Remembering Elvis Presley on His 36th Anniversary [VIDEO]

For what's it worth, today marks the 36th anniversary of the King of Rock n' Roll, Elvis Presley. I was finishing up my last year in high school as a senior on that fateful day on Aug. 16, 1977. I had just gotten home from school and turned on the television when I noticed words scrolling at the bottom of the screen announcing that Elvis had died. I stood in shocked silence and thought at first that someone was pulling some kind of sick prank. But as I continued to watch I realized it was true, America had just lost one the most influential icons in musical history. The same way Elvis changed the course of music history, his death changed the future of rock n' roll.

It's no secret that I've been a huge Elvis fan ever since I was old enough to talk. I vaguely remember when Elvis came here to the Municipal Auditorium to perform when I was just a baby. At that time he performed regularly at the Louisiana Hayride. My parents took me to see him and frankly the only thing I can remember is hearing the screaming girls and the packed house.

I told my mom later in my life,

I just remembered some young guy on stage swiveling his hips and making the girls go crazy."

Elvis Presley fans from around the world made their annual pilgrimage to Graceland on Thursday to pay their respects to the rock n' roll icon with a solemn candlelight vigil on the 36th anniversary of his death.

So on this anniversary day of his passing, thousands of Elvis fans have gathered on the grounds surrounding Graceland, his longtime Memphis home, just since yesterday on Aug. 15. Fans have come from around the world and all walks of life to pay respects to the legendary singer. Many carried lit candles and wreaths of flowers as they silently walked through the Meditation Garden at Graceland. I have to say I've been there and there is definitely a serene feeling that comes over you when you see the grave site where not only he, but his mother, father and grandmother are buried.

This all culminates as part of Elvis Week that occurs each year to celebrate his music, movies, life and career. The vigil is the highlight of the week, which this year featured a listening party at Stax Records for the recent release of a three-CD box set titled "Elvis at Stax."  Elvis Week wraps up this Saturday.

Check out this video.

Here's a slide show and audio on the vigil.

Here are more videos.

Elvis fans come in all ages.

Elvis Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977 of a heart attack after battling prescription drug abuse.

Elvis may have left the building but his legacy will live on for generations to come.

If you are an Elvis fan like me then you will like this website I discovered for some great collectible merchandise.