A Tribute To The King
On the 40th anniversary of Elvis’s death, mourners from all over the world gathered at Graceland to celebrate the pop icon’s legacy.
This week, on the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, devotees flocked to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis lived, performed, and died. Photographer Landon Nordeman visited Graceland to capture the ecosystem of devotion that has grown since the king departed. While some people make what seems like almost a religious pilgrimage to lay flowers on his grave, others see the anniversary as a commercial chance to move merch. Fully formed fan clubs pulled up in buses from every corner of the world—England, Qatar, Chile—and others arrived, in costume, to croon to a captive audience.
Who are Elvis' biggest fans? It's difficult to typecast the kind of people who remain captivated by Elvis music and charisma. Nordeman met a young boy who road trips with his grandmother on weekends to impersonate Elvis and make money. He met another man who traveled from England, without his wife and kids, to pay his respects. "He just loves Elvis. It's just a personal passion for him," says Nordeman.
For such an occasion, there are official Elvis events organized by the company that runs his estate. And then there's everything else—from the impersonator strumming a guitar on the street to the impromptu meet-up in a parking lot to blast some of his music. On the 40th anniversary of the king's departure, there's plenty of love, passion, and creativity to go around. "Everyone's wearing the Elvis merch, the music is everywhere, some people were openly weeping," says Nordeman. "You couldn't be there without being fully overwhelmed."
Photographer Landon Nordeman searches for the eternal in the ephemeral. His first monograph, Out of Fashion, published by Damiani in 2016, was named one of the best Photo Books of 2016 by TIME. Follow his work on his instagram: @landonnordeman
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
Environment
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- A short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looksA short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looks
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
Travel
- Why this unlikely UK destination should be on your radarWhy this unlikely UK destination should be on your radar
- A slow journey around the islands of southern VietnamA slow journey around the islands of southern Vietnam
- Is it possible to climb Mount Everest responsibly?Is it possible to climb Mount Everest responsibly?