Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Family and close friends of singer Elvis Presley attend his funeral, while thousands of fans keep vigil outside gates of Presley's Memphis, Tennessee, home.
REPORTER: Roger Mudd

(Memphis, Tennessee) Only family, close friends and some celebrities are allowed in for funeral; celebrities reported to be in attendance are Burt Reynolds, Ann Margret, John Wayne, Chet Atkins, Charlie pride and Caroline Kennedy. Description of Presley given to artist cited. Among those at funeral are Presley's former wife, Priscilla, and his father, Vernon Presley. 1 of pallbearers is old high school friend, George Klein. [KLEIN - notes Elvis once gave him car and asked Klein what is fame and fortune if not shared with friends.] Funeral procession goes from Grace land to Forest Hills Cemetery for interment.
REPORTER: Ed Rabel Artist: Ham Embree

(Memphis, Tennessee) Report on people who came to Memphis to pay last respects and to mourn Presley. [Ginger TUSSEY - left Indianapolis Wednesday afternoon to get here this morning.] [Ray ENGLEHARDT - notes time it took him to come from home.] Crowd was shocked in early morning when drunk driver killed 2 girls and injured 1, but shock seemed to wear off later and mood sometimes turned into carnival atmosphere. Commercialism with Elvis mementos noted. [T-shirt salesman Terry COBB - doesn't know if he'll make much money; cites views of selling mementos.] [Judy CID - notes people have good time, but that's not what it's about.] Most of crowd will be gone by Friday
REPORTER: Chris Kelley (WREG-TV newsfilm)

(Studio) Presley was mourned in Europe as well as US.
REPORTER: Roger Mudd

(London, England) Report on memorial service held in Cock-Foster's at Christ Church, in north London; many who couldn't get into church stand outside and join in singing "Amazing Grace." Presley's influence on British, from beginning to end of career, noted. British reverence for Presley compared to American reverence for the Beatles.
REPORTER: John Laurence

(Studio) Special broadcast on Elvis Presley to be shown tonight.
REPORTER: Roger Mudd