Hail to the Hound Dog

January is Elvis Presley's birthday month and I have to admit its hard to think of this rock 'n roller as a 70-something grand dad!

Recently, while on a media tour of the south, I managed to take time out to visit Graceland in Memphis -- something that has always been on my " to do" list.

It was a cold and misty morning just before Christmas and I was the only guest touring the mansion, which was wonderful because instead of hundreds of gawking fans, there was quietness and a chance to feel his presence.

The house by today's mansion "standards" is very small - more like your typical suburban home in any city across the country and of course the décor is locked in the Seventies with its shaggy carpets purples and yellows.

Sitting by himself in a tidy radio booth was a DJ from Elvis Presley radio, a satellite radio station that beams from Graceland.

If you are in Memphis,and a fan, its worthwhile going to pay homage to the original Hound Dog. I am glad I did.