Priscilla Presley Celebrated Elvis’s 85th with Dale Watson
Now if this isn’t the coolest damn thing.
Fans of Elvis Presley celebrated The King’s 85th birthday on Wednesday, January 8th, and staunch country traditionalist and Ameripolitan godfather Dale Watson celebrated in style at his brand new historic honky-tonk in his newly adopted part-time hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Called Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, it’s located in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis not too far from Graceland, and close to where Watson bought a house in 2017 when he started sharing time between Austin.
Built around 1900, the four walls of Hernando’s can tell of Elvis himself, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other titans of Memphis and American music playing in the iconic club. Jerry Lee appeared at Hernando’s so often in the 80’s and 90’s, he referred to it as his office. It only makes sense Dale Watson would want to own this piece of American music history; though Dale is mostly known as a honky tonker, his alter ego “Dalevis” can put most Presley impersonators to shame, and he rocks the pompadour harder than most on a daily basis.
Hernando’s Hide-A-Way officially closed in 2006 for everything but private events, but Dale Watson bought the building in 2018 for a song, and now it’s a swinging honky tonk once again. When Dale’s Ameripolitan Awards come to Memphis for the third year in a row February 21st to 24th, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way will be one of the primary venues for events and showcases.
Hernando’s got a big endorsement on Wednesday when none other than Priscilla Presley stopped by to see what Dale has done to the legendary spot and see what kind of trouble she could get into. Also hanging out at the club to celebrate Elvis’s 85th were rock and roll legend Roy Head, the pilot of the Lisa Marie Ron Strauss, the mechanic for Elvis Billy Strawn, and other Memphis notables.
“What a way to celebrate Elvis’ 85th birthday! I might be the luckiest man in the world!” Dale Watson said on Instagram—a reference to his latest studio release, the Memphis-inspired Call Me Lucky.
Dale Watson is putting his money, time, and sweat where his mouth is, not just proselytizing about the preservation of American roots music, but putting in time in both Memphis, Austin, and on the road keeping the old sounds, styles, and spots alive.
January 11, 2020 @ 10:22 am
Elvis would be turning 85?!!! Wow, so bizarre to think he could of been still alive today. Random fact, but my uncle had tickets to see Elvis in the fall of 1977 in Connecticut, but sadly Elvis had passed a few weeks before the concert ever happened. He still has the ticket
January 13, 2020 @ 5:46 pm
Collectors item. Sell it to whomever buys Elvis memorbelia.
January 11, 2020 @ 2:22 pm
“Hot Damn Tamale” — Elvis Presley
January 11, 2020 @ 5:22 pm
No one can match his voice. No one. Even in later years, he could sing like no other. Some say his hey-day was 50’s and early 60’s. But give “How Great Thou Art” or “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” a listen in his later years. His later years that some memorialize as weight-gain and capes were his strongest voice-wise. Simply no comparison.
January 12, 2020 @ 1:14 pm
I’m later years? He died at 42. There was no later years.
January 13, 2020 @ 9:27 am
Music fans know Early Elvis from Late Elvis when they see him.
January 12, 2020 @ 5:16 pm
I agree with you. His voice and the improvement in recording both improved with the years. In my opinion, his best album ever, was EPB…ELVIS PRESLEY BOULEVARD.
January 11, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
No one will ever be are take Elvis place but
It is Great we keep his legacy alive. Aron
You will always be remembered not only your Beautiful voice and kindness few real people are blessed with that………
January 11, 2020 @ 7:06 pm
How cool that Priscilla showed up to support Mr. Watson, at his new venue.
She has always struck me as a very gracious person.
And thrilling, i’m sure, for everyone there, celebrating Elvis’ birthday.
January 12, 2020 @ 7:56 am
Great! Tribute to Elvis Birthday Celebration! Thank You. Priscilla and Mr Watson. Elvis will live in our Heart Forevermore!
January 12, 2020 @ 9:55 am
So glad my brother & I got to see Elvis in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1956. Happy that Priscilla was there. Roy Head & The Traits played at my school dances in Beeville, Texas. 1959 & 1960. Great Memories.
January 12, 2020 @ 10:35 am
I think it’s all a money gimmick I really didn’t see much talking about his music ,why couldn’tGinger Alden be there,and talk about her and Elvis,and the fun times they had together,I really didn’t care for it,but happy birthday Elvis Aaron Presley
January 12, 2020 @ 11:22 am
What a great tribute to Elvis! I’m sure he was a wonderful man! I would have loved to have met him ???? He had an Amazing voice & He was very Handsome! It would be so Amazing to visit Graceland! I’ve seen pictures and it’s Absolutely GORGEOUS!
January 12, 2020 @ 12:46 pm
Look Priscilla has lots of friends and family members no one should be making a big deal about it she’s not dating anyone
January 12, 2020 @ 1:10 pm
Ladies and gentlemen, when are you going to stop and realize that Elvis Aron Presley did not die, and that he just changed his address and retired the image to live a normal life.
January 12, 2020 @ 1:49 pm
Happy Birthday Elvis, I love your gospel music, even though I have never met him, I cried when I heard he died God bless you all
January 12, 2020 @ 2:36 pm
Stay away from that plastic surgery folks, we like you just the way you are.
January 12, 2020 @ 3:09 pm
Enough, Let Elvis rest in peace! He was just another human being!
January 12, 2020 @ 3:14 pm
Enough. Let the man rest in peace!
January 12, 2020 @ 4:51 pm
Seen Elvis in 72 and76 been to Memphis many time but it’s not like the good ole days when we stayed at the days inn on brooks road and by the way u spell Aaron with 2 as
January 12, 2020 @ 9:55 pm
Go away, Priscilla. You broke Elvis’s heart and now you present yourself as his widow when you were divorced. Elvis fans know you for what you are.
January 13, 2020 @ 11:20 am
Came to read the comments. Some of ’em did not disappoint.
January 13, 2020 @ 1:50 pm
Happy birthday Elvis Presley, I listen to your music always and watch your movies over and over again. Miss those days. Thank you Priscilla for sharing
February 17, 2020 @ 10:51 pm
Dale Watson,is a very under rated,talented Singer and Guitar player. Helluva performer. He’s a mix of Jones,Cash,Haggard, and a touch of Sun Records.
February 22, 2020 @ 11:11 am
I’ve seen Dale and his wife Celine many times in Austin, Texas. He’s quite handsome, she’s a pretty, petite doll. Both are very talented performers with lots of personality. Their efforts to save traditional country music are to be highly commended. Both are easy to follow on Facebook. Celine will frequently do live videos of Dale performing. This endearing couple make you feel like they are your hometown friends!