Elvis was here

When most people think of Elvis, they think of Graceland or Las Vegas. (As well they should!) But the King also spent a lot of time in Southern California while he was recording music and filming movies. Since today is the 32nd anniversary of his death, I thought I'd look up some of his old haunts.

Elvis hits such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “All Shook Up” and “Teddy Bear” were recorded in Hollywood at Radio Recorders, 7000 Santa Monica Blvd.

Elvis rented a Bel Air home from November 1961 to January 1963. While living here, Elvis and his friends used to frequent nearby De Neve Park on Beverly Boulevard. In “Elvis Presley Passed Here,” Chris Epting writes that Elvis and his posse often played touch football at the park and they would often take on TV star Ricky Nelson and his band. I wonder who won!

In November 1967, newlyweds Elvis and Priscilla bought a home at 1174 Hillcrest Ave. in Beverly Hills. Elvis lived in the house while he worked on the “'68 Comeback Special,” which was filmed in Burbank. The home, which set Elvis back $400,000, is still there. If you’re in the neighborhood, drive by and take a look.

Elvis really left his mark in Hollywood. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 6777 Hollywood Blvd., between Las Palmas and Highland Avenues. Believe it or not, I think I have walked right by his star and didn’t even notice it!

I could go on all day about interesting Elvis sites in SoCal, but I must go watch “Clambake.” It's not every day that you find it on TV.