This week: a look back to October 2013 and our visit to the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee. The Milk Carton Kids sing "Memphis" and "Memoirs of an Owned Dog," Hilary Thavis joins us for Memphis Minnie's "Kissing in the Dark," and theater organist Tony Thomas accompanies Garrison and the audience on Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love." Plus: a few notes from a visit to Graceland, a word from the Catchup Advisory Board from our Royal Academy of Radio Actors, and Kenni Holmen sits in with Richard Dworsky and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band. In Lake Wobegon, Eloise Krebsbach runs for mayor. Download this week's News from Lake Wobegon Notes from Hilary Thavis about this week's rebroadcast: For me, one of the greatest things about being on A Prairie Home Companion was the opportunity to get to know American artists. As an outsider from Italy, I was often hearing and singing the songs for the first time, although no one suspected anything because apparently I have a Minnesotan accent. Anyway, it was secretly exciting —everything was new to me.
Memphis was a great show. I got to sing Elvis on the Orpheum stage, right after visiting Graceland. Lord knows I did not want to take that 9pm tour but everyone else was going. I was so glad I did, because Elvis had quite the decorative flair. His home was fascinating. Looking around at the white couches and stained glass, the fake jungle and tapestried pool room, I felt that he and I would have gotten along. Stepping out into the lawn afterwards was a sobering experience.
The weekend also introduced me to Memphis Minnie, and the story about how she ran away as a kid and joined the circus, then was "discovered" while singing and playing guitar on a Beale Street corner. I found a funny song of hers, "Kissing In The Dark", with a solid rocking guitar part that was so unexpected. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to sing her songs on the show. She was the epitome of cool.
It's funny though how it all started. I get a call from Garrison: "Do you want to do Memphis? Classics — something by Elvis, and 'Chauffeur Blues' of course?" "Absolutely, yes," I say, "That sounds great." I hang up. Heart beating, I switch on my laptop. Type in "Me and My Chauffeur Blues". Put my headphones on.
...Whoooaa.
I love those blues.