Elvis Presley and Dale Earnhardt; From Folk Heros to Secular Saints

America is a nation of celebrity culture, as evidenced by the tabloids and television shows devoted to chronicling every detail of the lives of today's hottest stars, but most stars fade away over time. A handful, however, have attained near-mythic status as the saints of our increasingly secular culture. 

Perhaps the best example of secular sainthood in American pop culture is Elvis Presley. Over his twenty-year career in music and movies, he reigned as "The King" of rock and roll. His death in 1977 triggered an outpouring of emotion from fans across the country, and tens of thousands gathered outside Graceland to pay tribute to "The King". In The Boy Who Would Be King, Elvis's cousin and biographer Earl Greenwood described the scene. "The place was in absolute chaos. Mobs of people gathered at the front gate, some clutching photographs of a younger, thinner, smiling Elvis, many weeping uncontrollably, comforted by strangers who shared in their grief" (9). Even now, more than two decades after his death, fans still honor Elvis with visits to his home and memorial services on the anniversary of his death. Since it opened to the public in 1982, Graceland has hosted hundreds of thousands travelers each year, making it one of the most visited homes in the United States, second only to the White House (Elvis.com). The city of Memphis holds an annual week of celebrations and events leading up to the anniversary of Elvis's death. "Elvis Week" includes charity events, a film festival, tours of Memphis and excursions to Elvis's childhood home in Tupelo, and a candlelight vigil during which fans can visit his grave (Elvis.com).