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SKYLARK'S FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE KINGS OF MEMPHIS
Long live the Kings of Memphis. Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King were Kings. Both men left a significant mark on American culture, and they remain in the forefront of our collective minds.
The passing of Lisa Marie Presley last Thursday is significant. A singer in her own right, she was instrumental in keeping the memory of the Presley home, Graceland, alive and accessible to the public. Along with her mother, Priscilla, they devoted their lives to the legacy of Elvis Presley. Graceland is the second most visited house in the United States - second only to the White House. Both houses are white, but they represent very different colors of the American lifestyle.
Although Lisa Marie Presley wasn't in the limelight in recent years, she stepped into the spotlight just last Tuesday at the Golden Globe Awards alongside her mother. They were there to witness Austin Butler's win for Best Actor for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's film, Elvis. If you haven't seen the movie, you might consider watching it. Mr. Butler captured the King and his essence so completely. It would be Lisa and Priscilla's last public appearance together.
Lisa Marie was the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley. She lived her life illuminating her father's legacy along with her mother. Together, they kept Graceland untouched by time. I had the good fortune to visit Graceland several years ago. The love that you feel while there is palpable. It's as though Elvis is alive in one of those rooms. He is buried on the property alongside his mother and father, and his grandson, Benjamin Keough. Lisa Marie will join them. Graceland is not just a home. It's a graceful place where love is still alive.
This past Monday, most of us had off from work to honor another King - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King's legacy lives on through the tireless work of thousands of dedicated people who continue to strive for equality and civil rights for all. We must never stop until all men are free.
While in Memphis, I took a tour on a trolley one day. As we were going through the back roads of town, I saw the Lorraine Motel through the alley of two buildings. I yelled out, "Stop! Stop! I have to get off." The brakes screeched as the trolley car came to a sudden stop. I rushed up to the conductor and thanked him and hopped off. There it was right in front of me as if time stood still. I was in awe and paid reverence as I looked up to the second story balcony to the spot where Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. That shot was heard around the world, and it silenced the momentum that Dr. King was gaining, but just for a short time. Kings aren't meant to be forgotten. They live on in the marks they make, and the work others pick up and carry on. We are not done.
When you think about taking a trip to an American city, put Memphis at the top of your list. This is where two kings died. But their memories are kept alive through their voices. You can still hear Elvis sing and Dr. King preach. Two voices that can never be silenced.
Rest in Peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Peace and Love,
Skylark
At 60 and Beyond, we remember the icons of American culture that impacted our lives and made them better for the legacies they left.
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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Memphis is a center for media and entertainment, notably a historic music scene. With blues clubs on Beale Street originating the unique Memphis blues sound, the city has been nicknamed the "Home of the Blues". Its music has continued to be shaped by a multicultural mix of influences: country, rock n' roll, soul, and hip-hop. Elvis lived here in Graceland that has welcomed more than 20 million visitors and counting. Home to Tennessee's largest African-American population, Memphis played a prominent role in the American Civil Rights Movement. The National Civil Rights Museum was established here and is a Smithsonian affiliate institution. Memphis is an important American city that is not to be missed.
LISA MARIE PRESLEY MEMORIAL SERVICE AT GRACELAND
A memorial service for Lisa Marie Presley has been arranged for Sunday, January 22 at 9:00 am on the front lawn at Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. General public is invited to attend. Please continue to check back to Graceland.com for additional details.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages all who wish to send something to do so in the form of a donation to The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation (EPCF), a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, offers support to various charitable organizations, especially focusing on arts, education, and children's programs in the Memphis/Whitehaven area. DONATE HERE
Thank you.
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SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE
LYRICS
Once I stood in the night with my head bowed low
In the darkness, as black as could be
And my heart felt alone
And I cried oh Lord
Don't hide your face from me
Hold my hand all the way
Every hour every day
From here to the grave
I know
Take my hand
Let me stand
Where no one stands alone
Like a king I may live in a palace so tall
With great riches to call my own
But I dont know a thing
In this whole wide world
Thats worse then being alone
Hold me hand all the way
Every hour, every day
From here to the grave
I know
Take my hand
Let me stand
Where no one stands alone
Take my hand
Let me stand
Where no one stands alone
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SKYLARK'S QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I ain't no saint, but I've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God. I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world."
- Elvis Presley
"I've been through so much in my life. I've seen so much. I know how fast things can change. I know someone can be here one minute and gone the next."
- Lisa Marie Presley
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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SKYLARK'S MISSION STATEMENT
Welcome to my weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, representing Bay Shore and Beyond. My articles are about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been to and things I've experienced. Make sure to check my calendar of upcoming events as well. Please consider becoming a Subscriber. There are several levels, and it’s easy to do. Just open the newsletter and the Subscribe button is there. As a Subscriber, you will receive a copy of my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. You can do it yourself or email me to discuss this at christineskylark@aol.com. You can also PM me. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.
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