Kat's Rambling Mind

In May of 1997, which was somehow nearly 30 years ago now, I was asked where I’d like to go on vacation by my then-boyfriend Sam (not his real name) .

Without hesitation, I replied, “Memphis”.

“Why on earth do you want to go to Memphis, of all places?”

I couldn’t quite explain why I wanted to go to Memphis, other than to do all the touristy things I’d read about. I’d recently gotten into all manner of blues music and had become reacquainted with Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album. I didn’t really know why, I just knew I wanted to see this Memphis I’d heard so much about, and I definitely wanted to see the Mississippi River.

And so off we went, in his red Chrysler LeBaron convertible, headed to Tennessee.

After studying the paper roadmap (a travel staple back in the day), Sam had selected the route he thought would be the fastest. Unfortunately, there is no good way to get to Cleveland, GA to Memphis, TN short of driving the entire length of the state of Tennessee. While we saw some nice scenery on the way there, the drive seemed interminable. Finally, we arrived at our hotel. While we weren’t fortunate enough to stay at the famous Peabody Hotel, we were extremely glad to be out of the car. We later watched the Peabody Ducks on their customary walk the next day.

After decompressing from the long drive, we decided to take in some sights. First up was an exhibition at Mud Island featuring the famous B-17 bomber from WWII, the Memphis Belle. I was sufficiently awed at the sight of the “Flying Fortress“, and spent a few hours learning about the history of the famous aircraft and its role in crucial missions during World War II. Sam and I toured Mud Island and stood on the banks of the Mississippi. I was thrilled at the sight and the power of the great river.

I decided that next we should explore some of the places that have helped shape American popular music. First stop: Sun Studio. The birthplace of rock ‘n roll and the place where Elvis first recorded and where countless rock and blues legends made music for the masses.



That night we decided to return to Beale Street, with all its colorful neon and bright lights, where blues music wafted into the street and made our walking tour one I’ll never forget. Sam and I went to BB King’s blues club, and finally, around 2 AM, we dragged ourselves out of the clubs.

Now, I’m not gonna lie: that walk was a little sketchy due to panhandlers stepping out of alleyways in the middle of the night, each with an almost identical tale of woe, asking for a dollar, some change, a five dollar bill. We made it to the parking garage and back to the hotel safely, however, and slept late the next morning.

The next day we decided to take the short drive over the state line to Tunica, MS, and see what was then a brand new casino. We did a little gambling and I won $400. I felt like a millionaire. We came back and visited the Memphis Pyramid while it was still an arena and concert venue.

Finally, we visited Graceland.



I can’t really say that I’m particularly an Elvis fan, and I wasn’t really sure why I wanted to see it. After all, it seemed a little morbid to visit someone’s private home and grave. I just figured, well, since we were right there, we should go. I admit, I wasn’t prepared to have strong emotions afterwards, but I did. I mostly felt an overwhelming sadness at the life of a man that fame made a prisoner.

Soon after, it was time to make the long drive back. Sam chose a different route on the way home, and we were largely quiet save for the music I’d brought along on CDs for the trip. We traveled with the top down, listening to blues music and letting the wind carry our thoughts away, tires humming along to the rhythm.

Sam and I would part ways a few years after that trip, but I’ll never forget the pilgrimage we made to Memphis. The spring air carried the scent of spring while we tooled around in that convertible, listening to blues music and stopping for barbecue. It almost makes me want to strike out on a road trip now, in search of a grand adventure.

I wonder what I might find?