Fans devote night to Elvis

More than 50,000 people paid their respects to the King of rock and roll throughout the night Wednesday, the largest attendance estimate ever for the candlelight vigil that has become the focal point of the annual Elvis Week in Memphis.

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the singer's death at age 42.

Dottie and Donald Morgan, of Easley SC, raise their candles with the crowd of dedicated Elvis fans for the 30th Anniversary Candlelight Vigil. "The last time were were here was 30 years ago," said Dottie Morgan, "we saw the hearse pull up, and someone told us Elvis had died. We stood at this exact spot when we found out."

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the singer's death at age 42, more than 50,000 people came to observe the event. Watch »
"It all comes down to Elvis' relationship with the fans," said Jack Soden, president of Elvis Presley Enterprises on the lawn of Graceland Mansion. "Elvis connects with people in a very personal and emotional way. It shows that his legacy still has momentum. I'm not going to say we're surprised by the turnout, but it certainly has blown us away by every measure."

Soden watched as the solemn processional of fans made its way up the driveway to the grave. Graceland officials estimated it would continue until well after sunrise.

The tune "Burning Love" might have made the best theme song for this year's event.

As the thousands lined up on the sizzling boulevard that bears Presley's name, temperatures soared to 106 degrees.

One Elvis fan died not far from the mansion, her death blamed on the heat, and at least eight others were taken to hospitals suffering from heat-related illnesses.

Graceland and Memphis city officials estimated that 75,000 people had come from outside the city to take part in Elvis Week, which included tribute artist contests, film retrospectives, panel discussions and appearances by people who personally knew and loved the King.

For some attendees, the event is a somber tribute to the man credited with recording the first rock and roll song, his 1954 version of "That's All Right (Mama)."

For other fans, the spectacle is equally alluring. Brother and sister Tom and Lori Vigil made their first pilgrimage to Graceland this year, though they've loved Elvis for years.
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