Posted on 06/30/2006 12:49:34 PM PDT by beyond the sea
President George W. Bush took devout Elvis fan Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on a road trip to Graceland on Friday to pay homage to the King of Rock-n'-Roll, underscoring the allies' "Love Me Tender" bond.
Wrapping up a two-day summit with Koizumi that touched on the North Korean nuclear threat and world trade talks, the two leaders were ready for a "A Little Less Conversation" as they boarded Air Force One to head to Memphis.
For Koizumi, 64, who shares a birthday with Elvis Presley and whose wavy hairstyle resembles that of the singer, the tour of Presley's Graceland mansion was the chance of a lifetime.
"It's like a dream," he told reporters.
Koizumi has been one of Bush's staunchest allies in the war on terrorism.
Joined by Bush's wife, Laura, the leaders were given the royal treatment as they pulled up to the mansion, where a pink Cadillac was parked outside. Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie, and his ex-wife, Priscilla, gave the trio a private tour.
As the first sitting president to visit Graceland, Bush received an original Elvis belt buckle from the singer's estate. Koizumi was given a vintage movie poster and Laura Bush got a "tender loving care" necklace.
HOLD ME TIGHT
On a part of the tour where the press was allowed in, Koizumi, known in Japan for his eccentricities and keen political instincts, could not resist belting out a few lines from Elvis's songs.
As the three posed for pictures amid the Polynesian decor of the "Jungle Room," Koizumi put his arm around Lisa Marie Presley and said, "Hold me close, hold me tight," the opening line of Elvis', "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Bush and Japanese PM have an Elvis day
Too strange...the world has problems all around and these guys are at Graceland
You sound like Kristin Breitweiser who was bummed that G.W. was reading to children on 9/11.
This is a good thing ................. and so was the reading to the children.
This is so nice and sweet in a world filled upside down, crosswise absolutism. Enjoyed very much reading about this event.
You have to wonder what Lisa and Priscilla are thinking of this Japanese Prime Minister. Probably the most unusual guest to Graceland, ever.
Koizumi seems like a kewl guy! No wonder the Bush's like him. He's fun to be around.
You have my deepest sympathies. Are you really Ann Lewis?
I'm really happy to see that they decided to give them the private tour. That was nice of them and from the pictures it looks like they got a kick out of Koizumi.
Somehow I doubt that....
I believe Spinal Tap bonded there too.
Here I sit, my house is a mess, but I thought that I would take a break from cleaning---Since the world may end tonight, I best get busy and get back to work. Glad I took the break--this made me smile and lightened my heart
:)
Or try this!
Almost Elvis dot com - Elvis Impersanators and Their Quest for the Crown - documentary
Great story, thanks for posting.
I noticed Lisa Maria pulling Mrs. Bush in closer for a photo shoot. I thought that was just so nice.
Wonderful, I love it! The First Lady is such a lovely person, full of grace, etc...
The world had problems before Bush came into office and the world will have problems after Bush leaves office..
We here in Memphis are proud to host them today. You should hear some of the local coverage.
Me too.
I'm All Shook Up ....
;-)
Yes. Priscilla probably thought the Japanese Prime Minister was a real nice 'Teddy Bear'.
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