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THE BLUES HIGHWAY...Riding Memphis with the King. I saw him in Sydney...the band playing the riff..."B.B...B.B. King of the Blues"...over and over again.
That was the encore...at least 20 minutes.
B.B. King on the edge of the stage...throwing sweets to his fans.
I just stood there...washing in the groove...my soul cleansed and refreshed.
The blues has that effect on me...and on my true love and dance partner Denise.
Kinda a fait de complet that on our first trip to USA we'd include a roadtrip down Highway 61...the Blues Highway.
And what a day to arrive in the Home of the Blues...the Birthplace of Rock 'n Roll...Memphis Tennessee.
'Cause its the birthday of the King of Rock 'n Roll...Elvis Presley...they've been sightings of him already.
When you are off to see the King...there's no better place to stay than the River Inn.
And no better wheels than a black Cadillac SRX with full moonroof...for Denise of course.
'Cause...Don't you know we're riding with the King?
******
Colorado Springs would have to rate as the friendliest airport in USA.
The guy who checked our bags in was
the guy checking our boarding passes.
He introduced us to the Flight Attendant "These are the Hoopers. Treat them well."
The Flight Attendant took one look at us and quipped "Sit down, Shut up and enjoy the flight" to which we all roared with laughter.
This flight was to Dallas.
On boarding the connecting flight to Memphis "This is the Captain speaking. There will be a slight delay while the caterers come on board and the plane is refuelled."
We sat patiently for over an hour.
"Wouldn't happen in Australia" I thought but didn't say!
******
The polar vortex was gripping USA...snow in deserts red not used to be white...thrilling us as we toured Utah and Arizona...not unusual in Colorado though.
But it wasn't till we hit Memphis that the cold really hit us...like icy fingers digging into our soul. It wasn't like this in Canada either.
Maybe its 'cause we are staying on Mud Island...by the Mississippi...wind whipping across the icy water.
Whatever it is...its really cold!
Only one thing for it...gotta get into Beale Street...and warm up with some hot blues.
Get some
blues in our system...then we'll feel really good.
Take us to BB King's Blues Club...under the polar star.
So excited...can hardly wait to get to his bar.
******
I can't describe the feeling walking into that place...would entering the pearly gates be this good?
We've been into blues for so long...to enter BB Kings with the band pumping...the dance floor thumping...ecstasy meets promised land.
Table up front...cocktail special where you could keep the cup...what's to eat we're really hungry?
Double ribs with deep fried dill pickles, the best baked beans we have ever tasted...and deep fried catfish.
They couldn't eat this well in Heaven.
The band kicks into Joe Cocker's "Take Your Hat Off"...and we are up and boogieing.
A hot brunette sidles up and whispers in my ear "You are a lucky man" pointing at Denise moving her grooves.
Another to me "You are really cool...and I want your hat!"
Two pretty Texan girls dancing with us till the band played no more...posing for a pic together.
Then to another bar to dance some more.
What a night.
Gotta say Beale Street
is our kinda place...sensational.
Then port in crystal glasses with chocolates waiting next to our 4 poster bed.
OK I admit it...Memphis is definitely better than Heaven!
******
Priscilla Presley was at Gracelands cutting the birthday cake today.
But we were with Kathryn Bramley...gorgeous girl...famous father...the best tour guide we have met anywhere.
We were on the Mojos Tour on the Love & Happiness bus with Backbeat Tours...Tripadvisors No 1 highlight of Memphis.
Don't usually take short bus tours but this was sensational...Kathryn wooing us with her stories of the blues, Elvis, Carl Perkins, BB King...to their early homes...Sun Studios, Peabodys, Stax Studios, even how her father lent a guitar to Johnny Cash and didn't get it back for many years.
And boy could she play the guitar...and sing.
Wandered Beale Street and somehow ended up in Peabodys.
Here we loitered in Lansky's...the Outfitters for the King...Elvis that is.
Just long enough to meet Liz...and for Denise to buy two flash shirts for yours truly...and a headband for herself.
So now they're not just the Outfitters for the King!
Shopping works up an appetite so
we returned to Polly's in Beale Street...the No 1 stop for catfish and fried green tomatoes...Denise still raving about that place.
Dusk is settling so time to catch some music.
Flynn's for Eric Hughes on acoustic, Barbara Blue at Silky O'Sullivan's, Rum Boogie Cafe for Chris McDaniels Band then BB King's for more of BB King's All Star Band...finishing the night with Wang Dang Doodle.
The verdict is in.
Gotta say BB King's takes it to another level...raises cool blues to frenetic cadenza...wow!
Another day and night to come in this magic city.
Is Blues my business?
Sure is!
Relax & Enjoy,
Dancing Dave
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A Small Swede in the Big World
Per-Olof Persson
Oh Marsha!
Or perhaps it was Oh Denise?! ;-) Sounds like the two of you had an amazing time together in the heart of Blues!