Thousands mark 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death

“I felt the spirit of Elvis there, as if he was alive,” said Mr. Galleguillo, who was making his first visit to the United States. “It really was a beautiful experience.”

Earlier Wednesday, a group from a Brazilian fan club waved that nation’s flag, danced and sang Presley’s early-‘70s hit “Burning Love” in the street in front of the entrance.

Steps away, an Elvis impersonator, complete with a white-sequined jumpsuit and red sash, sat alone in the street in front of the entrance, lip-syncing “In the Ghetto.”

Many fans, eager to get a good spot in line for the vigil, set up chairs along Graceland’s outer wall starting early Wednesday morning,

Allen Black, 47, braved the scorching afternoon sun as he sat alongside the outer wall of Graceland. Mr. Black, who is from Aurora, Colo., scene of the July 20 movie theater shooting massacre, said Presleywas a great performer but also someone who treated others well.

“For some people, it’s the music, but for a lot of people, it’s the man, the charisma, the humanitarian,” Mr. Black said. “At first, they probably got drawn in by the music, and then the more they learn about the man, and the way he treated people, it draws them in even more.”

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.