You can see the lawn is set for blanket seating. Attached to the Shell are two wings which match the original architecture. We are watching a presentation before tonight's show. The Shell has been open for two weeks.

On the Insiders Club I was recently asked about my role as an Elvis fan.  How did this, the books, tours, and films come about? Below are my answers.

1. When did you become an Elvis fan?

After he died. But there was no one day day or event, it was a gradual change.

2. What was it about Elvis that attracted you?

That he started right here, in my town.  He came from poverty and from having nothing to change the world, while living in Memphis.  I was first interested in Memphis history, and then the music history here, and finally I became fascinated with him.

3. Why do you think, even 30 years after his death, Elvis has had tremendous staying power?  

That's part of the mystery. Long after we are gone people will ask "How did he do this? why did they love him so?" The answers are not that simple. Most of all, despite his tremendous success, he one of us. He gave a lot to his fans, in his performances. And in his everyday actions, he was generous with his time, energy and money.

Fans know and love him for that.

4. In what ways do you express yourself as a fan of Elvis? What do you do to commemorate him?

My former wife and I wrote The Best of Elvis at a time of cynicism and when Elvis' legacy appeared to be drowned out by celebrity gossip. We wrote about his good deeds, his generosity to others, his kindness. We believed that there must be good reasons to remember Elvis, and of course there was.

We did do this then, and I don't do this today just to sell something.  I am also trying to honor his legacy.

5. How did you come about owning Elvis's first real home?

In 1998 I worked nearby 1034 Audubon Drive. One day a boyfriend of a co-worker came to me and said, "Did you know that Elvis' house was for sale?" he had driven by the Audubon house and noticed the for sale sign in the year.  It was that simple.  Of course it took months of planning to raise the money to purchase, and we didn't tell many people fearing we would be outbid.



6. How long have you been giving tours of Memphis and Tupelo?

For over ten years. In 1997 we finished the book, "Memphis Elvis Style" which is a guide to the city. That evolved naturally to guided tours of Memphis. Right away I got requests from fans to visit Tupelo. I do more Tupelo tours than Memphis.

7. Since most of Elvis's charity acts weren't publicized, where did you do your research for your book The Best of Elvis?  

I did most of my research through the University of Memphis and the Memphis Public Libraries searching for newspaper stories. There are hundreds of stories. There are also hundreds of fan magazine articles, and book that have stories by people who knew Elvis or had met him. And last we did some interviews.

8. What is your favorite story of Elvis doing a charitable act? Or in general?  

Hard to pick one story.  My favorite type of Elvis stories are the simple things he did, the impuslsive things; like stopping to give a poor person money, or just stopping to pose for a photo. he dad so many demands on his time, yet he was gracious when asked.

9. Have you had any memorable experiences with other fans?

Thousands of experiences. Fans are not only customers, but also friends. Maybe the most memorable were the pool parties at Audubon Drive.  At the end of the day, after all the hard work, the adrenaline at the start; I felt very peaceful as I watched everyone have such a good time.

10. What is your favorite stop on the tour in Memphis, and why?

Audubon Drive is bittersweet, because we had put so much effort into restoring it, only to sell because of our problems. My other favorite was Lauderdale Courts because it is now restored, and it will be preserved. We had worked so hard to save the apartments from demolition.

11. Where do you currently live, and where are you from?

I live in midtown Memphis. I was born in Texas, and have lived most of my life in Memphis.

It's not all hard work during Elvis Week.  We are at Blues City Cafe, one of Beale Street's hot spots. The ribs were great.  From here we walked across the street to E P Delta's Kitchen for a show, the Terry Mike Jeffrey Band. 

Carla Savalli is an editor for the Spokane daily newspaper and an Elvis fan.  Carla is one of many people I have done tours with over the years. We kept in touch via email.  Through a chance meeting in a department store Carla met Judy Palmer.  Carla encouraged Judy to think  about writing a book while keeping me posted.  At first I was going to help Judy find a publisher.  But then I decided that I could do this myself and I made my offer to Judy. Then our activity really increased.  Carla and her friend Laura had done a lot of work assembling the photos.  Very quickly we have moved from "gosh this is a good idea" to "the book will be released in the Spring."