Calling it an “unusual experience,” President Bush watched the Japanese prime minister sing “Love Me Tender” at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday.
“I knew he loved Elvis,” Bush deadpanned to reporters. “I didn’t realize how much he loved Elvis.”
Long aware that Koizumi is a devoted fan of the late singer, Bush flew the Japanese prime minister to Graceland on Air Force One, which was filled with the sights and sounds of Presley’s music and movies. Air Force stewards even served one of Elvis’ favorite snacks — fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches — although Bush and Koizumi opted against the dish, which contains 36 grams of fat.
Graceland was closed to tourists so that the two leaders could be given a private tour of the mansion by Presley’s widow, Priscilla, and daughter, Lisa Marie.
“It’s like a dream — I never expected [the] president [to] come with me to visit Graceland,” Koizumi said. “My dream came true.”
He sang portions of various Elvis songs, including “Only Fools Rush In” and “Love Me Tender,” as Bush looked on with a smile. At one point the prime minister donned Elvis-style sunglasses and mimicked Presley’s trademark stage gestures.
“Thank you very much,” Koizumi enthused.
White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, who wore his own Elvis-style sunglasses while briefing reporters, said the two leaders were “going to view the alleged grave site” of Presley, whose 1977 death was questioned by some fans.
“Laura and I have known Elvis Presley since we were growing up,” Bush said of his wife, first lady Laura Bush. “He’s obviously a major part of our music history. He had an international reputation. His reputation was so strong that he attracted the attention of the now prime minister of Japan.”
After the tour, Bush took Koizumi to The Rendezvous restaurant in Memphis for barbecued ribs, chicken and ice cream. Koizumi even belted out another Presley number.
“He not only knows Elvis’ history,” Bush said, “he can sing a pretty good Elvis song.”
