced many of his horrendous films—not to mention that weird relationship with his 14-year-old girlfriend/later bride (and what sounds like an equally unhealthy marriage; according to her, he raped her at least once)—I wasn’t such a gung-ho fan anymore.
Love him or hate him, Elvis will always be around (though perhaps not as physically as some people claim), and his influence on music and pop culture is here to stay.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Elvis week.
- Watch an Elvis movie. Try Viva Las Vegas, Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, or any others that you can stand; there are 31 to choose from. Alternatively, try the made-for-TV Elvis movie featuring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Elvis.
- If you just can’t sit through one of his films, just watch Disney’s Lilo and Stitch instead.
- Listen to Elvis songs as loudly as your stereo allows with the windows open. When neighbors ask you to turn it down, tell them they are infringing upon your religious freedom.
- Do your best Elvis impersonation at home, at work, or at the court house. Tell them you want filming to resume immediately.
- Rock your pelvis out with a cool hula workout video. If nothing else, use a hula hoop.
- Perfect the art of the Elvis lip curl. Walk around with it on your face for an indefinite period of time. Tell everyone who notices, “Thank yuh vurry much.”
- Have an Elvis sing along or karaoke party. Have everyone compete to see who is the best King.
- Serenade your significant other with “Love Me, Tender” while at work. Dress up for the occasion. Sing it to a sleeping or screaming baby. (I do admit to having done this.)
- Grow sideburns. Better yet, get your entire family to grow sideburns—or simply get some removable ones from the costume store and wear them all week.
- Dress your entire family up as Elvis during different periods of his life. Use temporary hair coloring, sunglasses, and the most garish outfits you can find.
